bunks for an inboard boat

[jfw432]

This is really a question about a boat lift instead of a trailer but I figured this might be the best forum to ask in.

I have a Hewitt Hi-Lift boat lift at my dock (http://www.hewitt-roll-a-dock.com/lifts07/vertical.html). It looks like picture 2 in the gallery and has the capacity to lift this boat. The lifts are really designed for outboard or inboard/outboard boats with smooth bottom hulls though. I have an inboard Dixie Super Skier 299 and the skegs stick out of the center and would hit the crossbars on this kind of lift. I put some 2"x6"x12' bunks on top of the original no skid 2"x6"x12" pads that came with the lift to better support the boat. After some quick measurements though, even that extra height isn't going to be enough.

Is there anything else I can do other than add more wood spacers to raise the bunks up? I'm worried about raising it too much since the bolts holding the bunks would get longer and more prone to bending/flexing under load. At the same time though, if I just barely clear the cross bar, there is a much greater risk of screwing something up one day which will cost a ton.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: bunks for an inboard boat

I bet your not the first to put an inboard boat on their lift.
I bet they have made and sell optional crossmembers that have a dip in the center to provide the clearance you need.
Just not listed in their catalog.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: bunks for an inboard boat

What if you got some (four?) 6" long pieces of square or rectagular aluminum tubing.

How ever high you want to raise the bunks, within reason, like 4" x 6"?.

Then bolt the tubing to the original bunk bracket.

Then bolt the bunks to the tube?

 

[jfw432]

Re: bunks for an inboard boat

I bet your not the first to put an inboard boat on their lift.
I bet they have made and sell optional crossmembers that have a dip in the center to provide the clearance you need.
Just not listed in their catalog.

I have given something like that some consideration. I think if I were to really do that, it'd be a custom job though. The company may sell/make something like that. However, after looking at the companies other accessories, I'm sure it'd be around the $1000 mark and there are many other options for that kind of money.

 

[jfw432]

Re: bunks for an inboard boat

What if you got some (four?) 6" long pieces of square or rectagular aluminum tubing.

How ever high you want to raise the bunks, within reason, like 4" x 6"?.

Then bolt the tubing to the original bunk bracket.

Then bolt the bunks to the tube?

I've thought about this as well. The bunks are supported by aluminum plates that sandwich around the lift and around the bunk mount. I could order some longer flat metal bars, cut the corners, and be done. Just trying to get options so I can weigh the costs vs effectiveness.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: bunks for an inboard boat

If it were me, I would do as suggested in the trailer for inboard thread.
Figure how much more clearance you want.
Then take the rear crossmember of the lift and have it converted to a dropped center crossmember.

Chop chop weld, done.

 

[jfw432]

Re: bunks for an inboard boat

After digging through crossmembers, I think a very easy option would be to cut a section of the back crossmember and splice in another one of greater thickness below it. U-bolts would be easiest but I may have to splice it in with additional metal plate if I can't find u bolts that long.

The only downside is the lower crossmember will always be in the water but I guess that's not a huge deal since half the lift is always in the water.