I purchased a new boat and trailer last year for crappie fishing. I noticed this weekend that the bunk boards on the trailer are already rotted out. At first I was very upset. But then I realized that those boards have been wet more than dry the last 17 months. I have launched the boat 1-3 times a week for all but one or two weeks since I picked it up. Considering that the boards are wrapped in carpet and the boat is stored in a storage garage, I bet it takes almost a week for the wood to completely dry after each use. That said, I'm not quite as shocked at the rotting of the wood.
I have reached out to the dealer for their take on this and if it is warrantable. I'm interested in how they respond. But, if I am told it is not covered beyond a year, what should I replace them with? Treated 2X6s with carpet just on one side? Something rot resistant like Trex? Something else that is proven rot resistant? I'm open to suggestions. Do I need to view this as just part of maintenance when I fish this often. Thanks for any input.

Aluminum or fiberglass boat?

I think if you use treated 2x6 and only cover them 3/4 �top , sides and a inch or so on the bottom� you should be good to go, that�s what I did and I have had great luck with it, I used carpet glue and Staples hope this helps.

I always have a ceiling fan going and keep a shop fan blowing under the boat when I put my boat in the garage. Sitting moist will damage a whole lot more stuff than your running boards.JMO.

Treated 2X6 with carpet top and sides. Use indoor/outdoor carpet glue or contact cement. No carpet on bottom of board.

18 foot Aluminum boat. Would you glue rather than use nails/ staples in side of the 2x6s? What type of glue would hold up to repeated soaking in water?

Some treated lumber will react with the aluminum, so research the type of treated lumber to use for aluminum boats

Marine carpet,I used Bass Cat carpet.

Contact cement. I use 3M spray contact adhesive in a can. 2 coats on the wood, one coat on the carpet. Allow to dry, then install.

Monel staples to secure.

Indoor/outdoor carpet (the plastc kind ) and use stainless steel staples to attach. Regular staples
will not last.

Bring it to me at Lake Fork Boat Carpet we can replace them for you. 903-440-4440 we glue and staple them.

Chascat is right. Replaced mine last year. Easy job.

HV I glued and stapled mine and they were holding pretty good..I did this in 08 it looks like I might have to do it again since one of my boards warped

Leave a gap on bottom side allowing water to drain. Fully carpeted bunk boards hold water. Glue all carpeted areas, and staple.

why not scrap the pine and go oak? seems it would hold up a lot longer

Thanks guys for all the great input. I am going to replace with new treated lumber( not the old type full of copper and arsenic). Going to glue carpet with contact cement spray and staple to sides of boards and leave bottom side uncovered.

Thanks!!

It is my understanding the new treated lumber is more corrosive than the old type. This is certainly true in fencing. You might want to research well since your boat is aluminum.

Might want to look at this site:

http://gatorbak.com/