Carpeting Boat Bunks: A Step-By-Step Guide To Success

Boat trailer bunks are an essential component of any boat trailer, facilitating the smooth loading and unloading of boats. Over time, the carpeting on these bunks can wear out and need replacing. This is a straightforward process that can be completed in less than a day, requiring just a few tools, including sandpaper, a staple gun, staples, needle-nose pliers, and a utility knife. The first step is to remove the old carpet and any staples or screws holding it in place. Next, inspect the wooden bunks for damage and sand them down to ensure a smooth surface. Measure the bunks, adding a few extra inches to the dimensions, and cut the new marine-grade carpet accordingly. Drape the new carpet over the bunks, ensuring it is centred, and staple it in place, being careful not to scratch the boat's finish. Finally, trim any excess carpet for a neat finish.

Choosing the right carpet

When selecting a bunk carpet, look for one that is durable, offers protection to your boat's hull, and can withstand harsh marine conditions. Mould and mildew resistance is crucial, as well as UV protection to increase longevity. The carpet should provide exceptional cushioning and protection against scratches and other damage to your boat's hull.

Several reputable brands offer high-quality bunk carpets, including CE Smith, Attwood, Carpet By The Foote, and Cuda Powersports. CE Smith provides a wide range of sizes and excels in both support and durability. Attwood offers standard and premium grades to accommodate different budgets. Carpet By The Foote offers a vast array of colours, textures, and sizes, allowing for personalisation and versatility. Cuda Powersports' bunk carpets are known for their durability, resilience, and resistance to mould and mildew.

When purchasing bunk carpet, consider the size of your boat bunks to determine the required amount of carpet. The width of the replacement carpet for each bunk should be proportional to the size of the bunk board. For example, a 2x4 bunk board typically requires a 12-inch-wide replacement carpet, while a 2x6 bunk board may need a 16-inch-wide carpet. It is recommended to add a few extra inches to the length of the carpet to ensure full coverage and ease of installation.

In summary, when choosing the right carpet for your boat bunks, opt for marine-grade carpeting that offers durability, protection, and resistance to mould and mildew. Select a reputable brand that suits your specific needs and budget, ensuring you have the correct size and amount of carpet for a seamless installation process.

Removing old carpet

Removing the old carpet from your boat bunks is the first step in replacing it with a new one. This process is crucial to ensure a smooth and seamless finish for your new carpet. Here is a detailed guide on how to remove the old carpet from your boat bunks:

Find a Starting Point:

Locate the spot where the old carpet has started to rip or tear. This will be your starting point for removing the carpet. Work your way along the bunk, using a flat-head screwdriver or a similar tool to lift and loosen the carpet for easy removal. Be cautious of any staples that may be sticking out, and take your time to avoid injury.

Remove the Carpet:

Gently pull and peel the carpet away from the bunk, working your way along the length of the board. Some areas may be stuck harder than others, so be patient and careful to avoid damaging the underlying wood. Use a screwdriver or a similar tool to help lift and separate the carpet from the bunk.

Remove Staples or Screws:

Once the carpet is removed, you will need to extract any remaining staples or screws that were used to secure the old carpet in place. A flat-head screwdriver can be used to pry out the staples or screws. If they are challenging to remove, needle-nose pliers can be used to grip and extract them. Be cautious of any sharp edges and take necessary precautions to avoid injury.

Inspect the Wood:

After removing the old carpet and staples/screws, carefully inspect the wooden bunks. Look for any signs of damage, such as dents, rotting sections, or weak spots. If there is significant damage, you may need to replace the timber along with the carpet. If the bunks seem to be in good condition, you can proceed to the next step.

Sand the Bunks:

Using fine-grit sandpaper, sand down the wooden bunks to smooth out any rough patches and remove any remaining adhesive or splinters. This step is important to ensure a clean and even surface for the new carpet to be applied. Make sure to sand with the grain of the wood and work evenly across the entire surface of the bunks.

