posted 03-18-2014 06:38 PM ET (US)        

---

My boat lives on a hoist during the April-October boating season hereabouts. While it's there, I need to replace the carpet on the trailer bunks, and would appreciate any advice or tips from those who have done this job before. Especially curious as to best method of securing the carpet: nails, brads, screws, or staples. Is any glue used?

Thanks in advance.

posted 03-18-2014 07:20 PM ET (US)            

---

First you're better to use dedicated marine bunk carpet, which hold mininal water, is heavier and mold resistant, like this one, that came in precut strips:

http://www.westmarine.com/ c-e-smith--deluxe-marine-bunk-carpet--P017_513_002_501

For securing the carpet to the bunks, I first put some exterior carpet glue on the bunk then wrap the carpet around it tightly and secure it to the backside of the bunk with stainless steel T-50 staples (some say Monel staples are even better, but I haven't tried them). I'm not convinced that the glue is necessary or stil hold something but I already have it, so why not!

posted 03-18-2014 11:29 PM ET (US)            

---

I replaced my trailer bunks several years ago, using carpet
made for bunks (West Marine) and the Monel staples (also West).
No glue.

I'm told one of the big box hardware stores (Lowes or Home
Depot) has the staples for about half what West charges.

I've never seen stainless T-50 staples.

Chuck

posted 03-18-2014 11:47 PM ET (US)            

---

I've done this many times. Use staples, stainless steel or Monel. No glue. Fold the carpet at the ends of the bunks neatly. You may want to use a truss head screw or hot dipped galvanized roofing nail where the carpet folds become really thick.

Leave some of the bunk exposed on the bottom side to promote drying.

Monel staples cost about twice what stainless does but lasts longer, though I do not consider it necessary for this application.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ Arrow-Fastener-T50-5-16-in-Monel-Staples-505M1/203073249

http:/ / www. homedepot. com/ p/ Arrow-Fastener-T50-3-8-in-Crown-16-Gaug e-Stainless-Steel-Staples-1000-Pack-506SS1/ 100553013

posted 03-22-2014 07:30 AM ET (US)            

---

Personally, I never trusted any kind of staples. I like to use roofing nails. Tom mentioned hot dipped galvanized roofing nails but the problem with them is they have to be hand nailed. I have a roofing nail gun that shoots the nails from a coil. They are not galvanized, but they are plated and will outlast any carpet. When the carpet needs replacing you will have to pull the nails with a claw hammer. You can rent a roofing gun like mine for a nominal charge and the nails won't cost more than monel staples.

rich