I have been meaning to replace the bunks on my trailer for some time now. After my last trip out, I found out how urgent the replacement has become now. maybe have one more load before major issues could prevent me from loading boat back.

So, if I want to fish yet this fall, I will have to replace my bad bunk and why not just redo all of them. I am replacing my two long bottom runner bunks and my two side bunks. One of my side bunks also came loose early this year and the bracket that holds the bunk to the trailer up has become a obstacle if the side bunk moves during loading (a sharp metal object sticking straight up). Nice part is, I am upgrading my side bunks. I am making them a little longer and going from a 2.5"-3" tall to a 2"x6" tall. That should help with loading in large waves and get the boat on the trailer straight every time.

I would say this would cost about $60.00 or less to do on my boat. I had the wood, so minus all ready having some of the tools, it cost me under $20.00 and my time.

OK, up to speed.

Items I used for this project:

1) Qty 3 14' 2"x6" Treated Preserve ground contact boards (I head them), you could go shorter and save money if buying, unless the length is needed

2)Flor Craft by Biotech Indoor and outdoor adhesive. Dries water tight and i used a quart jug.

3)A cheap adhesive trowel, 1/8" notch.

4)Strips of indoor/outdoor carpet cut to size from Menards

5)2" putty knife

6)Heavy duty staple gun.

7)Utility knife.

8) Blocks or any heavy items to spread out weight even, while letting glue cure.

First I gathered all items needed:



Then I cut measured need lengths from boat trailer and cut the boards to size:


I started with the main two runner bunks. I sized up carpet to make sure things would fit together. Plus i let the carpet lay flat to get rid of the curve of being rolled up:



I then applied the first round of glue, following the instructions on the glue to a "T". I also made sure to stay straight with the grain of the carpet, so a 90 deg. fold would be easier:



Once the boards where flipped, I placed weights on the boards during the glue drying stage:



Then, I started in on the side bunks:



Since on the side bunks (for esthetic reasons) I am going to do a corner seam. This way I fill both sides of the board, with out a seam in the middle. The one side that makes contact with the boat and the other that you can see when looking at trailer. My seam will be on the bottom out side. I made some guide markings on back side of carpet, to make sure placement was set proper (as seen in the image):



At this point, I let the bunks sit for the proper amount of time needed for glue to cure. At least 48 hours, but I ended up letting them sit for over a week before I could get back on this project.

First thing when I came back to this project was to glue the sides of the boards to the carpet. Here in these two images, you can see I pre bent the carpet before gluing to help with better surface connection. In the end, I feel it makes the final bend after gluing go easier.





Now comes applying glue to the sides of the boards:



Here they are folded up nice. I bent and folded each side on its own. Once the side was folded tight, I used a staple gun and applied 1/2 staples about every 4 inches or so down the sides. This helped hold the carpet in place. Do not put any staples in on area’s that will come in contact with the boat. Scratching could occur.



After I was done, I put them back to back, on end and put the longest board I had on top, with some blocks to help make contact with all surfaces. I will flip it over in the morning and let the other side get the entire concrete floor backing:



I will do the side bunks on Sunday, then some finishing trimming of the carpet and more gluing.

I will have more pics and info in the next couple days and hope by weeks end I will be installing these puppies on my trailer.

Thanks

Great Job Shack!

marine_man

Thanks for taking the time to do the pictures. Always appreciated.

Thanks guys!

I hope to get some more done tonight