carpet 'pad' on sides of boat, removing glue

[wtrskrs]

I'm replacing the carpet in my '97 SN. I originally was only going to replace the floor, but when I got it, the carpet on the sides looked too old. I pulled it off to clean it up, and found that there is some sort of 'pad glued to part of the fiberglass, and I have glue and carpet remains on both the fiberglass and the 'pad'. I've attached a picture. It was taken from the port side near the observer seat, aimed at the fiberglass side below the steering wheel (driver seat removed). I don't know if that 'pad' is easily removable or not, but if it is supposed to be there for adhesion, I don't know why it doesn't run all the way on the sides.

Any suggestions? I'm more than happy to leave it on and glue over it just like the original, but I obviously can't sand the pad. So trying to figure out how to clean it (acetone?).

Thanks,

[SilentSeven]

My guess - some sort of noise or vibration dampening. Builders rarely add extra parts without a good reason.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[wtrskrs]

Makes sense. Now I just need to figure out how to clean it so I can glue the replacement carpet on.

[SilentSeven]

I have re-carpeted exactly one boat in my life and that was a long time ago...sooooo....factor that in.

I think I would try both acetone and lacquer thinner as possible solvents for old adhesive removal. And I would do a very careful test on a corner to make sure it doesn't dissolve the pad material. How clean do you need it to really be for your new adhesive? And I might also consider how much you really need to have the carpet attach to the pad. If there's a clear gluing area on all 4 sides, I think you just stretch the carpet over the pad, glue what you can and don't worry to much about it. Chances are whatever you do will last for years...likely longer than you'll have the boat....