New Bunk Boards

[Pat Crane]

I am getting ready to install new bunk boards on my trailer and I was needing some info. What kind of carpet do I need to use to wrap the boards with?

 

[eric nichols]

Just put new ones on mine. Went to Lowes and got outdoor porch carpet. Less expensive than marine carpet, but looks and feels the same. Make sure to use galvanized hardware, keeps the rust down.

 

[Jim in VA]

Just did my this past spring too. Used treated 2x4's and outdoor carpet from Home Depot. Had them cut into strips sufficient to cover the top, two sides and a bit of over lap on the bottom (I wanted it open for drainage of the boards). I then used a staple gun with rust-proof staples and some carpet glue on the top and sides only to make the boards. After making them and allowing the glue to set up properly, I swapped them out for the old boards (boat tied up at the dock) using new galvanized lag screws. Still look like new as of this fall.

 

[Jim in VA]

Oops! Don't know how the old alias got on there. Sorry.

 

[ND Bass]

anybody tried to use some of that composite decking material in stead of 2X4 and carpet? Might not work for a glass hull but my tin boat it may? Thoughts?

 

[G8rmac]

I think the composite deck stuff is 3/4"-1" thick. If that's the case I would worry about the hardware not holding when you run the boat up on it. If it is as thick as a 2x4 it should work, but I think you need to pre-drill it. Just my 2 cents

 

[ND Bass]

indeed...pre-drill and counter sink if securing from above....

 

[Jim in VA]

I've worked with Trex (one of the composites) on my decking. Wouldn't recommend it for bunk boards. It's about half as thick as 2x4's and has an incredible amount of flex to it. Given that the decking sits across decking frame that's spaced much more closely than trailer cross bars, I wouldn't chance it. Treated 2x4's (to me) are still the safest bet.

 

[Greg Meyer]

DO NOT USE TREATED LUMBER IF YOU HAVE AN ALUMINUM BOAT!!!!!!!!!



The new treated material will "eat" your aluminum hull. They do not ship it on alum inum trailers because it will eat BIG holes in the trailers in a matter of hours.

 

[Pat Crane]

Thanks for the info. You guys are great people. This is a great sight!!!!!!