I am still demoing and hunting for a new inboard. My current I/O has snap-out carpet and I like it. For those of you that have owned boats without snap out carpet, what problems has it presented? Odor? Mildew? Stains? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

I like the snap out carpet however I have owned boats with built-in carpet and have had no problems. With proper care/cleaning, both work fine. It is really a matter of personal preference, IMO.

I have 'stay-in' carpet, to me it's really not that bad (but I have never owned a boat without it). I don't have any issues with odor/staining/mildew/etc, but I could see it getting really bad if we were to come off the lake and put the boat cover on it while the inside was still wet (but I never put the cover on, just let it dry on the lift, smells like any other boat). <BR> <BR>But, my next boat will have snap-out carpet for sure (ease of spring/winter cleaning being the only real reason why I want it). <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/crazy.gif" border=0>

Our first boat I/O had snap out carpets and I loved it. When we went to a V-drive it did not come with snap out carpets, I was very concerned. Now that I have lived without snap out carpets I am fine. It dries fast and I have no more concerns. It really makes no difference to me. You will be fine.

Have had both and prefer snap out. You can keep glued carpet clean, but that means you have to clean it in the boat, which is pretty easy if you trailer your boat and keep it near your house where access to vacs or other cleaners is easy. If you keep the boat in a slip, way easier to take the carpet out than to haul vacs and carpet cleaners to the boat. <BR> <BR>I would not make that a major factor in deciding between boats though.

I've had both &amp; don't have issues with either. We keep the Vride moored for weeks or months at a time. I typically will leave the cover off after we ride but have covered the boat wet many times. No mildew, mold or stink. We have dogs in the boat occasionally, a sandy beach by the dock &amp; still only have to vacuum it out once a month or so.

I think a lot depends on the climate where you live. <BR> Here in the Southwest, where the humidity is very low, I've never had any problem with stay in carpet in the three boats I've owned. A couple hours in the hot sun, and it's dry as a bone. <BR>But I'm sure it would be a plus in the Northwest or even Midwest or South where stuff never seems to dry out.

I've had both and greatly prefer snap-out. Only problem is that eliminates malibu from your list. I heard they will go to snap-out in the next couple years.

the metal rivets that snap on get EXTREMELY!!! hot.

snap out, and yes they DO get pretty hot.

I hate carpet all together, have snap in on my boat but took it out. to much time to dry. does feel nice on the feet though

I prefer the snap out. I've never owned a boat with it, but some of my friends have and it is in my opinion the only way to go. Problem is all the boats I'm looking at don't offer it.

I've had snap-out carpet in both the Centurion's that I've owned. I really like it. Snaps have never been a issue.

I have glued in carpet, as did my last boat, and my brother-in-laws Four Winns has snap in. The boats are stored the same and used on the same lake but my carpet does not smell and his does. I think the backing they need to use might be the problem but I agree that it's not such a big deal that it should influence your choice much.

The "stay in" carpet only becomes a real problem when it's time to replace the carpet.

There's a lot of algae in the lake we use, and the glued carpet gets pretty dirty pretty fast. It CAN be cleaned to look like new, but it's a ton of work. Maybe a carefully-used pressure washer would be easier, but I haven't tried it. <BR> <BR>Plus, cleaning it on a lift is a pain. I'd be putting a <i>lot</i> of soapy water in the marina, and the owners just "might" object. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/uhoh.gif" border=0>

I like snap in....

I have both in my boat. The main cockpit area is glued in, the bow area is snap-in. The glued in area looks better, as it vacuums easily, and air dries very easy. The Snap in carpet has a plastic backing that doesn't dry as easily. I do like how easy it is to snap out and rinse out in the drive way at home. <BR> <BR>Both work well, but have different applications. If you trailer a boat to the lake, the glued in is easy to care for, if you leave it on a lift, snapping it out and taking it home to clean is easier. I wouldn't let the install of carpet keep me from buying a particular boat. I would look for seating, storage and performance first.

I think Sandy hit the nail on the head.