By Ultra High

In Boat Trailer Tutorials

Difference Between Carpet and Plastic Boat Trailer Bunks

One of the questions we often get asked by readers and customers is the important question; What is the difference between carpet boat trailer bunks and plastic boat trailer bunk guides.

The aim of this article is to highlight the main properties and differences of each material so you can see how and when each boat trailer bunk can and should be used and why.

In America; boat trailers around the country rely primary on a bunk setup to help launch and retrieve boats. It is important to use the correct materials on your boat trailer to enable a quick, easy and efficient launch and retrieve at the boat ramp. 

Carpet Boat Trailer Bunks

Carpet boat trailer bunks are traditionally designed to be used on fiberglass boat hulls. Marine carpet is generally made out of a polypropylene material which is actually the same as plastic boat trailer keel rollers and other bunk cover profiles just in a different form. The overall properties of the two are very similar in nature.

Carpet boat trailer bunk use with aluminium boat hulls: In the past, only available to boat owners in the US were carpet boat bunk guides. When using carpet with aluminium hulls, you are shortening the lifespan of your bunks. Due to the carpet profile, aluminium hulls cause friction when launching and retrieving. Your boat will be hard to push or pull onto your boat trailer, and eventually the carpet will begin to rip or tear which can cause damage to your boats hull and trailer costing you alot more money to repair.

Carpet boat trailer bunk use with fiberglass hulls: For boat owners with fiberglass hulls; whether you own a bot or jet ski is often the preferred material to support your vessels hull. Often viewed as a more ideal material as it is softer in nature it is believed to protect the fiberglass gel coat and allow for a more gentle launch and retrieve. Over time; friction between the two materials can occur and your carpet will begin to deteriorate which will mean you will need to replace your bunk carpet. With proper care of your vessel and boat trailer, Fiberglass hulls can enjoy a simply use when using carpet boat bunks.

Plastic Boat Trailer Bunks

Although reasonably new to the US boating market, plastic boat trailer bunks are perfect for use with aluminium boat hulls and trailers. Plastic boat trailer bunks manufactured by Ultra High Plastics are made out of polypropylene material. Plastic boat bunk guides allow for aluminium hulls to rest better while in transit on the boat trailer to and from the boat ramp. When in the water, the properties of both materials (polypropylene plastic and aluminium boat hulls) allows for a quick and easy launch. Many boat owners who use plastic boat trailer bunks often find they only need to touch their boats and they come sliding off with little to no effort when launching. When retrieving; the boat owner can winch or drive their boat back onto their trailer again with little to no effort at all. 

Unlike carpet bunks which act as resistance to aluminium hulls when launching and retrieving, plastic boat bunks do the opposite. The two materials are designed to work with each other. Unlike carpet which tends to rip and tear over time, plastic is designed to do the opposite and offer the boat owner a much longer life span and easier use when operated correctly. 

Plastic boat trailer bunk guides by Ultra High are UV resistant & extruded using virgin materials makes them perfect for use in all weather conditions. Ultra High has started developing boat trailer parts for the Australian boat trailer market over 30 years ago and is now the industry standard product for use on boat trailers for aluminium boats. 

Which Material Is Better To Use? Carpet or Plastic Bunk Guide Material?

It is the opinion of many that; if you own an aluminium boat, jon boat, bass boat, fishing boat — you should use plastic bunks to help support and launch / retrieve your vessel. Long life, UV resistant, tough and durable, naturally slippery (no lubricants required) & less likely to crack, split or tear like carpet bunks help make these boat trailer parts perfect for use.  

If you own a fiberglass boat, due to the softer designed profile, it is often found that many boat owners prefer marine carpet. Despite being harder to launch and retrieve, marine carpet is often more gentle on the gel coating of your boat which can help you save costs in the long run if it were to get damaged at all. 

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