changed to bunk, now its too short

[jonesg]

I got a decent EZloader for my 20' boat, the rollers looked a bit rough so I changed it to bunks , but I didn't notice that the rollers extend 16 inches past the back of the frame.

I cut the bunks to terminate 3 inches past the end of the frame,
problem is, when the boat is winched on, the bow is almost over the ball hitch.

So its too far fwd. I'm sure its tongue heavy because of this.

Question, is it feasible to use rollers AND bunks?
Should I try reinstalling the rear rollers, that way I could slide the boat more rearwards . I think it needs to go back by at least 12 in.

Or just get more wood and make longer bunks, how far beyond the rear of the frame could I make the bunk, its only PT 2x4 and it would be unsupported.

Anyone got any quick fixes that work?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: changed to bunk, now its too short

20 footer go to 2x6 on edge. i run mine as much as 24 inches out. you can leave the extra, i find it helps when loading.

 

[109jb]

Re: changed to bunk, now its too short

I converted my EZ loader trailer earlier this year. The way I did it was to make some brackets that slide on the axles where the wheels went and made some 8' long bunks and screwed them to the brackets. I also did this to my brother-in-laws EZ-loader. Both are working flawlessly. On mine, I drilled holes and used cotter pins to hold the brackets on the axles. On the BIL's we re-used the clips that held the rollers on. The benefit I see is that the bunks provide better support and the support locations are exactly the same. On my boat there are actually depressions where the rollers were from the boat sitting on it for years. The brackets are just 1/8" x 2" x 3-1/2" plate welded to a short piece of 1" black iron pipe. Here are some picture of mine.

 

[jonesg]

Re: changed to bunk, now its too short

I think tash is onto the easiest way, my roller rails were rusted out at the rear end anyway.

Can I just bolt the 2x6 to the side of the frames? there are already holes in the frame which would take bolts straight through..

Other question, can I still use my nylon bunk pads or will the edge of the 2x6 be too narrow.
I don't like carpet.

I have an electric planer (hand held) which I am told will take care of the angle required for the top of the 2x6 to fit the hull.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: changed to bunk, now its too short

measure your pads, if too wide, take a table saw, and cut them down.

 

[jonesg]

Re: changed to bunk, now its too short

Trying to post a pic or two of the trailer.
its here just in case it don't work...nope "invalid URL"

anyway...

http://s261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/jonesg_photos/my boat/?action=view&current=ezload2.jpg

 

[Willyclay]

Re: changed to bunk, now its too short

I would NEVER question anything TD says, but around here we see 4X6's on edge starting with 16ft boats.

 

[jonesg]

Re: changed to bunk, now its too short

Ditto, he knows his stuff.

I was planning to double up where the nylon pads mount, that way I keep the original pad width.

but...

I think theres more surface contact area with bunks, even narrow ones, compared to rollers.