The Best Carpets for Boat Trailer Bunks for 2023

Your boat is a great investment that requires proper care and maintenance at all times. This is especially true when you are loading it to the trailer bunk. Before you launch, load or store your boat on bunk boards, it is vital to ensure that they are well carpeted with a high quality bunk carpet. This will ensure that damages and scratches on your boat’s hull can be prevented.

It is however; paramount that you find the right carpet material for the job otherwise your boat hull won’t get the necessary protection that it needs. The best carpet for boat trailer bunks is durable, breathable, dries quickly and has minimal water retention. With the numerous brands of boat trailer bunk carpets in the market, finding the most suitable for your application seems like a tiring task that will take a lot of time to do. Truth is, it is a very tedious task because there are so many variants with various features that you need to screen through one by one. It’s your job to find the carpet that suits your own specific needs and wants.

For this reason, we have compiled a review of some of the best boat trailer bunk carpets you can find in the market today. We have also included a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed buying decision. That way, you’ll have a narrowed list of the best choices and a method in which you can pick out the one most suitable for you.

Best Carpet for Boat Trailer Bunks Reviews

1. CE Smith Trailer Roll Carpet Replacement

When it comes to choosing a bunk carpet with custom design and sizes, the CE Smith carpet stands out from the competition. Aside from it being customizable, it is also very versatile and can fit different boat sizes with ease.

Since boats are exposed to the harsh marine environment, opting for a superior quality and durable carpet like CE Smith is paramount. Because this carpet is designed with top notch marine grade fabric material that does not tear or break easily in the marine environment. It can serve you for a very long time and give you value for your money.

Another reason why I would recommend this product is because of its 100% PET polyester construction. The material is breathable and quick drying which ensures that your bunk boards do not become saturated with water. Hence, there will be no growth of mold or mildew which is mostly found on boats as a result of the wet environment.

The high quality rubber backing prevents the carpet from being damaged by weather and wind so that it doesn’t spoil easily.

2. SeaSense Boat Trailer Bunk Padding

The SeaSense Trailer carpet is another great alternative that is designed with quality and comfort in mind. An impressive feature of this product is that it can be used as a carpet or for padding, something that is unheard of in other brands. The padding weighs one pound making it an ideal choice for those that don’t love heavy carpets.

The material used to construct this product is propylene marine material- which is extremely resistant to water and UV. What’s more, the padding is static-free and does not retain water. You can therefore be assured of its durability and the protection it offers your boat against damage and subsequent fading. I especially love that it protects the hull by easing the loading and launching.

Another useful feature is the acrylic backing that offers a good grip and ensures ease of installation. Simply cut the carpet and lay it down. Most importantly, the material is ¼ inches thick and ensures precision in cutting. Therefore, one can easily achieve a custom fit for their boat. Better still, the padding does not fray after cutting and is unlikely to cause any tripping or slipping.

The carpet measures 12 feet long and 12 feet wide.

3. Attwood 11246- 1 Bunk Padding

This is a great product that provides coverage for both trailer bunks and trails. The Attwood bunk padding is designed to offer protection for your hull against any damage that can occur during loading or launching. Unlike ordinary carpets, this carpet is crafted from polypropylene marine carpet material which doesn’t tear down even when exposed to the marine environment.

The material is weather resistant and it offers exceptional protection against damage by wind, water  or any type of harsh weather. The carpet is also fitted with an acrylic backing that provides grip to the surface of the trailer bunks and the trails. I also recommend this product because it is very flexible and simple to install.

Not only that, the carpet is very easy to cut and comes with a custom fit. Before you make your purchase, we recommend measuring the right size of the trailer bunks or rail so you know what size is needed. The carpet is charcoal colored and it has dimensions of 12 by 8 feet.

4. Fulton Replacement Trailer Bunk Carpet

If you are looking for the best bunk carpeting, then Fulton should be your to-go-to brand. Not only do they have a solid reputation for integrity among customers, but they are also known for manufacturing some of the best marine products like the Fulton Replacement Bunk Carpeting. This high quality carpet is made of superior grade that will help you protect your investment.

I especially like the black color which does a job at hiding dirt especially if you don’t like doing regular cleaning. Another great spec about this innovative product is the fact that it prevents scratching. Unlike most brands of boat trailer bunk carpets, the Fulton model offers ultimate protection for your boat against scratches and abuse.

