bunk bracket, is this safe to install

[boater83]

I am planning to replace the bunks and the brackets holding them. They no longer carry the style with the holes as shown on the right (more reliable in my opinion, can't slide anywhere). Instead, just the one on the left. I am worry once the boat is loaded, the bracket will be pushed down due to the heavy load, and thus the bolt will slide to the top end position. Do you think this will be an issue? Thanks.

 

[roscoe]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

If you are worried about it moving, put a big old star washer, then a flat washer, then the nut.
If the star washer has a decent flat mating surface for the nut, you won't need the flat washer.


Looks like you could lower it down a couple inches anyway.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

That's what is on my trailer (with the star washer). Hasn't ever budged from the installed position.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

I've got bunches of those new style brackets http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2355.jpg and haven't had any issues.

 

[boater83]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

I've got bunches of those new style brackets http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2355.jpg and haven't had any issues.

Thanks good to know. Did you use any additional washers? Mine comes with a two big washers and nuts for each U bolt. Thanks.

 

[boater83]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

Should the adjustable swivel brackets that get screw to the bunks be adjusted and tightens\ all the way as well once the boat is loaded on, should I leave it loose ? Thanks.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

Thanks good to know. Did you use any additional washers? Mine comes with a two big washers and nuts for each U bolt. Thanks.

Nope.

Should the adjustable swivel brackets that get screw to the bunks be adjusted and tightens\ all the way as well once the boat is loaded on, should I leave it loose ? Thanks.

Tightened them. They will flop some way bad if you don't.

 

[boater83]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

Thanks all. Great advice.

 

[CoffeeHound]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

Am i missing something here ?? Do I see bolt holes on the left and right side of the new bracket ?? Why the heck not use them rather than trying to use the slider holes in the center ??

 

[ezmobee]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

Am i missing something here ?? Do I see bolt holes on the left and right side of the new bracket ?? Why the heck not use them rather than trying to use the slider holes in the center ??

Those aren't holes. They're bumps to prevent them from sliding when tightened down.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

Further to those bumps; if you mount so that the flat side of the new bracket mates to the OTHER side of the c-channel in your frame, those bumps catch the edge of the c-channel and prevent sliding.

BTW, IMO the slide-hole brackets are better. With a jack and a socket wrench, you can fine-tune your bunk heights very easily, even with the boat on the trailer.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

I was just going to say that ajgraz you beat me to it, place the bumps on the channel side and use washers on the nut side to make up for the gap in the slide, it should be just fine, remember the bracket needs to be close to vertical but not exactly vertical seat the channel between the bumps on the bracket and use the pivot bolt to make up the difference.

 

[boater83]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

Further to those bumps; if you mount so that the flat side of the new bracket mates to the OTHER side of the c-channel in your frame, those bumps catch the edge of the c-channel and prevent sliding.

BTW, IMO the slide-hole brackets are better. With a jack and a socket wrench, you can fine-tune your bunk heights very easily, even with the boat on the trailer.

Apologize if I am ignorant, but I don't see the picture you are suggesting. Is what I have currently pictured not the same idea? Note that it does comes with two big washers that I didn't include in the picture for each U bolt.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

your bracket in the picture should go on the other side of the beam, it is 180 degrees backwards, the two rows of bumps keep the bunk bracket from slipping down the Uchannel beam

 

[boater83]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

your bracket in the picture should go on the other side of the beam, it is 180 degrees backwards, the two rows of bumps keep the bunk bracket from slipping down the Uchannel beam

LippCJ7, thanks for explaining. I've included a picture. I believe this is what you guys are recommending if I have a C beam correct? Idea is to let the bumps latch on the open side of the C beam?
(RED is the U Bolt, circles are the nuts.

If my beam is not open (sealed beam with no open), then either side will work , is that correct? Thanks.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

Absolutely!!

I wish I had your computer skills LOL

 

[boater83]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

Absolutely!!

I wish I had your computer skills LOL

Lol just use paint in windows, pretty simple to use .

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

So is texting wanna hear how long it took me to figure that out!!

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: bunk bracket, is this safe to install

It will work fine mounted on either side of the channel. Just go with whatever position works out best for you. The nubs are designed to increase friction when bearing against the flat side of the channel (as would be the case if you were mounting on a box section).

If you were using mounting holes drilled through the channel (instead of the U bolts) you would have to mount on the flat side to avoid distorting the bracket when torquing it down.