Replacing Trailer Bunks

[TNeal]

I'm replacing bunks for the first time so I've tried to do some research so I don't need to study up on hull repair as well.

I have read several takes on this "simple" project. Tighten the bolts all the way down because the weight of the boat will cause them to adjust and you can snug 'em up when the boat is loaded. Others say don't tighten them all the way, load the boat and then adjust.

Staples, Liquid Nail, or both?

What about bevelling the edges?

'preciate your help

[tntitans21399]

I'm not sure how your bunks are held in place, but I would say tighten before the boat is on.  That way the boat is resting on the bunks.  If you wait to tighten the bolts, then the bunkers could sink a little in place from the weight of the boat.  Then you might have more weigh of the keel on the rollers and you don't want a lot of weight resting on the rollers.  They are their to help get the boat on and off the trailer not to rest on.  

When I re-carpeted my bunkers, it was held by nails, and I was able to re use some.  I replaced others that needed to be replaced.  I think I might have used a nail about every 5 inchs or so.  Nails are good, cheapest way because everyone has a hammer.  Staples would work good.  I'm not to sure how well Liquid Nails would hold the carpet.  But I would guess with Liquid Nails it needs to stay dry so you might have to leave the boat off the trailer for a day before you can drive the trailer back into the water to put the boat back on.  

[cart7t]

I snugged then tightened when the boat is on the trailer.

3M contact cement and staples.  

[Rick Cargo]

I re-did mine a couple of years ago and I did this. Got some pressure treated wood and cut to the proper length for each bunk. 6 bunks in my case. Measured out and cut the carpet and added about 12 inches( 6 inches on each end). I then 'coated' each bunk (one at a time) with waterproof GE silicone and placed the bunk board right in the center of the carpet and then folder over the carpet and then stapled the bottom side with a air stapler. When I was done with all 6 bunks, I put one of the new bunks on a floor jack and raised the boat up just enough to remove the old bunks and install the new ones. Tightened new S/S screws down as tight as they would go and re-tightened them after a few trips to the lake.