Pulled out old foam back vinyl from berths...what now?

[pata_grande]

I have just stripped the old foam backed vinyl from the berths of my Ericson 32. After 30 years, the foam had disintigrated and there was evidence of mildew on the back of the vinyl.

I have some signs of water intrustion in the quarterberth, and during a recent storm I saw a few slow drips. I rebedded everything I could, but I still get a little water there.

What should I use as a hull liner? I like the look of the foam backed vinyl, and I also like the sound dampening properties, but I am concerned about mildew.

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Chris

[Freesail99]

Here are a couple of replacements for the headliner. You could also just paint it.

http://www.sailrite.com/headliner-vinyl-white

http://www.sailrite.com/Headliner-Pe...m-Backed-White

[pata_grande]

Thanks for the link.

Any suggestions on something that wouldn't retain moisture? I was considering some indoor/outdoor carpet, or something that would have an easier time staying dry.

[Faster]

I wouldn't recommend carpet of any description in any function on a boat, except perhaps a small mat at the base of the companionway. It's a moisture magnet.

While it's labour intensive you could use closed cell foam as a "liner" (ensolite or even the sleeping pads used by campers) and cover it with a vinyl type material. Or you could "upholster" plywood panels and fix them in place somehow but that's tough to do with compound curves, of course.

Another tack to take is glue in some vertical furring strips and "plank" the inner hull (called the ceiling) with cedar or teak battens. You can use a layer of foam behind it if you wish, or leave it open-seamed and ventilating. This makes for a very nice nautical look.

[mjrogers]

There is an article in the most recent Good Old Boat about using foil faced foam insulation board wrapped in fabric. The auothor used it successfully on compound curves. You should probably fix the remaining leak before using any type of panel, upholstery, or fabric. Otherwise you will just be farming mold. If you can't track down the last leak, paint may be the best option.