Besides, it can be used for different purposes. Plus, the fact that is both weather and water resistant makes it a suitable choice to use in and out of season. So, whatever time of the year you want to use your boat, this trailer bunk carpeting comes in handy.

5. Lancer Boat Trailer Bunk Carpet

If you want to transform the look of your boat bunk, opt for the Boat Trailer Bunk Carpet by Lancer. This is one of the finest quality universal bunk carpets available in the market that comes with a variety of color choices to choose from. So if you are looking for a carpet color that complements your boats interior and exterior, Lancer boat carpet has it all.

When it comes to weight, this is not your usual bunk carpet. This product is a 20 oz marine bunk carpet, making it an extremely heavy duty bunk type of carpeting. Because of this, it is great for use on both indoor and outdoor applications.

One feature that I find quite helpful is the ravel-resistant feature. Since the carpet is fade resistant and it does not unravel over time like most bunk carpets, you can confident that it will serve you for an extended period of time. It is one of the few bunk carpets that don’t disappoint.

The backing if this product is made from rubber which ensures that your boat deck dry out pretty fast. Consequently, this prevents the growth of mold and mildew which can damage your boat. This makes the Lancer carpet an ideal choice for boats since they are subjected to the marine environment.

6. Tie Down Engineering 86137 Bunk Board Carpet

Is the carpet for your boat trailer bunk worn out and you are looking to replace it? Well, you should consider the Tie Down Engineering Bunk Board Carpet. The Tie Down Engineering Bunk Carpet is an essential material for every boat owner who is looking to replace their worn out trailer bunk carpet.

The carpet measures 11 inches wide and 12 inches long and each roll can wrap around 2” * 4” bunks as well as three sides of 2” * 6” bunks. We appreciate the fact that it is wide enough for almost every purpose.

This boat carpeting is of high quality and you can expect nothing but the best when you install it on your trailer. Aside from being of good quality, it also looks good and will give your boat the fresh new look it deserves.

Another thing that I appreciate about the carpet is its ease of installation.

7. Shoreline Marine Polyester Trailer Bunk Padding

This is a great weather –resistant carpet that is made from polyester material. The manufacturers of this carpet are interested in helping you protect your trailer bunk regardless of the season. You can use the carpet with confidence without worrying about your boat or the bunks getting wet.

In addition, the strong acrylic backing protects the carpet from being damaged by weather, water or wind. For this reason, you can be at peace when you use it in all seasons. Additionally, the rubber backing gives the carpet a good grip and this prevents incidences of slipping or tripping.

I also like that it measures 8” * 12’ and is constructed with marine graded materials. This makes it a superior quality that will serve your trailer bunk for years to come.

8. BoatCarpetSales Black Bunk Carpet

BoatCarpetSales offers you a 12 inch wide bunk carpet that offers complete coverage for 2 * 4 board and partial coverage for 2 * 6 boards. I especially love the 100% PET polyester construction that is high quality and provides exceptional resistance to harsh weather conditions.

Another benefit of this product is that it can prevent the boat from experiencing the effects of harmful UV radiations. This product has UV stabilized construction that protects it from the damaging UV radiation and this enhances its durability. Therefore, if you enjoy a marine lifestyle, you will be pleased to know that this trailer bunk carpet will last for a long period.

Another reason why you should purchase this product is because its installation is pretty straightforward. It can be rolled with ease to fit the trailer bunks that need carpeting. This is thanks to the pre-cut size offered by the manufacturer. Plus, it features a boat carpet kit for easy installation.

In addition, this Black Bunk Carpet features rubber backing that besides making the installation easy ensures superior performance. The rubber backing has minimal water retention and is ideal for glue-down application.

If you don’t intend to do regular cleaning, I would recommend this product. This product comes in black color which does a good job at hiding dirt.

9. One Roll Black Boat Trailer Bunk Carpet

If you are contemplating on replacing you’re the carpet for your trailer bunk, this carpet from Carpet by the Foote is a good place to start. The quality of this carpet is pretty good; this is thanks to its 16oz weight. The carpet comes in black color and it measures 18 inches wide and 18 inches long. This is an impressive size if you have big projects.

