Personally, I'm not a fan of the vinyl. I do a ton of kneeling in the boat whether it is on big water or the river. I have an 8 year old too. The Vinyl isn't as comfortable on the knees and the little one likes to lay in the boat. Just not as much comfort in that regard. Otherwise, it cleans up nice.

Some boat manufacturors don't even have carpet anymore. Nor will they get my business either.