On Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:02:58 -0600, Geoff Schultz
wrote:

Sorry, but I'm posting another on-topic question regarding boats instead of
politics, global warming or general name calling...

My vinyl headliner is sagging in some locations due to the foam backing
deteriorating. Obviously this has been one of the down sides of storing
the boat in the Caribbean during hurricane season.

The headliner was glued on to 1/8" plywood which is held in place by
tension or mouldings. The problem started when the boat was only about 8
years old, so as a result I'm very leery of replacing the existing
headliner with another foam backed vinyl product, but I do want to utilize
a product that has the same look as the current product. There were some
locations where the headliner was installed and then cabinets were built
in-place under them. Due to the small spans in these locations, the
headliner is in good shape and it would take a huge effort to remove the
cabinets and gain access.

So, my basic question is: What is the purpose of the foam on the vinyl
material? Based upon research that we've done so far (which isn't
extensive), the vinyl comes uncoated and the distributor can apply foam to
it before shipping. Can I apply it directly to the plywood and if so, what
are the downsides of doing that?

-- Geoff

The purpose of the foam backing is to give some body to the vinyl and
make it smoother appearing. If your head liner is like mine you have
1/8th inch ply in strips across the width of the cabin top, held in
with battens. If you try to apply just vinyl to the ply panels and
then bend them into place I think that the vinyl will get all wrinkled
and sag. The foam does give it some body so it can tighten in some
places and loosen on others without sagging. At least I think that is
how it works. In any event, the foam always deteriorates.

You might try to use just vinyl by using a spray glue to attach the
vinyl to the plywood but I think I'd make a trial panel first -- there
must be a reason for all the foam backed vinyl that is applied to
boats.

I have seen outdoor carpet applied particularly in the passageway to
aft cabins. You might have a look at some carpet samples.

In any event do let us know what you did and how it worked as you
aren't the only boat with deteriorating vinyl head liners.

By the way, some of these OB (only boats) topics are quite
refreshing....

Bruce-in-Bangkok
(correct Address is bpaige125atgmaildotcom)