What are trailer bunk boards and why do they need replacement?

Trailer bunk boards support the hull while loading, unloading, and transporting your boat. Over time, wood can rot and carpet can wear out, which may damage the hull or make launching difficult. Replacing them gives the hull even support again.

How do I know if my trailer bunks are worn out?

Signs include exposed wood, loose or torn carpet, uneven boat sitting, or hull scratches. These issues indicate it’s time for bunk board or carpet replacement.

Do you replace just the carpet or the entire bunk board?

We inspect both the boards and the carpet. If the wood is solid, we can replace only the carpet. If there’s rot or warping, we recommend replacing the entire bunk board for safety and longevity.

What type of carpet do you use for trailer bunks?

We use marine-grade bunk carpet designed to resist water, UV exposure, and abrasion. It provides smooth launching and retrieval while protecting your boat’s gelcoat.

Can damaged bunk boards cause hull damage?

Yes. Exposed wood, rusted fasteners, or uneven bunks can scratch gelcoat, create pressure points, and even cause structural stress. Replacing worn bunks in time helps avoid costly hull repairs.

How long does trailer bunk board and carpet replacement take?

Most bunk and carpet replacements take 2 to 4 hours of labor, depending on trailer size and configuration. We set the bunks to the hull so the boat sits evenly and loads smoothly.

Does new bunk carpet improve launching and loading?

Absolutely. New carpet reduces friction, centers the boat properly, and makes launching and retrieval easier and safer—especially on steep or shallow ramps.

Breeze Marine technician using a pneumatic stapler to secure black marine-grade carpet onto a new

Breeze Marine technician using a pneumatic stapler to secure black marine-grade carpet onto a new (2)

Trailer Bunk Board & Carpet Replacement

Is your hull resting on bare wood or metal bolts? Rotted bunks and torn carpet can gouge your gelcoat every time you launch. We lift your boat and rebuild the support system with pressure-treated wood and heavy-duty marine carpet.

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$150 /hr

Labor estimate Usually 2–4 hours

Book sends us a ticket; nothing is charged online. Before any work you get a written estimate for labor, parts and the trip fee, and nothing is done without your OK.

Trip fee By distance, one way: $30 in San Pedro, $50 in Long Beach

San Pedro$30
Wilmington, Terminal Island$40
Long Beach: Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor$50
Long Beach Marina, Alamitos Bay$60
Redondo Beach$60
Seal Beach, Huntington Harbour$75
Marina del Rey$85
Newport Beach$110

Farther away: $25 plus $2.50 a mile, one way from our San Pedro shop. No trip fee when the boat comes to our shop, or for plan members. The work of a visit is at least $150; the trip fee is on top.

Registered in California: Breeze Marine Boat Service LLC, San Pedro
Where we work: At your slip from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or in our San Pedro shop
Questions first: (213) 693-0224 or submit a ticket

About this service

Hull Protection

A Soft Landing
for Your Hull.

Your trailer bunks support the entire weight of your boat. If the carpet is torn or the wood is rotted, your gelcoat is grinding against bare wood and lag bolts. We rebuild the foundation.

The "Invisible" Scratch

When trailer bunk carpet wears thin, the heavy steel lag bolts that hold the bunk to the frame become exposed. Loading your boat just once can carve a deep gouge into the bottom of your hull.

Dry Rot Core

Bunk boards look fine on the outside, but the core often rots due to trapped moisture. This leads to the bunk snapping under load, potentially dropping your boat onto the trailer fenders.

We Lift It

The hardest part of boat trailer bunk replacement is getting the boat off the trailer. We utilize boat stands and jacks to safely lift your vessel, allowing us to remove and rebuild the bunks properly.

Rebuild Protocol.

Materials made for salt water.

Lift & Strip

We lift the boat hull safely off the trailer bunks, remove the old boards, and inspect the galvanized trailer bunk brackets for rust.

Fabricate

We cut new pressure-treated bunk boards to length and set them to the angle of your hull's deadrise for full surface contact.

Wrap

We adhere and double-wrap the boards with 20oz Premium Marine Carpet, securing it with Monel (rust-proof) staples.

Install

We bolt the new bunks down using stainless steel hardware, countersinking the heads so they never touch your hull.

Carpet That Lasts.

Fewer tears, fewer scratches.

Wrapping new trailer bunk boards with marine carpet

Boat lifted on stands for bunk board replacement

Stainless steel hardware securing trailer bunk brackets

Material Standard.

We use materials designed for submersion.

Lumber Pressure-Treated Pine/Fir

Carpet 20oz UV-Stabilized Marine

Fasteners Monel Staples & Stainless Bolts

Common Questions

Can I use indoor/outdoor carpet?

No. Regular carpet has a rubber backing that traps water against the wood, accelerating rot. Marine bunk carpet is unbacked, allowing water to drain through instantly.

Do you use plastic bunks?

We can install plastic "slicks" or composite boards upon request, but for most fiberglass boats, carpeted wood gives a good balance of grip and slide for safe loading and unloading.

Save Your Gelcoat.

Replace your bunks before they fail.

Quote Bunk Replacement

Checking Bunks During Boat Trailer Maintenance

Bunks are easy to forget during boat trailer maintenance because the hull hides them. After each season, look for carpet worn through at the bunk ends, fasteners you can feel through the fabric, and trailer bunk brackets that have rusted or shifted. If you find any of these, bunk replacement is the boat trailer repair to schedule before your next launch.

If you would rather have low-friction plastic bunk slicks than carpet, mention it when you request a quote.