Constructed from polypropylene yarn, this carpet is of superior quality and you can use it with a lot of confidence. Besides, you will be pleased to know that it is UV stabilized and it will not fade anytime soon. Additionally, the product is rot resistant and is capable of shedding water.

I especially love the soft polymer rubber backing that renders the carpet durable since it protects it from weather and water damage. This will give you peace of mind as you get to enjoy the carpet for a very long time. What’s more, the rubber backing makes the installation pretty easy and painless.

10. Charcoal Bunk Marine Outdoor Runner Carpet 

This is another carpet by BoatCarpetSales that is great to install on your boat trailer bunks. The Charcoal Bunk Carpet measures 18 inches wide which is ideal for covering 2*6 trailer bunks. As the name suggests, this product is ideal to install on boat runners and it will make a major difference on your boat once installed.

One thing that makes this color stand out is its charcoal color. Besides that, it is constructed from 100% PET polyester. This material is mold resistant, stain resistant and non allergenic by nature. Also, this marine grade carpet is UV stabilized in order to minimize fading and give it durability. In addition, you can use the carpet in any season without worrying since it is weather resistant.

Another spec that stands out is the thermal bond backing that is not only durable but also comes with minimal water retention. Thus, it prevents water from passing through and it also doesn’t retain any water.

What to Look for When Buying a Carpet for Boat Trailer Bunks

Quality of Material

Before you make any buying decision, it is necessary to check the carpet’s quality and texture. The idea boat trailer bunk carpet is made of high quality and dense material to ensure its durability. Also, a superior quality carpet will feature a quality rubber backing to prevent water from damaging your boat.

Size of the Carpet

Basically, carpets designed for boat trailer bunks come in numerous sizes. Hence, it is vital to first measure out the area that you want carpeted before heading out to shop for a carpet. This will help avoid the frustration of realizing that you don’t have enough carpet to complete the job.

Measure out the length of the carpet you will need and use the chart to get your final estimate. It is advisable to purchase about 20 percent more that what is needed for the job.

Weight of the Carpet

Another important consideration to keep in mind is the weight of carpet. Boat carpets usually come with Oz (ounce) ratings to measure their weight. A carpet with a high Oz rating has more dense fibers than with lower Oz ratings. Additionally, carpets with, more weight have better quality and are more durable than their counterparts. However, a downside of weightier carpets is that they come at a higher price. But still, they are worth the value if you need a long lasting product.

Color

Although this factor is often overlooked, it is undoubtedly important. You want to ensure that you pick the right carpet color for your boat; otherwise, you might regret later on. However, choosing the best color for your marine bunk carpet can be difficult because of the wide array of colors available.

A good place to start is opting for a color that matches with the details of your boat, hull, seats, or the décor on board. Besides, you can inquire if the manufacture of the model you are considering is willing to send samples of the colors so you can make your comparison.

Easy Installation

For great efficiency, it is a wise decision to look for a bunker carpet that is easy to install as well as remove. Better yet, look for a carpet that comes with an installation kit as this type will save you time, money and effort. Carpets with rubber back will require a marine adhesive in order to install it.

Quality Glue

As seen above, glue is important to help you install you newly chosen carpet. However, you need to ensure that you choose the right glue, otherwise, you won’t be able to place the carpet properly or you might end damaging the boat.

The best choice for glue is one that is designed for marine use. It should be waterproof and be a good sealant. We recommend using water based marine adhesive because it adheres wells to the rubber backing. Alcohol-based glue deteriorates and loses its strength with time. Before applying the glue, ensure that you get rid of dirt from the bunk and rubber back.

Other Important Factors to Consider

What is Carpet for Trailer Bunks?

A boat trailer bunk carpet is used to provide a smooth surface for the hull when loading or launching the boat. A trailer bunk carpet also protects the hull when the trailer supports the boat during storage or towing. Unlike the common carpet, the trailer bunk carpet is designed with superior quality material that is durable and holds up well in the harsh marine environment. It is designed to endure the damaging UV light and moisture, ensuring that water does not saturate on the board bunks. Thus, you can forget about mold and mildew. The trailer bunk carpet requires regular care and maintenance in order to get rid of dirt and sand that may damage your boat’s finish.

How Does it Work?

