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Looking for suggestions about the best adhesive to use for applying outdoor carpet to the surface of metal trailer fenders. Of course the fenders are routinely submerged every outing. Standard outdoor adhesive from the carpet store doesn’t hold.

Jane wrote:Looking for suggestions about the best adhesive to use for applying outdoor carpet to the surface of metal trailer fenders. Of course the fenders are routinely submerged every outing. Standard outdoor adhesive from the carpet store doesn’t hold.

1970's shag carpet ???

What doesn't hold about the current adhesive?

Perhaps the problem is prepping the surface before applying adhesive. I would probably try some type of epoxy.

Not sure why one would want to put carpeting
on metal fenders, due to carpet holding water
and starting the rust process.

I agree with Jeff.

In case the wheel fenders are used just to step on them, in order to attach the boat more securely, the carpet is pretty pointless. The non-skid strips (like the ones installed on the steps of the ladder at the bow) will work just fine. Once they start peeling off, replace them, like you do with the ladder step.

If we are talking about the carpet on the supports for the boat, it is stapled on top of some 2x4 pieces of wood.The wood eventually rots, but that's ok; you can quickly fashion another set, staple some new carpet (or even the old one) back in place, drill some holes, screw them back in place, and you're ready to go again. You can, of course, use adhesive too, for good measure. It will probably last as long as the supports do

Jeff L wrote:Not sure why one would want to put carpeting
on metal fenders, due to carpet holding water
and starting the rust process.

Good point. I didn't read the question and thought it was for the padded sections that meet the hull.

Nonskid might be worthwhile on fenders, but my fenders don't seem strong enough to hold my heavy weight. At least I don't want to test it.

I have thought about putting carpet on the top of our trailer fenders every time the bottom of the hull scrapes the top of the fender when loading the boat.

It happens sometimes when on a shallow ramp, the boat gets a little off to the side and the bottom of the hull goes overtop the fender that is a few inches under water and rubs it just enough to add black paint to the bottom of the white hull.

I never thought about the carpet holding water and creating rust, maybe that is why Jane is asking for suggestions for best adesive for applying outdoor carpet? Maybe a black rubber strip, but that would probably leave a mark as well.

Sticky question
by Jane » Sun May 04, 2014 8:33 pm

Looking for suggestions about the best adhesive to use for applying outdoor carpet to the surface of metal trailer fenders. Of course the fenders are routinely submerged every outing. Standard outdoor adhesive from the carpet store doesn’t hold.

Sorry for not being more clear with the reason behind my question. Wind Chime you win the prize - that's exactly why I want to carpet the fenders. Over the years I've seen this on a few runabout trailers, sometimes looking like they came from the factory that way -J.

I don't have any specific information on adding carpet to the fenders, other than screwing it on with SS thru bolts and fender washers, but many folks use guide-on rollers or bunks in addition to goal posts.

http://www.basspro.com/C-E-Smith-Roller ... uct/16106/

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-5 ... LL_PRODUCT

Wind Chime wrote:I have thought about putting carpet on the top of our trailer fenders every time the bottom of the hull scrapes the top of the fender when loading the boat.

It happens sometimes when on a shallow ramp, the boat gets a little off to the side and the bottom of the hull goes overtop the fender that is a few inches under water and rubs it just enough to add black paint to the bottom of the white hull.

WC-
Here is my fender mod for keeping the boat on center and not touch the fenders / tires when hauling out. A larger board could be used to make a better step.

When I installed the 2nd axle & aluminum fenders , I backed the fenders with 1/2 inch plywood with plywood covered with the bunk material just over 1/2 higher than the fender...it works , and acts like boat guides as well Ron.

I used dock edge bumpers. See my post at http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... er#p235533

I am not sure if this is applicable but this stuff is amazing! They use it to install High-rise windows...... 3M Scotch Permanent Outdoor Mounting Tape,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BL ... UTF8&psc=1