Proper length of bunks ?

[Cap'n Chaos]

I just bought a 1986 12' Highlander trailer and the bunks / accompanying hardware is shot, completely rotted / rusted through. I'm going to be replacing it with SS or galvanized hardware and treated 2x4.

My question is how long do my bunks need to be to properly distrubute the weight / support my boat?

I have a 1986 12' Lowe "River Jon" (aluminum flat bottom). With motor / gear its only about 250 lbs.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Proper length of bunks ?

I would go with 3' to 4' long bunks. Don't use Pressure Treated lumber with an aluminum hulled boat. The copper used to treat the wood will cause pitting of the aluminum.

 

[Floatsum]

Re: Proper length of bunks ?

I would go with 3' to 4' long bunks. Don't use Pressure Treated lumber with an aluminum hulled boat. The copper used to treat the wood will cause pitting of the aluminum.

Even painted with rug?

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Proper length of bunks ?

Your probably ok if their carpeted, but I'd paint them to give and extra barrier between the wood and the hull since they will be getting wet. On mine, I use PT wood, and coat the wood well in adhesive, then glue and stainless staple the carpet onto the bunks. They pretty much will last forever that way.

I've not run across many factory bunks that were pressure treated. I have also used cedar or redwood for bunks, it holds up well over time and there's no risk of corrosion. Those plastic bunk slides are also a good option over the wood. Either the strips or the one's that cover the whole board.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Proper length of bunks ?

Wood is cheap why risk it. I used cedar for my bunks.