The bunk carpet is wrapped around the boards to offer partial or complete coverage. The carpet material is trimmed to fit on the boards in order to allow butt seams. Once properly installed, the bunk carpet will offer a smooth surface that will protect your hull from getting damaged during loading or launching. Since most carpets are breathable and have little water absorption, they will also protect your bunks from getting saturated with water.

What are the Different Types of Carpets for Trailer Bunks?

Trailer bunk carpets come in different styles and designs to suit the style and needs of different individuals. Each type of carpet has its own pros and cons. Here are some of the types of trailer bunk carpets available in the market;

• Rubber Boat Bunk Carpet

The rubber carpeting is a great choice for those that are torn in between price and quality. Not only is it attractive, but it is also very comfortable and slip resistant. However, this type of flooring is prone to damage when exposed to direct sunlight.

• PVS Trailer Bunk Carpet

This type of carpet is very compact one of the best options available in the market. A PVS carpet is waterproof and offers protection against mold and mildew. Plus, it is very easy to install. A downside however is that this carpet is on the expensive side. Also, it is not UV stable and it shouldn’t be placed on direct sunlight.

• Vinyl Trailer Bunk Carpet

An advantage of the vinyl carpet is that it is slip resistant and the installation is rather easy. However, it needs proper care and maintenance, especially during sunny days.

Why Do You Need a Carpet for Trailer Bunks?

Using a carpet that will protect your trailer bunk is important. There are numerous benefits if using a carpet for trailer bunks as seen below:

Offers Protection- A good quality bunk board carpet will protect your hull against damage while you are loading, storing, launching, towing or even trailering your boat.

Durability- With a heavy-duty bunk carpet, your trailer will be protected for a long time. Also, your boat will be protected from unnecessary scratches and damages. Additionally, you will enjoy efficiency with a weather resistant and high grade carpet.

Security- The best carpets for boat trailer bunks come with a durable rubber backing that offers effective surface grip. This reduces the chances of slipping or tripping.

Great Maintenance– Another advantage of a trailer bunk carpet is that it makes maintenance easy. Since most carpets are easy to install and remove, you can clean them once in a while. This helps to protect the trailer bunks from rust, sunlight and mold that could damage them.

Longevity- Unlike the ordinary carpeting, the bunk carpet does not tear easily especially when in the marine environment. Because of this, it is bound to serve you for a long period of time without needing to do a bunk carpet replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the most trusted trailer bunk carpet brands?

When it comes to trailer bunk carpets, there is a plethora of brands to choose from. These include:

BoatCarpetSales- If you want a durable bunk carpet made from the marine grade, then this brand should be on top of your list. You can never go wrong with their 12 inch wide black carpet that will make your old boards attain a brand new look.

Tie Down Engineering- This is great brand to consider is you are looking for a high quality boat trailer carpet replacement. One thing that makes this brand stand out is the fact that their product is wide enough to provide complete coverage and also comes in a modular form to offer partial coverage.

Fulton- This is another leading brand that offers the best bunk carpeting in the market. Their products are very innovative, can be used for various purposes and above all, they are designed to protect your boat from scratching.

Q: What are marine bunk carpets made of?

A: Marine bunk carpets are made from various materials like marine grade, polyester and polypropylene. However, the most popular material choice is polypropylene. The polypropylene material provides great protection for the hull when the boat is being loaded. The fibers of this material are bound together by polyvinyl (PVB), which is a thin resin membrane that resembles rubber. The other reason why polypropylene is a popular choice for marine bunk carpet is because it comes with UV protection and it quick drying.

On the other hand, the polyester material is a great choice for use in marine environment. By nature, this product is resistant to stains and moulds. It can therefore survive the harsh marine environment and weather.

Q: How to choose the right size?

A: Choosing the right size of carpet for your trailer bunk is extremely important. As seen above, various trailer bunk carpets come with different sizes. Although most carpets come with a width of about 6 to 8f, there is a wide range of length to choose from when it comes to length. Hence, there is need to find the right size for your application.

Before you do anything else, you will first want to find the length of the area that needs to be carpeted. You can use a ruler or a measuring tape to measure the surface. Use the estimates to calculate the size of carpet that will be required for the job. Once you know the carpet sizing needed, it is advisable to slightly add to it so that the carpet can fit like a glove.

Q: How to install and use?