By following these steps, you will effectively remove the old carpet from your boat bunks, preparing them for the new carpet installation. Remember to work carefully and wear necessary protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, to avoid injury during the removal process.

Inspecting and preparing the wood bunks

Inspecting the Wood Bunks:

• Once you have removed the old carpet and any staples or screws that were holding it in place, carefully inspect the wooden bunks.
• Look for any signs of damage, such as rot, cracking, warping, dents, or weak spots.
• If the wood appears to be in poor condition or is not holding up well, consider replacing the entire bunk board.
• If you notice any rusty or worn hardware, such as bolts and fasteners, take them with you to the hardware store to ensure you get the correct replacements.

Preparing the Wood Bunks:

• Lightly sand the wooden bunks using fine-grit sandpaper. This step ensures that there are no rough edges or splinters that could damage the new carpet.
• Remove any residue of old glue from the previous carpet. Use a medium-grade sandpaper, possibly with a belt sander, to smooth out the surface. Be careful not to sand too deeply into the wood.
• After sanding, wipe down the bunks to remove any dust or debris.
• If you plan to use adhesive for the new carpet, ensure that the wooden bunks are clean and dry before proceeding.

By thoroughly inspecting and preparing the wood bunks, you'll create a smooth surface for the new carpet to adhere to, ensuring a longer lifespan for your new carpet and protecting your boat from scratches or damage.

Measuring the trailer bunks

Before you can cut your new carpet to size, you need to measure your trailer bunks. This is important because you probably don't have a lot of trailer bunk carpeting lying around, and you want to make sure it fits properly. The carpet will wrap around the bunks, so measure the length and width and then add some extra length to each measurement. Most sources recommend adding 3 inches to each measurement. However, one source suggests adding 2 inches to the length and multiplying the width by 2, then adding another 2 inches. This is to ensure that the carpet overlaps and can be securely stapled or glued.

The easiest way to get the right size is to roll out the carpet and place the bunk board on top. Use a pencil or another marking tool to trace the outline of the board. Then, add the extra length you calculated and mark where you want to cut. Remember, you will be folding and wrapping the carpet around the board. The side facing up, which will touch the boat, should be smooth and unbroken. The underside will have a seam where the two sides of the carpet come together, which you will staple or glue down.

After measuring and marking your carpet, use a utility knife or scissors to cut it to size. Always cut along the fibre line to help avoid fraying.

Attaching the new carpet

Now that you've prepared the wooden bunks, it's time to attach the new carpet. This process will involve draping the carpet over the bunks, securing it with staples, and trimming any excess material.

First, drape the new carpet over the bunks, ensuring that the smooth, unbroken side will face upwards and touch the boat. The seam of the carpet should be on the bottom, away from the side that will come into contact with the boat. Make sure the carpet is centred and that the edges are lined up correctly.

Next, use a staple gun to secure the carpet in place. Start stapling from one edge, working towards the other, and place a staple every 2 to 3 inches. Only staple the bottom and sides of the bunk to avoid scratching the finish of your boat. Be sure to fold over the edges of the carpet before stapling them, and then cut away any excess carpet with a utility knife. This will help prevent the new carpet from catching or tearing.

If you prefer not to use staples, you can use a waterproof marine-grade adhesive instead. Apply the adhesive directly to the top side of the bunk board. Carefully line up the carpet and press it down, smoothing out any wrinkles as you go. You can use a kitchen rolling pin or a length of pipe to help with this process. Centring the carpet is crucial, as any errors will be noticeable if it dries crookedly.

Allow the adhesive to dry for a couple of hours, or preferably, leave it overnight to ensure it dries and cures properly. Once the glue is dry, you can finish wrapping the carpet around the board and secure any loose areas with staples or more glue.

If your new carpet keeps rolling up, try rolling it out and leaving it in the sun for an hour or two before installation. This will help loosen it up and make it easier to work with.

Frequently asked questions