"Making" Trailer Bunks

[FlyingFishing]

I am converting my Shoreland'r boat trailer that has the Equiload support system brackets and 2X6 bunks laid flat to the more offshore boat style vertical bunks. I am thinking of using two main vertical bunks that are 4in wide, 6in or 8in tall, and about 12ft long, and then a small "V" shaped support for the front keel.

My question is, can I use two separate 2X6's or two 2X8's either glued or bolted together instead of one solid bunk?

The boat that will be sitting on the trailer is a 19'10" Cape Horn CC.

Thanks Everyone!

 

[geeco1]

Re: "Making" Trailer Bunks

You could probably do that but my fear is that rot would tend to start inbetween the boards. When the boards are sandwiched together like that, water will get in and will not dry out. I don't think that you could glue them enough to keep the water out.

Is there a reason why you don't want to put a single board laying flat?

 

[robert graham]

Re: "Making" Trailer Bunks

Wonder if some of that new plastic/wood decking lumber would be good for bunks?..it never rots, is slicker than plain treated wood for easier launch/retrieval, might not even require carpet overlay? Just an idea...

 

[phoenixisrizen]

Re: "Making" Trailer Bunks

Wonder if some of that new plastic/wood decking lumber would be good for bunks?..it never rots, is slicker than plain treated wood for easier launch/retrieval, might not even require carpet overlay? Just an idea...

I thought about using that stuff when I did mine a few months ago. With the feedback I got here, and looking at the composite stuff myself, I realized that over the span I needed between supports ( about 3 1/2 ft I think) the composite just wasn't strong enough and flexed way too much.....

 

[rwidman]

Re: "Making" Trailer Bunks

My question is, can I use two separate 2X6's or two 2X8's either glued or bolted together instead of one solid bunk?

You can do that and by doing so, you can reduce the chance of warping. Orient the boards so the growth rings are opposite each other. Like this: ()

Construction adhesive and galvanized bolts would be a good way to join them together.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: "Making" Trailer Bunks

I am converting my Shoreland'r boat trailer that has the Equiload support system brackets and 2X6 bunks laid flat to the more offshore boat style vertical bunks. I am thinking of using two main vertical bunks that are 4in wide, 6in or 8in tall, and about 12ft long, and then a small "V" shaped support for the front keel.

My question is, can I use two separate 2X6's or two 2X8's either glued or bolted together instead of one solid bunk?

The boat that will be sitting on the trailer is a 19'10" Cape Horn CC.

Thanks Everyone!

Look in your local Craigslist for someone selling cypress lumber from their sawmill.
Then you have a beam whatever width you want that will not rot.

 

[FlyingFishing]

Re: "Making" Trailer Bunks

If I was going to use a 2X6 laid flat, I would need another support bracket inbetween the two that are already there, and the cross-member that I would bolt the extra bracket to is not there on the trailer.

I think I may try and glue and blot two 2X8's together for the main support, and then have a V shaped bunks in the front as well. Hopefully it will give it enough support, and will not warp any over time. I know I will be spending a good bit on just brackets alone, but in the end, I hope it is a much stronger platform than what I have now.

Any other ideas would be great as well. Thanks Guys!

 

[ufm82]

Re: "Making" Trailer Bunks

The composite stuff has almost zero structural integrity- never use it for bunks if they are supporting any weight. The comment regarding this stuff is dead on- it sounds great but wil bow and not support the boat. Don't do it.
If you want to laminate two pieces use Gorilla Glue- it's a water activated glue and you have to get the wood wet when you use it. Apply a liberal coat to both surfaces, clamp together and you will be fine. The stuff gets stronger with age and is waterproof. I used it to build a new wood trandsom in an aluminum V-hull years ago- two pieces of 3/4 ply laminated into a 1 1/2" piece and it is still going strong.

UFM82

 

[FlyingFishing]

Re: "Making" Trailer Bunks

umf - Thanks a lot. I think I will have my work cut out for me this weekend. Hopefully I will remember the camera and be able to show everyone what I did.