How to Install Vinyl Flooring on Pontoon Boats?
Pontoon boats are usually quite luxurious, fitted with lounge areas, stand-up bars, and sun pads. It is a medium for day cruising, freshwater fishing, water sports, etc.
Being a large boat, with lots of installations, it requires high maintenance. In most cases, owners get perplexed while deciding which flooring they should install for their dreamboat.
To lessen the hassle, we have researched different floorings for pontoon boats, depending on costs and durability. According to the research and maintaining the factors, we have chosen vinyl flooring for your boat.
But obviously, you need proper guidance so that you can adequately install this thing.
So, in this article, we will let you know how to install vinyl flooring and why it is efficient to make the nicest pontoon boats. Let’s get started.
What Is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring option made from PVC (Poly Vinyl Carbon). It can be colored or textured to resemble a variety of materials, including wood, ceramic, and stone.
This flooring sheet is synthetic, hence, cheaper, as well as durable and easy to install. Moreover, it gives the boat a great outlook, which makes your stay even more enjoyable.
Why Install Vinyl Flooring?
The answers are undeniable. It comes in large and flexible sheets and highly impermeable to water. Durability is the next critical factor why you should use these sheets. If installed and maintained correctly, these sheets can last up to twenty years.
They are more resistant to damage from scratches, which is a crucial feature of vinyl sheets and tiles. The methods are also not that painstaking. Hence, you have enough incentives for installing vinyl flooring on pontoon boats.
Materials and Tools for Vinyl Flooring
The essentials are not that expensive, and you can easily find them at your nearby hardware store. Make sure you note down the list, as mentioned below.
Tools
Measuring Tape, Scissors, Utility knife, 9” Medium Nap Paint roller with 4’ extension, Push broom, linoleum roller, Throw away rags.
Materials
Woven vinyl flooring sheets, Seagrass sandstone, Staples for staple gun, Exterior spackling paste.
Surface Preparation
Firstly, make sure that there are no plastic or metal strains on the deck. Better to clean it before starting the procedure. Make sure to remove all the pontoon accessories, such as tables, chairs, seats, etc. which will make the process easier, faster, and better. If you are doing it outside, be careful of the weather.
If a carpet or vinyl already exists, you need to remove it from the wood in addition to the previously used adhesive. But if you think new plywood is required, bring some and replaced them with the previous one.
Plywood sheets should be placed on the deck against each other, leaving no more than 1/32" space. You can also install the sheets over the plywood separately and then fix them on your deck.
Wood Surface Application
Prior to applying vinyl, you should scrutinize whether there is any unnecessary debris like sawdust, screws, or any other scraps. Use a leaf blower or a broom to ensure proper cleaning of the surface.
Now, it is time for unrolling the vinyl sheets. Take appropriate precautions when unwrapping the sheets because sharp objects can damage it.
After the packaging has been removed, place the sheet over the plywood and determine the proper length and measurement. Basically, the wood surface application requires RPVFG adhesive.
You can also use AAT-390 Marine & Exterior adhesive. Before using the adhesive, shake the container for at least 60 seconds.
Depending on the temperature, the adhesive will begin to dry relatively fast after the application. So, it is not safe to do it alone. Although, if you are working alone, do not try to install more than 15 linear feet at a time. The vinyl needs to be applied only when the adhesive is wet.
Use a nap paint roller to apply the adhesive on the surface covering the whole area. Do not leave any dry spots or puddles of adhesive on the wood surface.
Now after finishing adhesive application, start rolling the sheet over the adhesive slightly. You need to unroll the whole sheet cautiously over the surface so that it becomes wrinkle-free.
If wrinkles appear, immediately lift the roll of vinyl sheet off the adhesive and again try to place it properly. Continue with the same process until you finally place the whole sheet. Now leave it for a definite time interval to get attached to the wood completely.
Drying Time
In dry weather, it requires a temperature of 60-80F to dry the adhesive. Usually, it takes 2-3 hours to dry. After that, you can walk over the vinyl flooring. But it is suggested not to walk over the sheets or install any seating or equipment for at least 24 hours.
Try not to do any heavy activity on the boat until 48 hours. After the drying process is completely finished, you can sail it in the river and enjoy the time.
Vinyl Flooring Vs. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a synthetic floor covering that has been designed to look like wood or something like stone. It is acclaimed by a mass of people. Vinyl flooring and Laminate both look quite similar. They are also economical, and manufacturers tend to promote both the products similarly.
For years, Laminate flooring was considered the best. Then Vinyl flooring entered the market and challenged laminate flooring with quite similar features. After when vinyl flooring sheets with pre-attached underlayment came along, the difference between them collapsed even more.
Now, you may get confused about which flooring method you should consider. Based on the present context, people are more inclined to vinyl flooring than Laminating. So, we will recommend vinyl flooring strongly for your dream boat.
How to Protect Pontoon Boat?
To maintain the looks and overall condition of the boat, you need to take care of it. Keep it clean and tidy, and try to be careful when using some heavy objects on the boat. To protect it from external dirt and other mishaps, you should use a universal pontoon boat cover.
What Is a pontoon Boat Cover?
A pontoon boat cover protects the boat from external hazards like snow, sun, and rain, as well as indoor hazards like dust and clutter. It covers the whole boat within its membrane and is easy to use anywhere. Most importantly, it will protect the flooring and keep it clean.
Final Words
Your wise decision can be beneficial for your pontoon boat. With given instructions, hopefully, you can install vinyl flooring on it successfully. The process is not that hard, and we tried to make it seem easier for you in our discussion.
We wish you a happy weekend on the boat!
Last Updated on March 9, 2021
