I need to redo the underside of my engine hatch. It has gelcoat peeling away from the 'glass. Is it safe to cover the underside of the hatch with marine carpet? I have thought about this all day... thinking about pros and cons. Anybody got any info or experiences with this matter?

I don't think I would use carpet. I'm using mirrored plexiglass. It's not very expensive and looks great.

I've got 3 structural braces going across the bottom of my hatch... unless I pull it off , sand(or grind) it down and re-gelcoat it... I'm looking for a little easier option. Although... I have thought about the carpet with mirror in between the braces.???????

heres a few shots...

carpet is very common on west coast lake boats like the smaller eliminators, coles, and ultras. looks ok but not as nice as gel and mirror, never seen carpet and mirror might look cool post pics if you do it.

I'm just worried about the saftey factor. Too much heat, enclosed area??

That gay mirror must weight a ton and slow you a few mph!

That was FIRST THOUGHT... But all the peeling gelcoat/paint?! Other things have a higher priority. Looking for a quick fix for a season or two

I agree with my pal stecz, I wouldnt carpet it for the simple fire hazard. You would have to use a contact cement which is highly flammable even in its dry form, and the material that carpet fibers are made from just turn to goo when flame hits them. Not to mention, you would have to have the edges bound to stop them from fraying, so you would have tu premold the carpet using a steamer, then go back to install. using contact cement you one shot with it, or you peel it all off and start over. just my .02 but, regel it paint it and have a nice day...Rob

quiet old man, you know you like my mirror...