Replacing bunks on boatmate trailer
 

Not sure about the condition of the wood but the carpet needs to be replaced. The trailer is a 2006 so I guess its time. Anybody have suggestions on the easiest/cleanest way to do this?

I just ordered carpet from the boatmate website.. As soon as I get started ill let you know how it goes... Mine is a 07 and they are rotting... Guess it was a bad year for wood.. Maybe my trailer was uilt friday afternoon....

Give Jerry at Boatmate a call....

Wow, your carpet and wood are only lasting a few years. That is crazy. I just sold my 1996 boat and it had the original carpet and wood. The bolts were all rusted but the wood and carpet were still in good shape.

Buy some new carpet online at Overtons. Staple the carpet to the wood bunks with monel "stainless" staples. The staples should be on the side or bottom of the bunk so they do not scratch the hull. My bet is the wood is still in good condition but if necessary replace the wood with pressure treated lumber cut to match the existing. The process is quite simple.

Check out the other components as well. Look at all the bolts. Mine rusted away and Boatmate never had them fully secured to begin with. Also check out your springs I've had two failures. Once the whole spring inverted itself and the second time I found broken leafs. The broken leafs were not clearly visible. Check the bearing seals for leaks. Make sure the oil reservoir for the brakes are full and that the brakes them self are in good condition.

I noticed Boatmate sells the carpet in 10' lengths. How much did you have to order to cover all the bunks?

Call your local trailer company. Give the measurements of the bunks and any bolt locations. They will carpet and install all hardware to the locations you give. Bring your drill gun to the lake next time you go and you will be done in no time.

I second that. If your bunks are only lasting 3 and 4 years you should have a legitimate claim. My 97 Sunsetter has its original bunks. The wood on the fenders however is a different story:mad:

I've replaced the bunks on my last boat. Just didn't think the carpet would already be pulling off! Guess I will call Jerry at Boatmate....he probably hates to hear from me because I've had to call him on several other issues. What other regular maintenance should I be doing other than bearing's? How do I check the break lines? Don't believe I've ever added fluid....

I would also check Home Depot. That is where I found rolls of marine carpet and it was cheaper than West Marine in Charleston. I agree with the other Tim above, monel staples are the ONLY way to go.

save a few bucks and go to Home Depot or Lowes, go to flooring dept. where they have the rolls of bulk carpet up on the wall. Pick one that has a rubber backing. It aint gonna say its marine carpet. Get one of the indoor / outdoor ones. Buy a bulk piece and cut into strips for the bunks.

I would take the bunks off the trailer and recarpet them. I wouldnt waste the money on ss staples. They are not necessary. ( and I am king of overkill.) The first time I recarpeted bunks I used regular galvanized staples out of a handheld manual staple gun. The staples lasted longer than the carpet. But, if you have access to a pneunamtic staple gun, use some 7/8" or 1" staples.

dont waste your scratch on internet ordered per cut marine carpet. I wont last any longer than the stuff you can get at the big box stores.

Waste your money on SS staples and do it right. If you cannot afford the additional 3-4 dollars you should be thinking about selling. Just make sure whatever carpet you use will not hold water.