Trojan Boat Forum

I removed the old headliner in the cabin because it was old and stained from leaks.

I managed to seal up some of the big leaks but I don't think they will ever be 100% sealed.

I was thinking about putting some thin white wood panels on the ceiling to replace the headliner cloth. Im scared if I use the same headliner type fabric it will get stained if a small leak appears.

Any suggestions?

If it was me I would repair all the leaks the proper way, then wait and see if I had them all repaired. Once all repaired I would replace with the same style headliner. Thats just me.

It's a good thing to be able to see a leak when it starts so you can repair as soon as possible. The last thing you want to do is hide leaks behind wood panels. It doesn't make the leak go away. Water will still find it's way in and usualy run on the back of the panel to a different area possibly causing other issues such as mould and rot. Don't get me wrong, I've seen some nicely paneled cabins but it was done for looks not for hiding leaks. If that's the look you're going for, you must make sure all the leaks are addressed first. The source of each leak may be difficult to find but they should all be repairable with a little work.

consider installing vinyl cover panels and secure them with a heavy duty velcro type product, this is how many new custom and production boat companies are doing it.

also consider fabricmate.com
they produce an system that is also used and super easy.

SRD
F36

Fix the leaks first. I used a material that was for bed covers on trucks, no staining, UV resistant, looks good.

For my money ,ALWAYS fix the leaks first, easier to find now that headliner is removed. As a buyer, I always look for ORIGINAL on a boat, I have seen people use tongue and groove cedar, and a dozen other "interesting" headlner products. When I see anything other than original, I personally run. If you plan on keeping the boat forever, go for it, otherwise, think like a buyer!