Salon Ceiling Material

[Bob Giaier]

I am installing new headliner in the salon of our 1973 tri cabin. There is also a hardboard material covered with headliner that is screwed to the ceiling in the area below the helm. I guess it's to service wiring and who knows what else is up there.

So, I want to replace this hardboard, but i can't see myself using Standard hardboard. I was thinking of epoxying a thin luan, but I'm not sure if I will find anything thin enough. Then I'll use a 3m spray contact glue to get the new headliner to stick.

Has anyone replaced this section of the solan ceiling? If so, with what?

Thx

[P-Dogg]

Mine is 3/8" or 1/2" plywood, about 5" wide and spans the width of the salon. It has some whacky cut-outs that enable access to helm wiring and windshield attachment.

It sounds like yours is much thinner. You might try to find something in the paneling department of your local blue or orange box store. I'm thinking 1/8" Masonite might be what you are after. Why bother epoxying anything? Does it get wet?

[Bob Giaier]

It only gets more humid in a boat on the water. I will probably go with the hardboard, like you mention.

[bjanakos]

I don't know what the headliner looks like in that vessel, but if there is an arc, you really don't want to glue two boards together flat, and then try to bend it.

I have seen people use Formica covered with vinyl.

[Bob Giaier]

Formica's on interesting idea. I think that stuff chips easy though especially drilling the mounting screw holes

[bjanakos]

He gets into it around 16:00

http://youtu.be/ymTkXjzHxkg?t=16m

I know a guy that did something like this and it turned out great.

[Bob Giaier]

That you tube was great. No holes required. Just Velcro.

[P-Dogg]

chips easy though especially drilling the mounting screw holes

Spin the drill bit backwards.

When I was a construction helper working my way through college, I worked with a guy that would cut steel doors by turning your basic circular saw carbide wood blade around and spinning it backwards. While not optimal, it worked.

[bjanakos]

That you tube was great. No holes required. Just Velcro.

The headliner in the lower section of my boat isn't terrible, but might be so inclined to do it just to get the insulation in there. I just don't know if the results will be worth the effort.

[Bob Giaier]

I was thinking the same thing watching him cut all those small pieces and glueing them in. Either way, it's something to consider. I still plan to explore different materials to replace the original. What else is there to do when it's 5 degrees out. It's planning season. Thx guys

[rickalan35]

[img][IMG]http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab25 ... C02188.jpg[/img][/img]

Dear Bob,

I replaced my salon's headliner about 3 years ago.

These photos are before the trim was put back on along the perimeter.

The photos deal with the area under the windshield that I believe you had inquired about.

The job isn't perfect by any means.

It's been so darn cold here in Canada, it's difficult to believe I own a boat.

Thanks,

Rick

Rick

[Bob Giaier]

Rick, I was away for awhile and didn't see your posting. Your headliner looks great. Where'd you get the caps over the screws? That gives it a really finished look

[rickalan35]

Hey Bob, Thanks. As you probably know, we have those "square headed" Robertson screws here in Canada which compete with "star and slot screw heads" and those white caps that you have mentioned are available in most hardware stores that sell the screws. The caps actually pop into the head of the robertson screws. The square holes in the screw heads really work well with an electric drill. Hope that helps.

I have other progress photos that I took when I was replacing the ceiling, if you think they would help you. I insulated the ceiling while I was at it, in order to help with the air conditioning.

[P-Dogg]

Two things Rickalan: One - You need air conditioning in Canada??? Two - You insulated your ceiling? That's a great idea -- I'm going to do that! My headliner is down for an engine change. What did you use for insulation?

[rickalan35]

[img][IMG]http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab25 ... C02227.jpg[/img][/img]

P Dogg - I ended up buying several rolls of silver foil insulation as shown in the accompanying photos. I cut it in sections and glued it to the exposed salon ceiling. I doubled layered it wherever possible.

Hope that helps

Rick