Bunk Boards

[sfelts]

OK just got a new boat. 1983 ebbtide catalina. The guy I bought the boat off of must have replaced the bunk boards and did not carpet them. So my first launch is this weekend and I would like to replace the baords and carpet them. My question is would it be ok to use 2x4's? It has 2x6's on it right now. Im asking because I already have the carpet for 2x4's.

 

[ClassyGlassy]

Re: Bunk Boards

Do you have rollers along the keel? If you don't have rollers along the keel for support then your bunks are what is supporting your boat. I would play it safe and get 2x6s if they are what's supporting your boat. IF you have rollers along the keel then by all means use the 2x4s.......

 

[Expidia]

Re: Bunk Boards

Tough to answer with so little info. Like weight of the boat etc. Quality ie. hardness of your 2 x 4's etc.

Was this the original trailer that came with this boat?

Don't forget years ago stuff like wood and the hardware that mounts the bunks to the trailer was beefier and of better quality. Now days even your 2 x 4's don't measure out at that. They are probably 2 x 3's just guessing.

You might want to add a roller in the front and back on the trailer for added support if you are going with thinner stock and if there are no rollers on there now.

I added two of these "self centering" style rollers to my trailer for added support and ease of retrieving. Before only the front had a roller the other was a cheap plastic pad!

 

[sfelts]

Re: Bunk Boards

Hmmm, well I do have three rollers I think. One in the back middle and front. Te boat isnt touching the one in the back though. Thanks for the replies. Im guessing I will just replace them with 2x6's

 

[marcortez]

Re: Bunk Boards

Should be easy enough to find some old carpet chunks that will wrap around a 2x6.
A 2x6 will give you a little bit more lateral support on the hull.
More support is a good thing

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Bunk Boards

Pressure treated 2X6's carpeted, new plated bolts in hand, cordless drill, deep sockets, cordless sawzall w/metal blade for the inevitable rusted existing bolt. Float the boat over to a dock or the beach, drag the trailer back to the parking lot and get to work! My four bunk boards took about an hour to swap. Easy if you've got the new bunks already built, just drill up through the existing brackets and bolt 'em on!

 

[sasquatchfound]

Re: Bunk Boards

What type of carpet is best for the bunks? I have to replace mine as well.




Thanks, shane

 

[ClassyGlassy]

Re: Bunk Boards

any marine style rubber backed carpet will work. You can purchase kits specifically for bunks now!

 

[Expidia]

Re: Bunk Boards

Hmmm, well I do have three rollers I think. One in the back middle and front. Te boat isnt touching the one in the back though. Thanks for the replies. Im guessing I will just replace them with 2x6's

.

Boat mostly never touches that back roller anyway. Maybe when you nose in the bow on a shallow ramp but once it hits thee bunks it does use the back roller.

Most marine stores and iboats sell rolls of marine grade carpet already cut for the width.

I'd use stainless steel staples the ones thick enough to tap on with a hammer.