Re-carpeting trailer bunks

[kdiddy]

I was going to tackle this project soon, as soon as my boat is out of the shop. My dealer told me, though to be ready to spend quite a bit of time on it.

I would not think this was any real big undertaking, am I wrong? I've got the carpet. My plan was to take the existing boards off, cut and drill new ones to exactly match the old, staple the carpet back on over the bolts (galvanized bolts/nuts and stainless screws) and bolt them back on.

Doesn't sound too tough to me. Anything I'm missing?

[bkhallpass]

That's about it. I've done 4 trailers in the last year. Takes
a couple of hours each.

The time can come from taking the carpet off of the old bunks,
crash pads, etc. I like to remove the old staples as well, that adds
some time. If you're using new bunks, then the process won't be as
time consuming.

Also, the bunks are easy. It is the crash pads and fender protectors
which I found to be time consuming. Inevitably, some small screw
breaks, or a bolt won't line up. You know how it is, one screw that
takes as long as the rest of the project.

An air powered staple gun and some stainless steel staple really
speeds up the process as well.

BKH

[wakejunky]

I have found that it's easier to buy new boards, cut to length, recarpet them buy new lag bolts and then when you drop the boat in the water and/or have the boat lifted off the trailer, your time spent is reduced by about 1/2.
This way you get new wood,carpet and bolts. If you try to tackle it when you're at the lake or whatever, you may find that you've got boards that should be replaced anyway or the lag bolts have pulled through, very common with soaking and drying of the wood.

Chris

[bkhallpass]

Good point wakejunky. I live in a waterfront community,
so I didn't give much thought to where you put the boat
while working on the trailer. Also, we only use the trailers
once or twice a year. So, the carpets tend to wear out from
the Sun far more often than the wood wears out from the water.

BKH

[dba4life]

I have always bought new wood for the bunks and carpeted them at home (Stainless steel staples). Then I goto the ramps and drop the boat in the water. Take off the old bunks. Put on the new ones. It does take some time, but not too bad. 2-3 hours on a bad day. I also use new bolts.

Kevin

[kdiddy]

yeah, I guess I was a bit unclear in my first post. I'm going to replace the whole thing; carpet boards bolts and all.

Jus tlike dba said...I need the boat off trailer in order to get the right measurements. From there I'll go to the lumber yard and get the boards, take the old boards off to use as a guide for drilling the new holes, drop the bolts in and staple the carpet on.

Does Home Depot rent air pawered staple/nail guns? Seems like that would help, but not something I've got laying areound.

[ag4ever]

You can get some inexpensive electric staple guns there, just don't use them on wet carpet.

[bkhallpass]

You can get some inexpensive electric staple guns there, just don't use them on wet carpet.

That's a good idea. I've seen these pretty reasonable at home depot,
sears, and on ebay. Never used one, but it has to be easier than a
hand staple.

I picked up an air stapler on sale for $90. I've seen them on ebay
even cheaper. If you already have a compressor, you'll love having
this tool. Once you have it, you'll find a million uses.

On the other hand, if you have to buy a compressor and stapler,
and if you don't do a lot of projects, I wouldn't think it is worth
it just for trailers.

BKH

[dba4life]

On the two boats I have done the bunks on I have not had to take the boat off to get measurements. Neither were Nautiques. Just got the measuring tape out and got the length and width from underneath. Went to Lowes and got the treated lumber. Carpeted them. Brought the boat to the lake and dumped it in the water. Took the old boards off. Put the new ones on with a few clamps. Drilled pilot holes. Then screwed the new bolts in. I would do one side at a time to make sure I got the alignment right. I used a manual staple gun to put them all in. An air stapler would have been nice but not neccessary.

Kevin

[kdiddy]

dba4life-
maybe I'm understanding you wrong, but wouldn't the way you're describing leave the heads of the bolts exposed over the carpet? I'd assume this is probably not ideal, but I could be wrong.

Am I missing something? That's why I was assuming the holes would have to be drilled and the bolts pushed through and then the carpet stapled down over top of them.

[bkhallpass]

dba4life-
maybe I'm understanding you wrong, but wouldn't the way you're describing leave the heads of the bolts exposed over the carpet? I'd assume this is probably not ideal, but I could be wrong.

Am I missing something? That's why I was assuming the holes would have to be drilled and the bolts pushed through and then the carpet stapled down over top of them.

I suspect that the bunks dba4life replaced used lag screws to hold
the bunks to the metal brackets. In that case pretty easy to measure and
precut.

I believe you are using carriage bolts, countersunk into the top of
the bunk, with carpet covering. These are also pretty easy, but
you are better off lining the bunk on top of the bracket before drilling.
Of course, this means you can't put the carpet on in advance.

BKH

[kdiddy]

man you're right. I hadn't even thought about that. We were talking about two different things.

It definitely sounds like lag bolts would be easier, I just assumed they wouldn't hold strong enough. Would a lag bolt hold the board in place over a lot of wear?

I guess either way probably works, but I'm all for easier, if the end result is the same.
thanks

[kdiddy]

man you're right. I hadn't even thought about that. We were talking about two different things.

It definitely sounds like lag bolts would be easier, I just assumed they wouldn't hold strong enough. Would a lag bolt hold the board in place over a lot of wear?

I guess either way probably works, but I'm all for easier, if the end result is the same.
thanks

[igkya]

trailer bunks

Wouldn't the lag bolts start from the back/bottom of the bunks and only go in 1/2 to 3/4.

[bkhallpass]

Re: trailer bunks

Wouldn't the lag bolts start from the back/bottom of the bunks and only go in 1/2 to 3/4.

Again, depends upon the trailer manufacturer. My current trailer
is made by sport boats out of Patterson, CA and they use carriage
bolts all the way through the bunk.

Others use lags, and, in that case, you are correct.

BKH