How to Replace Carpet on Boat Trailer Bunks

Time, constant water saturation, freezing and thawing eventually wears out the carpeting on boat trailer bunks. Worn out carpet on boat trailer bunks can cause damage to the finish of the bottom of the boat, leading to costly repairs. It is easy and inexpensive to replace the carpet yourself, rather than have it done by a boat dealer. The boat cannot be on the trailer, so store the boat on another trailer or leave it in the water for this project.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Exterior wood screws and washers
• Carpet
• Screwdriver

1. Remove old carpet by removing screws or staples, depending on how the old carpet was attached.

2. Inspect the wooden frame. Replace, if needed, with the same size rails. Replace any rusted bolts, nuts or screws with new, exterior-grade fasteners of the same size. Just take the old parts with you to the hardware store to match the sizes.

3. Trim the new carpet to the correct size and lay it across the runners on the boat trailer.

4. Overlap the edges of the carpet on the bottom side, away from the side that will be against the boat, not on the same side that the runners are attached to the frame.

5. Screw the carpet in place from the bottom or sides, depending on where the frame meets the wooden bunk. Screw the carpet on one of the three sides that do not rub against the boat and that has a surface that is not attached to the frame. Put a washer between the head of the screw and the carpet before attaching. Use one wood screw and washer for each 18 inches of carpet, with one on each end.

Tips & Warnings

• Select an exterior grade, high-nap carpet for the boat trailer bunk to be sure the carpet lasts longer and reduce the frequency of replacing. If the runners need to be replaced, use an exterior lumber or manufactured lumber to reduce rotting.
• Use proper eye protection when working with tools.

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