small boat trailer repair

[sadworld]

i need a couple new support rails for my 14' boat trailer. the rails that the boat rests on for main support on the trailer... i'll assume treated 2x4's will work but how do you get the carpet to stay on? special glue or screw or staple gun? also is there a special carpet or will any outdoor carpet do? thanks. matt.

[Burksee]

Wolmanized wood for bunks lend to warpage. I've also hear some treated woods dont like aluminum and can cause corrosion. I've always used regular 2x4 or 2x6's on row boat trailers. Pain them with an oil base exterior paint or Rustoleum wood paint to seal them. Budget minded folks use the ID/OD carpet from HD. Tack with staples to the backside of the bunk then put some aluminum sill trim along the edges to hold it down. These will last you more than a few seasons. ;)

[time2kyl]

I have used pressure treated on both of my trailers and never had a problem. I agree with the indoor/outdoor carpet, seems to wear just fine for me at a greatly reduced price. Recommend using stainless steel staples if you can find them so that you don't have to restaple when they rust through.

[bigpapamike]

The sill trim is a good idea you could also use plummers strap its galvanized and cheaper than sill trim. I would also screw it down use your [electric drill ] would hold the carpet good and be fairly simple.

[frenchriver1]

I use bunk carpet just for the idea that it is ventilated or a loose weave which allows it to dry out after you are out of the water for a while. Know that that might not make any diffference when it is up against aluminum or fiberglass, but I think it allows it to last longer than regular carpet which tends to hold the water for some time as it is a heavier, tighter weave... IMHO...

You might also consider slick bunks which seem to be great from what I have heard... Shall be installing a set this Spring, when I can get the time....

[TrekJeff]

Finally brought my boat down from the cabin as I am doing more fishing locally that I'll have the chance to do up to the cabin.

Today I took off the old ID/OD carpet off the runners and replaced it with strips of Plastic used to face snowplows. It's slick as snot! You can find it at any TSC. When I lifted the boat back onto the rails, it slid on effortlessly.

Just another idea.

[Burksee]

Finally brought my boat down from the cabin as I am doing more fishing locally that I'll have the chance to do up to the cabin.

Today I took off the old ID/OD carpet off the runners and replaced it with strips of Plastic used to face snowplows. It's slick as snot! You can find it at any TSC. When I lifted the boat back onto the rails, it slid on effortlessly.

Just another idea.
Thanks! I have often wondered if you use plastic such as the hyfax matieral stuff sliders for snowmobiles are made of. ;)

[Greenbush future]

Finally brought my boat down from the cabin as I am doing more fishing locally that I'll have the chance to do up to the cabin.

Today I took off the old ID/OD carpet off the runners and replaced it with strips of Plastic used to face snowplows. It's slick as snot! You can find it at any TSC. When I lifted the boat back onto the rails, it slid on effortlessly.

Just another idea.

Be careful about the slip stuff. Shifting boats on the bunks when you hit the brakes could be a disaster. The carpet kind of holds it firm when launching (backing down the ramp) I have seen boats slide right off
pre-mature, not good.

[TrekJeff]

Be careful about the slip stuff. Shifting boats on the bunks when you hit the brakes could be a disaster. The carpet kind of holds it firm when launching (backing down the ramp) I have seen boats slide right off
pre-mature, not good.


Thanks for the heads up! I actually got the idea from the ice fishing guys who replace their skids on their portable shanties. My boat is just an old 14 footer/row boat, still trying to find out the actual make/manufacture. It does have a metal Michigan boat registration tag from 1968..

[Greenbush future]

Thanks for the heads up! I actually got the idea from the ice fishing guys who replace their skids on their portable shanties. My boat is just an old 14 footer/row boat, still trying to find out the actual make/manufacture. It does have a metal Michigan boat registration tag from 1968..

She is a classic and I bet paid for, good deal.