Can Pressure Treated Bunk Boards Damage Boat Pontoons

Updated 08/04/2021 | Published 08/03/2021

Question:

I have been reading different things about pressure treated lumber for carpeted bunks. Will the pressure treatment soak through the carpet and damage my pontoons?

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

I've never had any bleed through that damaged the hulls of my PWC's but for pontoons (presumably stainless) there is some concern. The CCA used to pressure treat wood several years ago was very corrosive to stainless steel, from what I read the ACQ that's now used is nowhere near as corrosive, but could still cause some problems.

In the forums, I saw that several folks have used non-pressure treated lumber like southern yellow pine with good results and durability, if I were in your place, that's what I'd do.

The CE Smith # CE11372 deluxe marine-grade bunk carpet you'd looked at would work great for a standard 2x4 bunk up to 12 feet long.

expert reply by: Mike L