Question

The Boat Trailering Guys

Is there any rule regarding how I should fold the ends of new carpeting over the bunks on my trailer? Or is it OK to just cut it to the exact length of the bunk? How should the end be secured? Glue? Stainless steel screws?

T. Rivers, Louisville KY

Answered on: 6/2005

MIKE: There is not a cardinal rule, but I would not cut it to exact length. You should overlap the ends and sides (only the bottom side of the bunk will be bare) so that you do not pull up the edge carpeting when loading and unloading, which may expose rough wood or nails to your boats bottom. I typically attach the carpeting to the bunks with stainless steel staples. You can get them in various sizes. Make sure they are long enough to get enough bite into the wood. I like them because they last and are low profile and do not pose a threat to the boats finish. GEORGE: I suggest you make sure the carpeting extends out about 6' beyond the end of the bunk. Then make a pair of 6' cuts so that the ends can be wrapped over the face of the bunk over which you can fold the protective second layer. Use 1/2" to 5/8" staples to hold it in place.

The Boat Trailering Guys: Mike