Most boat owners can install MariDeck or DuraVinyl vinyl flooring themselves in a weekend. Use these tips along with the manufacturer’s instructions. Questions? Call us at 888-283-0704.

Before You Start

  • Install when it is at least 45°F and rising.
  • Remove seats, tables, electronics and trim. Save the trim; it holds the vinyl edges down later.
  • Remove all old carpet, vinyl and adhesive.
  • Soft or rotted pontoon decks should be replaced with ¾” pressure-treated or marine-grade plywood. Screw it down well and keep seams to 1/32″ or less.
  • Fiberglass: rough up the surface with coarse sandpaper and remove all dust.
  • Sweep or blow the deck completely clean.

Tools

Tape measure, scissors, utility knife, push broom or linoleum roller, 9″ medium-nap roller with an extension, small-nap roller, ¼” notched trowel (for DuraVinyl) and rags.

Choose Your Adhesive

  • MariDeck on unsealed wood: MD-101 (about 125 sq ft per gallon)
  • MariDeck on aluminum, fiberglass or sealed wood: MD-102 (about 50–60 sq ft per gallon)
  • DuraVinyl: 390 Professional (one gallon covers about 8 × 10 ft)

Installing MariDeck on Wood (MD-101)

  1. Unroll the vinyl, center it with overhang on all sides and smooth out wrinkles.
  2. Weight one end, then loosely roll the vinyl back toward the weights.
  3. Shake the adhesive for 60 seconds. Pour it in 1½” ribbons and roll a heavy, even coat about 15 ft out.
  4. Unroll the vinyl onto the wet adhesive and sweep it with a push broom to remove air pockets.
  5. Repeat section by section, overlapping the adhesive slightly.
  6. You can walk on it right away, but let it dry overnight before reinstalling seats.

Installing MariDeck on Aluminum or Fiberglass (MD-102)

  1. Pre-cut the vinyl to fit each area.
  2. Roll a thin coat on the back of the vinyl and on the deck, only where the vinyl will go.
  3. Wait 10–15 minutes, until the adhesive is slightly tacky with no strings.
  4. Lay the vinyl within 15 minutes. It grabs quickly, so position it carefully.
  5. Wait at least 1 hour before reinstalling seats.
  6. MD-102 is flammable. Work with good ventilation.
  7. If bubbles appear the next day, do not cut them. Sunlight helps them flatten in 2–3 days.

Installing DuraVinyl (390 Professional)

  1. Make sure the adhesive and vinyl are at room temperature before you start.
  2. Unroll the DuraVinyl, center it with overhang on all sides and smooth out wrinkles. Weight one end and loosely roll it back.
  3. Spread the 390 with a ¼” notched trowel, one section at a time.
  4. Let it sit a few minutes until tacky, then roll the vinyl onto that section and smooth it from the center out to remove air.
  5. Repeat until the floor is covered, then trim the edges and reinstall the trim.
  6. The adhesive needs several days of warm, dry weather, or a heated shop at 65°F or warmer, to cure fully. Keep it out of the rain while it cures; rain can double the dry time or prevent bonding.

Finishing

  • Overlap seams or double-cut them for a tight butt seam. Hide seams under seats where you can.
  • Trim the edges and reinstall the trim.
  • Keep adhesive off the top surface. It is very hard to remove once dry.

Download the full MariDeck Installation Guide (PDF)

See also: Cleaning and Care for Marine Vinyl Flooring