Bruce in Bangkok wrote in
:

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.
[clip]
Bruce-in-Bangkok
(correct Address is bpaige125atgmaildotcom)

The arch on the panels is probably no more than 1-2 inches as shown in
the same picture that I used to describe my porthole problem:

http://www.geoffschultz.org/temp/20081031_155154.jpg

The panels stretch from side to side and I was planning on using a spray
adhesive to attach the vinyl to the panel. I had assumed that the foam
wsa there to smooth out any defects in the panel and give it a better
appearance. I just don't want to need to repeat this in 7-10 years...

-- Geoff
www.GeoffSchultz.org