Do I Really Need A Third Bunk ?

[1960 Starflite]

I'm in the process of adding a third/center pontoon. Things are going well, but a neighbor said "you'll need to add a center bunk to your trailer".

This is NOT an over the road rig. I only haul the toon one mile to the boat ramp in the spring and again in the fall to prep and cover for the winter here in central Ohio. The toon will sit on the trailer over the winter into spring.

So, Do I really need a third bunk ?

 

[BrianMc]

Re: Do I Really Need A Third Bunk ?

Unless you added a bunch more stringers I would,even if you don't road it much. Over time the extra weight may stretch the stringers causing them sag. On mine I just made short bunks front and back. Just enough to carry the weight. Really doesn't take much to make up some brackets. You can see what I done in the link at the bottom of my post. Only took me a couple hrs.

 

[1960 Starflite]

Re: Do I Really Need A Third Bunk ?

Brian, thanks for reply. That album of yours is awesome. Some build and equipment to do it.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Do I Really Need A Third Bunk ?

If your middle toon will be full length and the engine is mounted on the back of the toon, you will need to modify your trailer.

If your middle toon is 3/4 length and you've still got your original engine pod, support under the middle toon is not required.

 

[TurboM700]

Re: Do I Really Need A Third Bunk ?

I wouldnt worry about it. I have well over 1000 miles on mine and there is no issues what so ever and I have a heavy I/O back there.

I think some of you seem to forget how strong alum is. Adding a third pontoon is no different then 3 adults standing in the middle of the boat jumping up and down on the trailer.

 

[Okieboatguy]

Re: Do I Really Need A Third Bunk ?

When I purchased my tri-toon 3rd hand, it came with a 2 bunk trailer, I used it that way for 4 years with no issue, I just recently added the 3rd bunk just for personal comfort to help distribute the load. I think you could go either way.

 

[1960 Starflite]

Re: Do I Really Need A Third Bunk ?

If your middle toon will be full length and the engine is mounted on the back of the toon, you will need to modify your trailer.

If your middle toon is 3/4 length and you've still got your original engine pod, support under the middle toon is not required.

Mine is an older Harris FloteBoat 24ft. Center toon is set two feet ahead of beefed up original engine pod, front of toon will match length of existing toons. I have a covered boat dock, no lift, and it sits in the lake until fall. 65 HP Merc is being replaced with an 85 HP Merc.

Thanks to all for replies.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Do I Really Need A Third Bunk ?

If your middle toon will be full length and the engine is mounted on the back of the toon, you will need to modify your trailer.

If your middle toon is 3/4 length and you've still got your original engine pod, support under the middle toon is not required.

+1^^^ As long as the center tube is not carrying the weight, you should be ok. Our 24' 2007 Bentley triple tube had a seperate motor pod and shortened 20' center tube. Dealer did not set up the trailers w/ center bunks. Good luck !!! But, like Brian said, a couple of shorty braces wouldn't hurt.

 

[Todd4]

Re: Do I Really Need A Third Bunk ?

Brianmc - what a great slideshow!

Todd