1.1 Before and After Installation Photo

Thank you for choosing Gatorbak Bunk Covers. Made in the USA from our proprietary synthetic blend, our covers are built from 100% virgin materials and backed by a 3-year warranty. Don’t forget to register your warranty on Gatorbaks' WARRANTY & PRODUCT REGISTRATION page.

Instruction download and print formatted is available here:
      

Before You Begin
- These instructions apply to GBXXX models.

Tools Required/Recommended:

- Gatorbak Bunk Covers (sized to fit your boards)

- 1" #10 stainless self-drilling screws (wood) or self-tapping screws (metal)

- Utility knife, snips, or chop saw

- Power drill with 1/8" drill bit

- Tape measure, marking pencil

- Clamps

- Tools for removing/installing bunk boards

Optional tools may be helpful for specific methods.

Fig 1.2 Common Installation tools

Warning; this guide recommends the use of various tools and or power tools for installation. Be sure that all appropriate safety precautions are used to avoid injury to persons or equipment. Follow all manufacturers recommendations of tool use at all times.

Step 1: Prep Your Bunk Boards

- Measure boards to confirm proper fit.

- Allow treated lumber to dry before installing.

- Trim to fit as needed.

- Mark bracket positions on the backside for reference.

Tips:

- Prep new boards ahead of time and swap them at the ramp.

- Switch to stainless carriage bolts if replacing lag bolts.

- Replace old hardware and treat any rust or corrosion.

FIG 1.3 Decide if you will replace bunk covers on or off the trailer

Step 2: Fit the Covers

- Flat End Cap: Cover should be flush with board ends. Trim excess.

- Fold-Over End Cap: Leave 1½"–2" overhang to fold and secure.

FIG 2 Plan how the end of your bunk covers will appear when completed

Step 3: Fasten One Side

- Clamp the cover snugly to the board.

- Start screwing ½"–¾" from the end, then place a second screw ~1" from the first.

- Continue spacing screws every 6".

- Use only side screws—no upward screws to protect your hull.

FiG 3 Left, Note the screw placement for the end of the bunk board. Right, Attaching the cover with screws along the side

Tips:

- Pilot drill holes to 1¼" depth for cleaner installation.

- Mark screw locations with your tape every 6".

See FIG 3.1 for proper screw insertion.

FIG 3.1 The screw on the left has been installed too tightly. The screw on the right has been installed correctly and just begins to bind the Bunk material.

Plus Series Notes

- Use screws or wide-crown ¾" staples (16 gauge) along the bottom.

- Staples every 4", screws follow standard side pattern.

- Screws are easier to remove for maintenance.

 See FIG 3.2 for proper Staple and screw insertion on Plus Series Covers.

FIG 3.2 The screw example on the right and the Staple example on the left Show Mounting Details for Plus Series covers. These applications for hardware are used for all E Plus and Plus series Gatorbak Synthetic bunk covers models.

Step 4: Fasten the Other Side

- Mark and mirror screw placement from the first side.

- Clamp, pilot drill, and screw into place.

FIG 4 Screw placements are marked and screws are installed. Right, you can see a Drill being used to Pre-Drill a location for a screw. Use a smaller drill bit to allow the screws to grip properly when installed.

Step 5: End Cap Options
You can construct flat end caps or fold over end caps from excess bunk material. Additional Flat style end caps and the Molded Style premium end caps can be purchased separately.

A. Flat End Cap:

- Attach directly to board ends, trimming excess material.

B. Recessed Flat End Cap:

- Mount flat cap first, then overlap cover by ½".

C. Fold-Over End Cap:

- Leave overhang, trim side ribs, fold over, and screw into end.

- Score back ribs to bend more easily.

- Clamp top side while folding for cleaner results.

After fully installing the mounting screws for the Gatorbak synthetic bunk cover Trim side legs, fold over edge, and attach to end of bunk board with screws.

FiG 5.1 Shows the steps needed to complete the fold Over Method

Tip-&-Tricks

- Score the ribs or back edge to make folding easier.

- Place end-cap screws between ribs to hide heads.

- Use painted screws for a cleaner look.

- Clamp the top of the bunk for a precise fold.

- Covers can wrap under the end; file rib edges for a smoother finish.

- After loading the boat, loosen pivot mounts so bunks settle to the hull, then retighten.

D. Premium Molded End Caps:

- Align and screw into place so the full bunk length matches your original board length.

Gatobak Bunk Use
Some break-in of the ribs is typical, When you first begin Using your new bunks you may see areas of your bunks that will wear a little more than others. This is typical and once the new parts and the vessel have gone through a few loading cycles together this will subside. Often times high spots on the boards or in the bunk cradle will show these areas.

In the event that the wear is showing in places where this is not the case, some adjustment may be necessary.

While the boat is loaded and centered on the chines where it should be, loosen the bunk assembly bolts to allow the bunks to align themselves with the hull (for proper tilt). Gatorbak bunk covers allow you to see the true fit of your bunks to your vessel. In some cases the bunks can be installed with spacers to allow a precise fit. Once the best fit is achieved, be sure to re-tighten all hardware to recommended torque specifications,

Caring for Your Gatorbak Bunk Covers

Maintaining your Gatorbak bunks is simple and helps extend their life. Our covers are built with UV and anti-fungal protection, so they hold up well against sun, moisture, and outdoor elements.

Before each launch or retrieval, inspect your bunks for dirt, sand, or debris. Even small particles can cause unnecessary abrasion to your hull over time. A quick rinse with water usually does the trick. For deeper cleaning, use a soft brush and mild detergent. Regular cleaning helps ensure a smooth surface and prevents buildup from extended trailering or storage.

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Loading & Hull Protection

Gatorbak covers are made from a synthetic material that’s softer than your boat’s finish, offering reliable protection during loading and trailering. You may notice slight “rub-off” marks—similar to pencil eraser marks—on your hull. These are normal and can be wiped away with a damp cloth or removed with standard hull cleaner if needed.

Loading feel may vary slightly depending on ramp conditions, hull design, and which Gatorbak cover you use. Some users find Gatorbak slightly grippier than carpet, while others say it’s slicker. The XP Series provides the smoothest glide, especially when wet.

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Power Loading Guidelines

We do not recommend power loading (using throttle to push the boat onto the trailer) or dry loading. These methods can damage your boat, trailer, or vehicle—and may void your warranty.

Warranty Notes:

Power loading voids the warranty on Gatorbak Lift and HD Series Covers.

XP Series Covers (made after March 2019) allow power loading with wet bunks.

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General Loading Tips

Ramp conditions vary, but here’s a reliable process:

1. Back the trailer in until bunks are fully wet.

2. Pull forward slightly so bunk tops are just above the waterline.

3. Gently drive or guide the boat onto the trailer.

4. Attach the winch strap and pull the boat into the stop.

5. Secure your transom and safety straps.

Note: Gatorbak defines power loading as aggressive throttle use. Loading under power at idle speed is acceptable and will not affect your warranty.