Best way to mount bunk boards

[-JR-]

Going to unload the boat at the lake so I can replace one rotten bunk board.
Will have it wrapped and ready to install. But what's the best bolt on method
Just lag bolts screws in from the under side , Or
Nut and stove top bolt going thew the complete board .
Doing the bolt&nut through method , I have to be right on in the spacing before covering with carpet . And having a hole threw the board will allow water into the wood ,but using a lock nut it should never come lose.
First method is the easiest just place covered boards on trailer and screw in some 3/8 inch lag bolts from the bottom side with some silicone
But will the lag bolts come lose always.
What is the bast method ?

 

[JessicaKK]

I’d probably go with the through bolts. It’s a little more work, but I’d feel better knowing they’re not going anywhere. Just seal the holes really well before putting the carpet on.

 

[airshot]

I vote for the thru bolts as well. I also do not add carpet to the underside so water can come out of the wood and slow down decay. With no carpet on the bottom the wood can breathe. I also use nyloc nuts so they don't vibrate loose. Use stove bolts to prevent any gouging or wearing thru the carpet from the bolt head.

 

[JessicaKK]

I vote for the thru bolts as well. I also do not add carpet to the underside so water can come out of the wood and slow down decay. With no carpet on the bottom the wood can breathe. I also use nyloc nuts so they don't vibrate loose. Use stove bolts to prevent any gouging or wearing thru the carpet from the bolt head.

That makes sense. I especially like the idea of leaving the bottom open so the wood can dry out. I hadn’t thought about using stove bolts to protect the carpet either. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Scott Danforth]

countersink carriage bolts, then backfill the countersink area with caulk

 

[redneck joe]

for bunks, i like bunk slicks no carpet. you loose the 'stickiness' of the bunks some people like.

 

[mike_i]

what do you mean by bunk slicks? I don't remember ever hearing that term.

for bunks, i like bunk slicks no carpet. you loose the 'stickiness' of the bunks some people like.

 

[redneck joe]

what do you mean by bunk slicks? I don't remember ever hearing that term.

i guess 'glides' is the proper name

Amazon.com

 

[Stinnett21]

I'm the original owner of a 2002 21' that I trailer and has many hours on it. I replaced my bunks once. They are attached with lag screws only. Never any issues. Occasionally I go around and feel the bunks after launching. Rarely does anything need tightening.

 

[Kosmofreeze]

My 2001 MetalCraft trailer still has the original bunks and carpet. Bunks still seem solid but the carpet needs to be refreshed. It's a 7000# boat. I see carpet specifically for boat bunks - is this "marketing" or is there more to bunk carpet than meets the eye?

 

[Stinnett21]

I bought mine from my trailer manufacturer. It came already cut into strips that closely matched my boards and was of higher density than what I found at Home Depot etc. Some buy the Home Depot stuff and put two layers on which could work also. I rounded off the edges of my boards with a sander so they would less likely cut the carpet. I cut the width of the carpet down to where it only wrapped a small bit on the bottom side so my steel bunk supports wouldn't be resting against wet carpet

 

[JessicaKK]

My 2001 MetalCraft trailer still has the original bunks and carpet. Bunks still seem solid but the carpet needs to be refreshed. It's a 7000# boat. I see carpet specifically for boat bunks - is this "marketing" or is there more to bunk carpet than meets the eye?

I’ve wondered about that too. From what I understand, there’s definitely a difference between regular carpet and carpet made specifically for boat bunks. I’d probably stick with the marine-grade bunk carpet since it’s designed to handle water, friction, and repeated launching. If the bunks themselves are still solid, replacing the carpet sounds like a pretty straightforward refresh. Your Chris-Craft sounds like a beautiful boat, by the way!

 

[flashback]

I don't use any carpet, boat slides easy enough on the bare wood. No bottom paint on boat