Carpet issue when installing LED lights

[urban]

Not sure if this belongs in Doc talk but please move it if it doesn't....

I was wondering how many of you fixed the fraying carpet where you put your LED lights. I was thinking of using carpet glue, or burning, or this really small carpet bar I found online and tacking it, Really not sure which would work or look best. I would prefer to have a nice "frame" around each light so it looks presentable.

This light isn't fraying nearly as bad as the others. That's just the only picture I have right now. This light also is kind of tucked away, the other lights are much more open and noticeable from the deck.

Ill try to get some pictures of the other lights if it doesn't rain tonight... Any help would be greatly appreciated...




This one you can somewhat see how messy the cuts look....

[Mike Bush]

I never worry about what the exact looks are. I put mine about an equal distance from the carpet.

What would help though, is a strip around the carpet. Like a trim.

I havent done my new boat yet, which has the trim. My old boat I just did my LEDs above the carpet level, but not too close to it.

[urban]

Thanks Mike. My carpet is a little weird because it is tucked up in to a lip


so when I cut it out to it looks pretty bad. There is also an angle I have to put the lights below which makes me have to set them down a little further. It just looks really raggity.

That picture isn't the best but it was raining last night so i didn't get to post a new one.

Also, Ill try to get a better picture tonight of the carpet and how horrific it looks but I absolutely need some sort of trim, I am just not sure what would work in this situation. :help:Any ideas?

[Mike Bush]

My opinion on this is to mount them above carpet level on the gunnel. Easier to remove if needed as well.

But...since you have cut carpet already....

http://www.basscatstore.com/rubbercarpettrim.aspx

http://secure.terrys.net/search.php?desc=pt.37-551

[urban]

I was thinking that but I use the boat for recreation with family and I was worried about them getting bumped around, but that rubber carpet trim is EXACTLY what I need. Thanks a bunch Mike.

[Bigwrench]

Mine has a trim
Channel all the way around the carpet and I just ran the wires through the center of the rubber insert and routed the wires inside of it . Mounted them maybe 2 inches above the carpet on the  gunnel. 

[urban]

Great thanks Bigwrench, I ended up purchasing a rubber carpet trim and am going to try and frame each light. ill make sure I post pictures when I finish, going to be awhile im sure. Seems tedious.