Re-Carpet Trailer Bunks

[Tallybraska]

Hi, I need to re-carpet the bunks on my trailer. Thinking this was a project that would require more "will than skill" I did it myself once already and was satisfied with my work until my replacement carpet started coming off just a couple months later. Like EVERY experience since buying a boat, I've leanred that this is another where, even though there appears to be several ways of doing something, only one of them is correct.

Does anyone have any recommendations of someone to hire to re-carpet the trialer bunks? I keep the boat at the Moorings in Carrabelle. Any recommendations are welcome.

Thanks.

[silverking]

Coastal Trailer & Hitch in Medart. They have heavy-duty carpet for the bunks and can either come to you or you can bring the boat to them (they're across from the middle school in Medart on Hwy. 98 (Coastal Hwy.).

They do great work at fair prices. Call Dan or Rex at 984-0728 and tell 'em Capt. Dave sent you. They also sell parts for DIY projects.

I've carpeted side bunks and added new guide bunks to my trailer (bought from Coastal) a couple times to customize it to fit my unusual hull. When I did, I used stainless steel staples and drove them home even more with a hammer. The carpeting is holding up well and I use the boat a lot for my charter business. Sears sells SS staples, but I'm sure others (Ace Hardware maybe?) do as well.

[Tallybraska]

Thanks Capt. Dave! I'll give them a call.

[FUTCHCAIRO]

ABOUT 15 YRS. AGO I WRAPPED BUNK CARPET MATERIAL AROUND THE 2X6 TREATED BUNK BOARDS AND TIED THEM AT BOTH ENDS AND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BOARD WITH STAINLESS STEEL BRADED WIRE. THEY ARE STILL WORKING FINE. NOTE: I ALWAYS BACK MY TRAILER INTO A FRESH WATER LAKE OR POND AND RUN THE GAS OUT OF MY KICKER AS WELL AS SUBMERGING MY TRAILER COMPLETELY. I HAVE PUT ONE SET OF BEARING IN THIS TRAILER IN THIS SAME LENGTH OF TIME. IF YOU ARE STORING AT ATHE MOORINGS USE THE FRESH WATER HOSE AND COMPLETELY SATURATE YOUR BUNKS AND WASH DOWN THE METAL PART OF THE TRAILER EVERY TIME YOU COME IN AND YOUR TRAILER AND EQUIPMENT WILL LAST A LOT LONGER.
MY .02
PA
SEMPER FI

[Fireman 129]

Hello all,
I was looking to recarpet my Bunks as well.
I was considering instead of carpet using the
Bunk slick boards cut to size from coastal trailer.
Are there any negatives of using slick boards instead
of carpet? I was thinking the boards would easier to
install, last longer, and make it easier to load on trailer.

Thanks for your input.

[silverking]

I've got the slick boards on top of my carpeted bunks, Fireman. They work great for loading and have held up well so far. My bunks are completely carpeted topside, with cut-outs on the bottom to drain and dry the wood. I had Coastal cut my slick boards just a little narrower than the bunks. Coastal will also countersink the screw holes so there's no chance of scratching gel coat.

Three points to consider with the boards:
1. They aren't cheap.
2. They won't look quite as nice solo as the carpeted bunks, but if you only see them when the boat's off the trailer, who cares?
3. Don't unhook the boat until you're on the ramp and the stern is over water. Otherwise, it may self-launch when you don't expect it.

[woopty]

Did my side bunks this week.
Got cheap outdoor carpet and glued/tacked it to the boards. Used aluminum tacks.
They don't take much abuse so I"m hoping they will last a while. Looks like the stuff I replaced lasted about 10 years.
It ain't done "right", but it ain't raggedy no more.
$40 total

[Mister Mullet]

Like Silverking said about the Slick Sticks, be very careful when backing down. Do not disconnect the winch cable until the boat is afloat. I've seen boats slide off trailers halfway down the ramp. Hard to act cool when that happens.

[Fireman 129]

Thanks guys for the input on the Slick boards. It seems like a good idea for easier install and will last alot longer. Dan at Coastal advised to remove the carpet altogether to allow the wood to dry. I guess my only concern is will it treat the haul and gel coat as good as carpet.

[Scott7138]

I love my slick boards. Like they say, do not unhook unless you are ready to let her go. Showing no signs of wear with contersunk holes they are slick, pardon the pun

[Tidedancer]

Without question, Coastal Trailer and Hitch is the place to go for trailer parts and work in the Big Bend area. I worked in the trailer parts business for over 30 years as a manufacturer's rep and have seen and sold almost every trailer builder, utility and boat trailer repair shop in the S.E. theses folks are top notch and will not cheat you on work that does not need to be done. That is a reputation that is hard to find in today's market.

[Rogan]

I just recovered mine and it was a pretty easy job. I bought the carpet from Coastal, picked up some 3/8" stainless staples and went to town. I made sure I kept the carpet straight when it was first attached and then pulled tight as I stapled the other side. If you end up doing it yourself again make sure you allow an extra 10" or so on each end so you can create an "end flap" to pull down and under the bunk. (It just looks better IMO) as most builders seem to use this method. I stapled the fool out of the carpet on the sides and even used a few screws in places where the folded carpet was thick.