www.iFourWinns.com

I need to replace a broken bunk board on my trailer. It's a 12' carpeted 2x4.

Should I use redwood or pressure treated lumber? The pressure treated stuff from Lowes & HD seems like junk wood to me.

Thoughts?

_________________
2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

I'd just sort through the treated lumber and be done with it.
Cheap and easy.

JMHO

Doug

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2003 Four Winns 170 Freedom Cincinnati, Ohio / Cape Coral, Florida

+1

I have also used the thicker indoor/outdoor carpet from Home Depot on the bunk boards (the grey loop type carpet).

What you don't want to scrimp on is the staples. I used 1/2" T-50 Monel staples. Drove with a cheap electric stapler from Harbor Freight, followed with a hit with a hammer to drive them tight.

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

Thanks guys - that's essentially what I'm planning on, including the stapler from HF.

rpengr - did you use lag bolts and screw them in from below, or some other hardware to attach? Mine looks like it originally is bolted through the 2X4 with the nut on the bottom.

_________________
2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

They use carriage bolts with the head on top and the washer, lock washer, and nut underneath. Depending on the lumber, you might be able to just drill the bolt hole and hammer the bolt head flat. Otherwise, you might need to drill a larger recessed hole for the carriage bolt head. Cut the board to size, measure and drill the bolt holes, put the bolts in, then install the carpet. You might even use a spray adhesive between the carpet and board, then staple it.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

Take a look for a local smaller lumber yard. They typically have better wood there.

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2008 Four Winns h180 Bowrider
3.0 Volvo Penta

2013 Dodge Durango HEMI

Yes, that is how mine was too. Here is a suggestion on how to drill the holes for carriage bolts:
1. Clamp the wood at the proper location.
2. Drill a small hole (less than 1/4" diameter) through the wood up from the bottom.
3. Use a wood bit from the top about 1/4" deep for the head of the bolts (about 1" or 1-1/8" diameter), using the hole from step 2 for the location.
4. Drill the 1/4" hole open to proper size for the bolt.

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

You can order the torque washers for the carriage bolts through Lowes. These are special washers that fit under the head of the carriage bolt and will prevent it from turning when you put the nut and washer on from below. Yet to do this job on my trailer but have all the hardware in galvanized and will use pressure treated wood from Lowes. Have 2 each 14' and 2 each 10' bunks to replace.

Swapped out the main bunks yesterday while the family relaxed on the beach. Had to sawzall the old bolts off. Used SS hardware and Caliber marine slides instead of carpet.

We'll see how it all works out.

_________________
2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

You know the rules................ PICTURES!

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

Yup, I was sweating my ass off and had people waiting on me, so I didn't take any shots.

Next time the boat is off the trailer - hopefully this weekend....

_________________
2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe