Aluminum boat with wood decking. 10 year old boat.

On the edge of the casting platforms, the carpet has worn through and wood is showing.

I know replacing all the carpet would be the best bet, but backing out screws and then trying to get it all to fit together is something I really don't want to do as I know it's not going to go back together well.

Plus I don't really want to replace all the carpet as most of it still looks good. One thought I had was to put metal edging on it or maybe plastic edging if I can find that in the right color.

Anyone have any ideas on what I can do to keep the damage from getting worse and also have somewhat of an appealing look?

I think the plastic edging would work fine.

with the internet, Im sure you can find something that would work

Use clear plastic, Menard, HomeDepot,etc.

How do you suggest I attach it? Screws or glue?

****, maybe I should just buy some carpet and glue a strip over top of it?

I would look at menards or home depot in the flooring department at transition strips. There are all kinds and sizes out there in plastic and metal. How you attach it would depend on what you choose.

Since the carpet is worn through, it makes no sense to put a clear cover on the step.
Rather use a nice rubber black stair edge. Tough, non slip, and install it with stainless steel screws and countersunk washers. I have seen this in quite a few boats for this area and it always works well, irrespective of boat color or carpet color.

One example:
http://hardware.hardwarestore.com/27-106-stair-nosing/fluted-aluminum-stair-edge-657133.aspx

or - a bit better:

http://www.burkeflooring.com/nosings/

Take care
REW

I did exactly what REW said to my last boat when the wear patterns developed. It worked very well.

If you use plastic, get polycarbonate (GE Lexan). You can drill holes in lexan and it will not run out. Plexiglas (Acrylic) will break out at the holes. These products take paint real well. Lexan has to be sawed where plexiglas can be scored with a plastic cutter (more than 4" wide) and run sort of like glass. Check your local glass shop and have them also show you what they stock in mirror moldings. There may be options there.
Good luck