In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to replace worn-out trailer bunk carpet. If you’ve owned a boat or jet ski for any length of time, you’ll eventually need to tackle this maintenance task. Replacing bunk carpet helps protect your watercraft during loading and unloading and can extend the life of both your bunks and your hull.
How I Replaced My Trailer Bunks and Carpet
As part of a full rebuild of my 1997 Yacht Club PWC trailer (used to haul my 1996 SeaDoo XP), I replaced the old trailer bunk carpet. I documented the process and snapped photos along the way. Thankfully, the wood bunks were still in good shape, so I only needed to replace the carpet. Below are the steps I followed, along with answers to a few common questions.
FAQs About Bunk Boards and Carpet
What kind of wood is used for trailer bunks?
Pressure-treated 2x4 or 2x6 pine is most common. It's durable and easy to replace when needed.
How long should trailer bunks be?
They should run at least half the length of your boat, ideally supporting it from bow to stern or slightly beyond.
What's the best carpet for trailer bunks?
Outdoor or marine-grade carpet is best. Surprisingly, outdoor carpet from home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot often holds up better than some felt-style marine carpet and costs less.
Which staples should I use?
Use stainless steel staples (such as T50 1/4"). Avoid regular steel staples — they’ll rust and stain your carpet.
Can I use a manual stapler?
Yes. A heavy-duty manual staple gun works fine. You may need to tap in stubborn staples with a hammer, but it gets the job done without needing electric tools.
When should you replace trailer bunks?
Replace them if they’re sagging or rotting. Replace the carpet once it wears thin enough to expose the wood underneath.
Step-by-Step: Replacing Trailer Bunk Carpet
These are the steps I used to replace the carpet on my trailer’s bunks. Make sure your watercraft is off the trailer before starting. I’ve never attempted this job with a boat still on the trailer.
- Remove the bunk boards from the trailer, along with their mounting brackets.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry up a few staples on each board.
- Start peeling back the old carpet — in most cases, this will pull most of the staples along with it.
Peeling off old trailer bunk carpet - Lay the old carpet on top of your new material and use it as a template. Mark the shape on the new carpet and cut it out with sharp scissors.
Cutting new bunk carpet to size - Center the new carpet on the wood bunk. Measure and mark any overlaps so it wraps evenly.
Centering and marking new carpet - Starting at one end, staple the carpet to the board. Insert 2–3 staples, then stretch the carpet and place 2–3 more on the opposite side. Continue alternating sides until complete.
- When wrapping the ends, fold the corners like a gift box and staple them securely.
Wrapping the ends like a present 
Trimming the ends 
Folded and secured ends 
Final result with clean wrap</caption] - Reinstall the brackets and bolt the bunks back onto your trailer.
Project Complete
Below is a photo of the finished project — freshly carpeted trailer bunks reinstalled on my 1997 Yacht Club trailer.
Final Thoughts on Bunk Carpet Replacement
By following these steps, you’ll help prevent damage to your boat or PWC during transport and prolong the life of your trailer bunks. Whether you’re restoring an older trailer or just refreshing worn parts, replacing bunk carpet is a straightforward DIY project with lasting benefits.