Replace Rotten Trailer Bunks the Right Way

A mushy bunk board can gouge gelcoat and let your boat shift—worst case, you lose the boat on the ramp or highway. If your bunk flexes, crumbles, or the lag screws spin, it’s time to replace it.

What you’ll get: a simple, field-tested process to rebuild a carpeted bunk and avoid common mistakes.

Inspect before you haul

• Grab and shake each bunk. If it creaks, flexes, or the board feels soft, plan a replacement before moving the boat.
• Check lag screws for missing heads or loose bite. One loose fastener means the load shifts to the others and accelerates failure.

Build the new bunk clean and square

• Cut your board to match the old length before carpet goes on. Leave 6 in of carpet overhang on both sides for a clean wrap.
• Dry-fit the carpet and mark centerlines. Uneven wrap causes one side to run thin, exposing wood edges.
• Pre-stage your stapler and staples so you’re not fumbling with adhesive open.

Glue and staple: what actually matters

• Lightly scuff the board so adhesive keys in. Roll the carpet onto the glued face to control mess and alignment.
• Run staples in straight, staggered rows on the underside only. Focus on the long edges to lock the wrap; add ends last.
• If adhesive doesn’t bond well or you’re using pressure-treated wood, don’t panic—dense staple patterns can carry the load.

Install and secure on the trailer

• Support the hull safely before removing a bunk. Never rely on a single failing lag.
• Reuse the correct head size and length pattern for lags you remove; match bite and alignment to the bracket holes.
• After install, reef on the bunk by hand. It should feel solid with zero rattle or twist.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Skipping alignment marks leads to tapered wraps and exposed wood at the end—measure your overhangs before glue.
• Under-stapling invites carpet creep. Overdo staples on the underside; they’re hidden and buy reliability.
• Ignoring the rest of the trailer. If one bunk rotted, the others are on the same clock—plan a full refresh next season.

Final takeaway: Replace any soft or loose bunk now, then schedule a full bunk set next off-season. A solid wrap, dense staples, and careful install keep the boat where it belongs—on the trailer, not the pavement.