EZ slides for 2,200lb fiberglass boat vs lubrication.

[karbine98]

I have a 1978 Sea Star Spoiler 888 with MC 165 and like everyone, I 'd like to make launching and retrieving easier. Haven't tried lubrication of pads yet but will.
O/W I'd like to find some slides. I see the EZ slides list a wt limit of 1,500lb for fiberglass boats and wondered if anyone has used them with heavier boats or if there are other similar products with heavier rating. My boat is deep V and dual axle trailer has 2--8 foot and 2--4 foot bunks. If using slides, would I need them on all 4 bunks or just the 2 bottom 8 footers. Thanks in advance Greg

 

[JASinIL2006]

Silicone spray is inexpensive and works wonders...

 

[UncleWillie]

Silicone spray is inexpensive and works wonders...

+1
I use SLYDZ-ON. One bottle is now on its third year.
I back the bow just to the edge of the water before detaching the Winch and Safety Chain, (Very Important!)
Then back into the water and tap the brakes firmly. The boat launches itself!
If you take off the Bow hardware before you are in the water, you risk launching it on the concrete ramp. It is THAT Slick!

 

[karbine98]

Thnx for info. Got the beast out last night (finally). Sprayed bunks with white lithium grease. Hope that is an acceptable product. Made recovery a breeze. Usually had to close eyes, gun it, and hope for best. Winched it in with my cheapo Harbor Freight crank winch. Suppose it is forbidden to mention HF, but hey, at least this winch handle won't strip like the name brand one did. HF winch has hexagonal attachment for handle, not the slot for the flattened bolt. Will see how long the lithium lasts and then look for Slydz-on. Greg

 

[Thalasso]

Trailer Bunk Slides and Pads, Boat and Jet Ski Trailer ...

www.surfixinc.com/surfix_trailer_bunkslides.html

 

[agallant80]

My boat clocks in around 8K and I use the spray. No issues.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Thnx for info. Got the beast out last night (finally). Sprayed bunks with white lithium grease. Hope that is an acceptable product. Made recovery a breeze. Usually had to close eyes, gun it, and hope for best. Winched it in with my cheapo Harbor Freight crank winch. Suppose it is forbidden to mention HF, but hey, at least this winch handle won't strip like the name brand one did. HF winch has hexagonal attachment for handle, not the slot for the flattened bolt. Will see how long the lithium lasts and then look for Slydz-on. Greg

Does lithum grease dry or stay wet? If it stays wet/greasy, I'd be worried about abrasive stuff sticking to the bunks or the hull, then scratching the hull during loading and unloading. Nice thing about silicone is that it sprays on, dries, but remains super slippery.

 

[JimS123]

Does lithum grease dry or stay wet? If it stays wet/greasy, I'd be worried about abrasive stuff sticking to the bunks or the hull, then scratching the hull during loading and unloading. Nice thing about silicone is that it sprays on, dries, but remains super slippery.

Yeah, for sure. Lithium is the last thing I'd use.

Put EZ-slides on a 2800 # boat and they work like greased lightnin. I don't remember the particular brand, but there was no weight limit on the package. They are forever, while even silicone must be done again and again.

 

[UncleWillie]

.. Sprayed bunks with white lithium grease. Hope that is an acceptable product. .... Will see how long the lithium lasts and then look for Slydz-on...

The Lithium Grease may have been a BIG Mistake. It is going to attract dirt and dust. The bunks may never be the same. New carpet may be recommended.
The Silicon products do not collect dirt and can be cleaned with water to remove anything that was on the hull when recovering.

On your next launch be sure to NEVER remove the bow hardware until you are over the water and prepared to launch. You have been warned. :doh:

 

[H20Rat]

The plastic slides can cause gouge marks in your gelcoat... If you get sand on them, you now have roughly the equivalent of sandpaper. Hard surface, sand, hard surface (hull)