Bunk board carpet

[DAVA390]

This year the winter project is going to be new boards on the trailer. I have a bunk board on each side and a board on each side of the keel along the rollers, so, (4) 2X4`s.
I have already purchased 5 pressure treated boards. they are stacked in my shed and heavily weighted down with bricks in an (probably futile) attempt to keep them from curving into bananas as they cure. I `ll pick the best 4 of 5, use the remainder for more guide rails.(by the way, 2 guide rails installed at the very back of the trailer last winter made a world of difference loading this year, installing them had me up close and personal with the existing boards and made me realize that new ones are needed).

What about carpet ? any types/descriptions to use or avoid?

 

[woodster]

get some outdoor carpet with a rubber back .....

 

[31seahorse]

Hi Dave,

You might want to consider the Starboard slides that are available to be used instead of the carpet. They are available in pieces 4 (?) feet long and have indents for screw attachment to your bunk boards. Regretfully, I can't remember from where I ordered them. We used them on the trailer for the P-18 and liked the ease of pulling the boat forward if it was not quite correctly situated on the trailer due to "operator error" or ramp angle.

 

[DAVA390]

Did you put slides over carpet or bare wood?!

 

[Brian S]

I would not use outdoor carpet with rubber backing.

Rather, I would use dedicated bunk carpeting: http://www.easternmarine.com/Boat-Trailer-Bunk-Brackets-Hardware/ (And have done on my bunk trailer.)

The reason is that bunk carpeting is designed to shed water, and allow it to flow through the carpet, while rubber backed outdoor carpet would hold water against the bunk board, and allow for rot to develop. Eventually, even pressure treated lumber will succumb to constant moisture.

On the flip side, one could say that the hull sitting on the bunk would also hold water in the bunk carpet. To which I would concede the validity of the statement.

You might find that bunk carpet pre-cut to the correct width and length is easier to deal with, and may be less expensive than buying exterior carpet which then needs to be cut into strips, etc...

 

[31seahorse]

Did you put slides over carpet or bare wood?!

I had to refer to the pictures: Starboard slides were put onto bare treated wood. I also wanted to mention that I put pieces on the keel support too. Not, however, on the keel guides at the rear of the bunks. Just on the weight bearing surfaces. (Pic attached, I hope)

 

[Joe]

As Brian S notes, there is a dedicated product for this application. Shop around for this product, there are price differences.


http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...u=3730393931&gclid=CImT5uzz978CFStgMgodjRkA0Q

 

[DAVA390]

just ordered from sbo

 

[DAVA390]

Thank you all for replies. Phil, thanks for suggestion and photo`s decided against plastic, I`ll explain in message. Thinking about Warton creek for next holiday weekend.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Regarding the photos of the straps attached to the hull to deck joint at the rub rail, overtime, you will damage that lip and suggest to avoid doing that. I would put a strap over the cockpit and down to the trailer frame twisting the strap a couple of times to prevent slap. Never put a strap over the forward deck to the trailer as it can and will cause damage to the hull where sitting on the bunk boards. In addition to the winch strap, you should have a chain if your trailer is a Magic Tilt. if that chain is too long, twist it to shorten it. If no safety chain, then add one immediately for safety as I have seen boats come off the trailer when the wind strap has broken.

I am a former sailboat dealer and I sold many Precisions in my lifetime. If you have questions, feel free to contact me or call Bart at Precision and he will tell you the same.

 

[watercolors II]

Outdoor carpet from Lowes has lasted about 10 years on my trailer. I had plenty leftovers for some carpeted areas in my garage for $10.00