How to Glue Indoor-Outdoor Carpet to an Aluminum Jon Boat

When you are out on the lake, the aluminum floor of your jon boat can quickly become slick with water, turning your day of fun into an accident waiting to happen. Slipping on your jon boat can mean bruises, broken bones or even a wrecked boat. One popular solution to this problem is to install indoor-outdoor carpet in the base of your boat. This carpeting gives boaters a firm footing, avoiding the treacherous conditions caused by bare aluminum. Installing carpeting in your jon boat is a quick and inexpensive process which will make your next boating trip much safer.

Things You'll Need

  • Soap
  • Medium-grit sandpaper
  • Utility knife
  • Construction adhesive
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pull your jon boat out of the water, or dock it securely.

    • 2

      Remove all items from the floor of the jon boat, including fishing gear, chairs and removable navigation equipment.

    • 3

      Wash the aluminum bottom of the jon boat thoroughly with a solution of mild soap and water. Once thoroughly scrubbed, rinse the boat with clean water.

    • 4

      Allow the boat to dry thoroughly.

    • 5

      Lightly sand the bottom of the boat with medium-grit sandpaper to remove any existing impurities and create a slightly rough surface for the carpet to adhere to.

    • 6

      Lay the carpet out in the bottom of the boat. Trim off any large excess pieces with a utility knife, and leave a 1 foot margin around the entire perimeter of the carpet.

    • 7

      Fold half of the carpet over, exposing one half of the aluminum bottom.

    • 8

      Apply an thin layer of construction adhesive to the aluminum surface, following the manufacturer's instructions. It is important that the adhesive be applied as thinly as possible. If applied too liberally, the adhesive can seep through the carpet.

    • 9

      Unfold the carpet over the adhesive.

    • 10

      Fold the other half of the carpet, exposing the remaining half of the aluminum bottom. Apply adhesive as before, and lay the carpet back in place.

    • 11

      Flatten the carpet, stretching from the center outwards. Use your hands and feet to smooth out any wrinkles, and press the back of the carpet firmly into the adhesive.

    • 12

      Trim away the excess carpet from around the edges, using a craft blade.

    • 13

      Allow the adhesive to dry for at least 24 hours before sailing your jon boat.