If you are looking to install your boat trailer bunk carpet, here are some step-by-step instructions to guide you:

• Begin by unbolting the bunk board from the trailer and remove the existing carpet is there is any. Get rid of any debris or glue before you apply the new carpet. This step will not be necessary if you are using new bunk boards.
• The next step is to measure the surface where you will fit your carpet. This will give you an idea of the correct size of carpet to purchase.
• Before rolling out your carpet on the trailer bunks, it is advisable to insert the bolts to the holes on your bunk board. This allows you to apply the carpet on top of the bolt and as a result, reduces the chances of your boat scratching.
• Once you have purchased the bunk carpet of your choice, the next step is to carpet them down on your trailer bunks. For this step, you may choose to staple the carpeting or glue it down. If you are installing a new carpet, stapling it would be a great idea.

If you opt for the glue method, makes sure that you choose high quality marine glue that is water adhesive and will connect well with the rubber backing and the trailer bunk. Before applying the glue, make certain that you clean the surface and the rubber back from debris in order to make the process seamless.

• When you have cut your new carpet to size, lay it out and let the rubber backing face upwards. Then position the bunk board on the edge of the carpet and ensure that you have left enough space on either end. Begin rolling out the new carpet on the board until it is covered entirely. Staple down after every 2 to 3 inches to ensure a secure fit.

Q: How to clean and care?

A: Care and maintenance of trailer  bunk carpets is very essential especially if you want it to last for an extended period of time. Bunk carpets can be a great investment and proper care and maintenance will not only increase their lifespan but also make your boat look dazzling. Maintaining you boat carpet is not a daunting task as many people tend to believe.

Here are some steps on how to clean ad care for your bunk carpet.

1. Use a vacuum to get rid of any loose dirt or debris on the surface of the carpet.
2. Use a garden hose to wet and saturate thoroughly the surface on the carpet to be cleaned.
3. The next step is to apply your cleaner one section at a time. For the cleaner, you can choose to use a solution of soap and water or a mixture of vinegar and water. If you are looking to remove spots on the carpet, a carpet spot remover would be handy.
4. Once you have applied your cleaner, use a soft to medium brush to lift away the dirt. We recommend working section by section beginning from the front going backwards. Saturate the carpet as needed to get rid of soil.
5. Use clean water to rinse the area as you continue to scrub it.
6. When you are happy with the results, use a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner to suck up the excess moisture. Then let your boat sit in the sun for a while to allow the carpet to dry completely.
7. The final step is use a medium bristle brush to fluff the carpet and allow it to dry. We recommend putting it under the shade to prevent the colors from fading.

Note: Do not take your boat carpet to the car wash as the high pressure nozzle could burn the carpet’s plastic fibers. It is also not advisable to use a power washer as the high pressure spray is likely to destroy the glue bond.

Q: What is the warranty?

The warranty for various trailer bunk carpet brands vary from one brand to brand. Nonetheless, most brands offer a warranty of around 3 to 5 years. The warranty guarantees that the carpet will not fade or degrade during the intended use as a result of defect in workmanship or the materials.

Q: Where to buy?

Choosing the right type of trailer bunk carpet is without doubt an effective way of ensuring that the hull is protected from damage at all times. In order to ensure this though, there is need to purchase the carpet from a reliable and trustworthy supplier that offers a wide range of high quality marine products.

Basically, there are numerous suppliers in the market where you can purchase your boat trailer bunk carpets including the West Marine and Cabela’s. But one supplier that really stands out in the industry is Amazon. Amazon is a reliable supplier that has been in the industry for years and they are known for providing top notch bunk carpets from leading brands like SeaSense, Fulton, Shoreline marine and Tie Down Engineering.

Conclusion

Whether you are finding a replacement or your old bunker carpet or you are putting a new bunk carpet altogether, this review for best carpet for boat trailer bunks comes in handy. A high quality trailer bunk carpet will not only improve the appearance of your boards, but also offer protection from the damaging marine environment. You should also consider important factors such as size, weight, color, quality of material and many more in order to ensure that you get the most out of your investment.

Dave L. Beaton

I am Dave, Marine Talk’s content creator. Boating experiences matter when planning a boat trip for your family or going by yourself. Therefore, I am here to tackle all things relevant to boating so even the inexperienced ones can start their boating safely.