When you lay a canvas deck on a wooden boat, you foster the deck's watertight integrity. A wooden boat flexes as it rides over waves, in a process called "hogging and sagging," where the ends of the boat may rise above the center of the boat, called sagging, or the center of the boat may bear upward, with the ends down, called hogging because it resembles the back of a large, wild pig. These motions compress and stretch the deck boards, opening seams, but a canvas deck cover prevents down-flooding through the deck's joinery as caulked seams fail.
Instructions
1. Divide the deck up into small "working areas" of about two feet by two feet. Beginning at the bow (the front) of the boat, spread marine carpet adhesive onto the wood deck in the working area nearest the port bow and begin unrolling the canvas into place, trimming the canvas with a utility knife to allow for deck hardware and fittings, like cleats and vents. Trim the canvas so that it doesn't climb the sides of the boat that rise above the deck level.
2. Adjust the canvas as necessary. When the canvas is properly placed, press the canvas into place on the adhesive with a long-handled deck brush. Work from bow to stern, applying adhesive, unrolling the canvas into place and trimming as necessary.
3. Begin work on the starboard side once the port side of the boat is complete, working from bow to stern in small working areas. When the work is complete, allow the adhesive to cure according to its directions, then paint the canvas as you would a wooden deck.
