Bunk sizing & location

[datawire]

My 22' Deck boat is sitting on a modified (by others) pontoon boat trailer. Besides sitting to one side in the rear, it is a royal pain to load. I've looked everywhere trying to find sizing and location info - to no avail. Any suggestions?

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: Bunk sizing & location

Try posting a picture of your boat and trailer, then we will have some idea what you are working with, different hull designs need different support. Welcome to the forum

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Bunk sizing & location

As another suggestion, go to a local boat dealer or other place where a bunch of boats are parked on trailers. Try to find one very similar to yours (identical would be best of course). I think you'll find that there's not a whole lot of variety in the type, number and placement of bunks across a wide variety of trailers and boats. This will probably give you an idea of how to set up your trailer. Also, talk to the boat shop rigging guys - if you're going to buy the parts from them, they should be willing to help you figure out what you need.

 

[datawire]

Re: Bunk sizing & location

Had given up on getting any reply, and just blindly started ordering stuff. With the help of a 2 trucks, a tree, a stack of lumber, 2 come-alongs, a floor jack, and a lot of sweat... I got the boat back in the middle of the trailer. I've got enough stuff to put 2-12' 2x6s and 2-12' 2x4s under the hull. I'm just not sure if I'm going to have enough support under the engine. The boat has to set really high on the trailer to clear the fenders, and I'm wondering if some kind of keel roller(s) might be needed. The hull is odd shaped (I'll post some pictures), with a vee in front and flat in the center at the back. The engine is a 351 OMC Cobra and must weigh a ton. Sorry to be long winded - but I'm anxious to get this project finished. If my wife and I can't launch and retrieve this thing by ourselves... it's worthless to us.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Bunk sizing & location

Datawire, its difficult to make suggestions as their are many variables. Some manufacturers design boats specifically for keel support ('dog bone' keel rollers), some don't.<br /><br />Try contacting the manufacturer to get more specific ideas. Also take a trip to the local boat ramp on the weekend - should find scores of empty trailers to compare.<br /><br />I have a 23ft 302 glass boat and its damn heavy but my wife and I manage because the trailer is set up correctly for my boat. The boat sits between the fenders not on top and I have 12 keel rollers, the boat just rests on the side bunks - the bunks dont take any weight, they just steady the boat (this differs from boat to boat). I have to half float it to launch and the same to retrieve but I can drive on and off because of guides. Be absolutely sure of your bunk placement, you dont want the wrong area supported.<br /><br />Dont despair, once its set up right you'll have many a good outing.<br /><br />Pictures will definetly help.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[datawire]

Re: Bunk sizing & location

Dunaruna, I'm just ready to get some use out of what I'm pouring money into!! I would love to contact the mfg. - G.W. Invader - but they went belly up in 98 I think. This is a 94 model Rivera 220 Gold, and I'm having no luck finding any info on it. The first (and last) time we had it in the water I had the ramp tied up for over 45 minutes trying to get it to sit on the trailer properly. Finally gave up and brought it home off-center. It MUST have been set on the trailer with a lift when I bought it - I CAN trailer a boat... just not this one.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Bunk sizing & location

I had the same problem when I bought my boat. The trailer was a 'home made' and it was useless. My boats manufacturer was also out of business (small boat builder retired). I was ready to purchase a multi roller beast (close to $10,000) when someone suggest I do a bit of homework first.<br /><br />I had no idea about bunks & rollers & keel support etc. So I asked questions and looked at other trailers and generally annoyed anyone who I thought might know a thing or two about trailers and boats.<br /><br />It took 6 months to decide on my current rig and I learned heaps - I built it myself (one of my very few talents is mig welding) and could not be happier with the outcome.<br /><br />I saw plenty of damaged hulls in my travels due to very badly designed trailers - thats why I mentioned keel support versus bunk support. I actually tracked down the original owner (retired 1982 - now 92 years old) of the business and had a lengthy (4 hr) phone conversation on the topic of trailers. He built his boats for 100% keel support. Its important you attempt to do the same investigating because your frustration with multiply if you punch a hole in the hull.<br /><br />You mentioned that yours is flat towards the stern - lets see some pictures, maybe others here have the same or similar design.<br /><br />Just as a side note - some older flat bottoms were never designed for trailering. Maybe a permanent wet berth may solve your problem if convenient and cost effective.<br /><br />P.S. Your comment about pouring money into.........Welcome to boating. Bring Out Another Thousand<br /><br /><br />Aldo