Replacing bunk carpeting - galvanized or stainless staples?

[woolznaz]

I have one bunk that is not in good shape so I'm going to replace them all. I'll replace the carpet, too. Should I use galvanized staples or stainless steel staples on the carpet? Obviously the staples will only be on the bottom of the bunks so no contact with the pontoons, but is one better than the other?

Any other tips for replacing the bunks and re-carpeting the bunks is also welcome. Thanks everyone.

[eekman56]

I say stainless. You can buy a whole box at Lowes for a few dollars more than galvanized and they will last a lot longer.

[badmoonrising]

ONLY stainless.

[RcgTexas]

Personally I would look into the pvc stuff or plastic bunk board covers. Compare price and see if that is feasible. I did and am not sorry, but SS fasteners for sure. The plastic is better for the wood and the aluminum as well. But I operate in some salt water.

[woolznaz]

Thanks for the replies so far. I love this site for stuff like this! It sounds like stainless is the way to go.

As for the PVC covers instead of carpet, I do like those and appreciate the suggestion. I really like the fact that they would not hold any moisture. My concern is that I really don't want the bunks to get much slicker. I would consider putting them on the 4 to 6 feet of the front most section of the bunks (the back part of the toons are floating once it's backed in the water anyway). I am not sure I want it to be much easier to glide off the trailer, though. One of the lakes we go to has a pretty steep ramp. I never unhook the strap while backing down, so that is not the concern. The concern is that after putting the boat on the trailer and then pulling up the ramp, the boat always slides back an inch or two away from the stops on the front, so I know the wench strap is doing some pretty serious work as it is. If I make the bunks even slicker, then I think that issue would get worse.

[MH Hawker]

i use the alum roofing nails the staples pull out over time.

[babock]

Staples. Use a pneumatic staple gun and you will never have a problem with them pulling out.

I don't believe in slicks. More friction the better to keep the boat from sliding off while trailering.

[Drago]

I used these when I tried new carpet on my bunks.
http://www.floydtool.com/stainless_staple.htm#4800

These guys carry good stainless staples also.
http://www.manasquanfasteners.com/staples

I ended up building untiringly new bunks. Seepost...
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