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New headliner

SV_Fortissimo

SV_Fortissimo

Member
You all may be interested in my solution for the headliner. I am thinking about using FRP. It’s available at Home Depot at reasonable cost. I used Scotch Extremely Strong Dual Loop fasteners. I did discover that they had to be placed at 6-8” intervals. I’ll use batten boards and hot glue in the future for the measurements(lesson learned from Dan and Kika on Uma).
I’m open to comments about any of the above obviously!
View attachment IMG_5518.jpeghe lights(soon to be replaced) help secure the middle. I glued 7x7 1/2 plywood for securing the lights.
 
I know the FRP you are talking about and I think it would be fine, though I like the softer upholstered look, not everyone does. But why loop fasteners instead of holding sections in with battens at the seams?

My headliner is out right now for other maintenance-new handrails, through bolted this time, and some electrical work. I should take pictures to share, as before my circumnavigation I added 1/2 foam insulation above the headliner, and it really made a difference. When I first took the liner down in 2017, the liner was soaked, the hull above the liner was soaked, all from condensation, no leaks. When I took it off recently, there is no sign of any moisture having been up there since they were put in. I am sure it helped keep the cabin cool in the tropics as well, but I don't have anything to compare it to.
 
Thanks for the input. I certainly like the idea of of putting some closed cell foam up there while I’m making the changes. The FRP hopefully will get me through this sailing season, then next winter I may switch to vinyl. I did use battens, but up against the wall there were screws, which I hated. The dual loop “velcro” makes it so I can get up in there and inspect easily.
 
Warren,
Yes, please post pictures. I've considered insulation too. And new headliner throughout. Mine is somewhat deteriorated and previous owners added and removed hardware willy nilly.
I'm considering using fiberglass panels, but with vinyl covering.
Mitchell
 
Some time ago I helped a friend put up nice plastic panels on his overhead on a Pacific Seacraft Mariah. We used peel & stick heavy duty velcro to adhere the panels up. The job was fairly easy and the finished product was fantastic looking. We did this job in the spring fit-out. By the end of June all the panel came down. The heat from the sun as the summer came on had melted all the sticky stuff on the velcro which promptly failed.
Time for plan B.

Jim
 
I’m wondering if the insulation would’ve made that less likely to happen. I used scotch products, maybe it’s a little bit stronger. I do worry about the heat and it’s in effect Warren, what did you use as the substrate for the vinyl? I’m thinking about 1/8 inch marine plywood instead of the fiberglass panels, but it certainly is a lot more work.
 
SV_Fortissimo said:
Thanks for the input. I certainly like the idea of of putting some closed cell foam up there while I’m making the changes. The FRP hopefully will get me through this sailing season, then next winter I may switch to vinyl. I did use battens, but up against the wall there were screws, which I hated. The dual loop “velcro” makes it so I can get up in there and inspect easily.
Click to expand...
Ah yes, there are some spots forward with screws right through the headliner. I think hook and loop fasteners would work well there.

The condensation is caused by an air space between the hull and headliner, and the temperature drop of the hull overnight. So warm air in the cabin, hits the cold surface. The foam is glued to the hull, no air gap, and doesn't get as cold at night.

My headliner (which I didn't make it was already there when I bought he boat) is 1/4 particle board, with some foam on one side to make it soft, then with vinyl glued to it. The particle board is a poor choice for anything that might get wet, that's how I know it stayed dry after adding the insulation.

Probably the only advantage of the particle board is that it's pretty flexible. One of the panels in particular had to bend quite a lot to fit through the companionway. I'm sure ply or the FRP panels would work, but it would take effort to bend them enough to get inside.
 
I've found the FRP panels to be quite flexible actually. There are a couple panels that may pose problems getting into the cabin though.
 
Here are pictures of my insulation. The foam boards were only about $10 for a 4x8 sheet, with foil on one side. Glued on with 3m high strength spray, and a few ss screws for more security. After 7 years, i don't thing the screws were needed. The glue is still holding.


IMG_20250412_130015038.jpgIMG_20250412_125958980.jpgIMG_20250412_125942574.jpg
 
I was concerned that they can sag when is hot. Looks better and off course is easier to handle smaller panels
 
My insulation is lying on the panels. I can access all fitting which are bolted through the cabin top
 
It is 6mm(1/4") Foam PVC Board (AKA Sintra Board).

I found it locally in Seattle for about $55 for a 4'x8' sheet. I think it took 4 sheets to do my saloon headliner (I have a 5th sheet for when i get motivated to do the v-berth.

My one complaint is that it does dent kinda easily, but not super noticeable, and now that it is up on the ceiling shouldn't be too much of an issue.

-Topher
 
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