Bunk Size - I need a shout out...QUICK!

[Kymasabe]

I just bought a new trailer for my boat, '83 Cobia Sunskiff 156, center console fishing boat, not too heavy, maybe 1000 lbs. The new trailer came with two 5-ft long 2x4 carpetted bunks. They just look too small and flimsy. My old trailer has 6-ft long 4x4's.

The question is...what should I replace them with? I'm going to go 8-ft long and was thinking of a 2x6 carpetted bunk, or should I do 4x4 again? Or better yet 4x6's...but they weigh a ton and is probably overkill for a small boat like mine so...

What say you all? What size lumber?
What size boat do you all have and what lumber is on your trailer?
(those with roller bunks need not waste their time on this post).

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Bunk Size - I need a shout out...QUICK!

Bunk lenght doesn't really matter as long as you can have the correct tongue weight and balance for safe towing. I suppose it depends on what brackets you have and the trailer frame lenght. I like the 3 x 6 verticles. IF you go longer you'll be ready for the next bigger boat.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Bunk Size - I need a shout out...QUICK!

The longer the bunks, the better the support. Our 15 foot deep vee, has 2 x 4s flat, about 6 feet long. Boat has yet to see water, since we have started restoring it, and just needed the trailer to store it on, so when it starts getting used, we will probably replace them with longer ones. Our 18 foot alumacraft will have 10 foot long 2 x 6s flat. Our 14 footer will have 8 footers, flat, our 12 footer has 5 foot 2 x 4 bunks, on edge, but they will get changed soon. Go as long as you possibly can. With enough supports, you can put them flat, and they will hold the boat better.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bunk Size - I need a shout out...QUICK!

i usually go with 6 feet as the contour of the hull usually does not contact the total 6 feet. as far as 2x4 or 2x6 depends on the spacing of the brackets. if the space between the brackets is over 3 feet go to 2x6, i always allow an extra 6 inches beyond the stern, this allow me the adjust the boat on the trailer. on a long trip, stuff usually gets thrown in the boat, that is not normally there. thus i adjust for the tongue weight.

 

[clemsonfor]

Re: Bunk Size - I need a shout out...QUICK!

i have an 86 cobia sunskiff and i have 2x4 bunks on their side and there about 6-8 ft long!

-nate

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Bunk Size - I need a shout out...QUICK!

i think that 4x4 are over kill unless you need the hight for clearance.
if you go to 2x6 make sure the extra width will conform to the curve of the hull. not a problem in the curve is in the center and not touching to out side edges. but if the curve is the other way you will have the boat resting on just the coners of bunk.
found out the hard way and got to do mine twice.