Because we sailed with dogs for many years, carpet was necessary to avoid ruining the varnish on the cabin sole. On the boat we took to Europe, we used an industerial grade indoor outdoor fine loop nylon capret,and put snaps on the edges. There was a large dacron patch glued to give more support to the snap. This could be removed and taken topside and washed. This lasted well for 4 years--and was in the pilothouse/galley area. In the Cal 46- Alaska and the Caribbean, we had two Labs. I got a heavy nylon Berber--with polyethlyene (?) backing. It was from fitted to the areas with no padding. The edges were hot glued. It stayed in place--well and could be easily taken out for a good scubbing. I consider carpet on a boat to be disposable. We did vacuum it often and deep cleaned it once a year. After 4 years it was ready for replacement--but had only cost a couple of hundred dollars. I have avoided used padding or gluing the carpet down. One of my current boats had carpeted interior glued down from the factory. I consider it a pain. I keep a dehumidifier going all of the time to prevent mold etc from growing. Since the boat was built this way--there are few options. Bob Austin