Trailer bunk question: Carpet

[pianewman]

I need to replace the carpet on my 9 year old Continental. Any advice on types of carpet re: durability? abrasion? pigment transfer (staining the hull)?
Thanks.

[DonV]

My suggestion is not to use carpet. I'm not a big fan of the wet carpet wrapped around the wood and against the gelcoat. Use the plastic "bunk slides" (Google "trailer bunk slides", many to pick from) and have the wood cut on a table saw at 20 degrees to match square with the hull's deadrise. Just my two cents worth.

[pianewman]

Thanks. I had no ideea there was such a product.

Any preference for a particular brand?

[DonV]

Naw, I use some I purchased locally (T.A. Mahoneys in Tampa), however the 3" wide ones from these folks below look nice. One suggestion, if they supply you with #10 X 3/4" SS woodscrews go get yourself some 1 1/2" long ones. You don't want the screws to back out and scratch the hull. Also, every once in a while check and make sure all screws are tight, about a two minute job with a cordless drill.

http://www.surfixinc.com/surfix_trailer_bunkslides.html

[pianewman]

Hmmm...with such slick bunks, will my boat end up in the back of my pickup if I don't remember to tie it to the trailer, both rear and bow?

[htillman]

You should always remember anyway. I use a safety chain on the bow and tie both sides of the stern to the trailer. I have seen sudden stops due many strange things to loads on trailers, especially boats.

[ricknewman]

If you know a fireman, old fire hose works well when screwed down on the bunks.