Headliner replacement options?

[DelmarRey]

I have just ripped out my old head liner made of a cloth backed vinyl with 1/4" foam underneath. I was in desperate need to access all the deck fittings for resealing and rip out all the deadend wires that the last DPO just cut and left running thru-out the vessel without concern about shorts or power draw.

I still have the mahogany stringers across the ceiling. I would like to replace the headliner with a white faced paneling of wood or plastic so that I can access the deck fittings for up grades or service. I would also like to be able to remove it without pulling a thousand rusty or corroded staples and replace it right back with just a few screws.

The vessel is foam cored fiberglass thru-out. My question is what is available out there and where can I get it? Any suggestions would be welcome.

Del

[marcliff]

Del
If the stringers are in place and sound why not use wood batten strips fitted perpendicular to the stringers. These are available in teak, mahogany and probably some light colored wood like birch or ash if you want a lighter color. If you install the strips with screws you would be able to get them off as needed. If you fit the edges close and varnish it should look just fine. The strips are about 1 1/2" wide and easy to work.
I have a similar treatment on a 1985, First 345 and it looks really good and almost zero maintenance except for a little Pledge.
Good luck
Cliff

[DelmarRey]

Thanks Cliff,
But I''m looking for more of something in white. I have very little windows in what I have of a doghouse. And larger pieces would be more to the likeing. This is a retired racing boat so she''s low and sleek, I need the light without cutting port holes in the deck.
Del

[GordMay]

Powerboats often use Door Skins covered in Foam Backed Vinyl, and fastened to Overhead Battens with Velcro. Works surprisingly well.
Good Luck,
Gord

[jklewissf]

My boat has the overhead of thin plywood covered with white formica. The joints are covered with thin teak battens held in place by screws with finish washers. It looks good and gives very good access.

[DelmarRey]

Thanks Gord and jklewissf,
I really like the idea of the door skins with velcro and then add the finishing washers in the corners, and the middle for the long sections. I can still get the insulation to fit up in there. That would work very well for what I have to work with.

Del