How to Install Carpet Style Headliner

X-HT-200708

Just like a fresh coat of paint can freshen up a room, new headliner can completely change the look of your boat's cabin. You won't believe the transformation new headliner made in our powerboat makeover project boat. This 1982 Regal Ambassador 245XL had the original headliner in the cabin, which looked like faux fur and was dingy and musty. The new, brighter headliner makes the cabin look bigger and more welcoming. This video will show you how you can bring this look to your own boat.

Video Chapters:

Preparing Surface – 1:06 min.
Installing Carpet Style Headliner – 1:56 min.
Trimming Excess – 14:18 min.
Joining Seams – 17:46 min.
Installing on Curves & Contours – 26:49 min.
Seaming in a Groove – 30:46 min.
Cleaning Overspray – 34:08 min.
Installing Trim – 35:37 min.
Bedding Screws – 39:09 min.
Materials List – 41:47 min.

Material List:

HullBlanket Headliner Carpet Type Sand 72" (#102635)
3M™ General Trim Spray Adhesive (#73211)
Trimmable Butyl Tape 1" (#103689)
3M™ Specialty Adhesive Remover (#108984)
21 Gauge 1/2" (12mm) Staples 10,000/Box (Stainless Steel) (#8012SS)
EverSoft™ Smooth White 54" Foam Backed Headliner (#125227)
Tape

Tools List:

Sailrite^® Long Nose Upholstery Staple Gun (#121411)
Fabric Scissors
Tape Measure
Protective Breathing Mask
Razor Blades, Rags, Tools to Install Screws

How to Install a Carpet Style Headliner

Carpet Style Headliner Installed on a Powerboat Cabin Ceiling

The ceiling in our powerboat’s cabin presented unique challenges due to its curves and grooves. For this project, we selected HullBlanket as our headliner. This carpet-style material is highly forgiving and well-suited for curved surfaces. Unlike vinyl headliners, HullBlanket can be pulled and stretched for effortless installation. Additionally, it offers excellent features, including:

Stain resistance
Mold and mildew resistance
Antistatic properties
Moistureproof
Easy cutting without fraying

It's easy to cut and cuts without fraying. You can use scissors or a sharp razor to cut your HullBlanket material to size.

Brian Demonstrating Carpet Headliner Installation

In the video, Brian, a manager at Sailrite® and the boat's owner, will walk you through how to install the carpet style headliner using 3M™ General Trim Adhesive. He also carefully demonstrates two different methods for joining the headliner panels together and how to install trim pieces.

See all of our headliner material options in our "Headliner Fabric" category under the "Fabric" menu on our website. This project is part of our Regal Ambassador 245XL Powerboat Makeover series. You won't want to miss seeing the completed boat makeover!