Question about boat lift bunks

[arejaye]

I just purchased a used boat lift for my 20ft StarCraft deckboat, and it currently has Pontoon bunks like what is pictured. While looking online for parts to convert to V-bunks I've seen photos of trailers and lifts that use just 2x8's or 2x10's straight up and down just like the pontoon bunk setup, instead of having the v-bunk type of bunks that contour more to the boat using the angle bunk brackets.

My question is, does this hurt anything on the hull using the bunks straight up and down like that instead of having more surface width? Of coarse I would wrap in thick marine carpet as well and would be on the lowest level. But just wondering if anyone uses this type of setup on their lift.

I've also attached a photo I found of my exact boat sitting on a trailer that has the trailer bunks straight up and down.

 

[Scott Danforth]

as long as your not sitting on a chine, you should be fine. many trailers have simply 4 x 8 cypress as the bunks

 

[arejaye]

I did notice that in my search. I figured if trailers have that style of bunks and they do a lot of bouncing around on the road, I should be fine just sitting on a lift one would think. Just was making sure there were no horror stories.

 

[alldodge]

Most boat use the 2x6 or 8 to spread out the load over more area. They also have a galvanized steel channel under the 2x to make it stiffer. Your 20 footer is probably not that heavy so doing it sideways should work. I would suggest laying it flat with a channel, but if you do go sideways at least double the 2x so your at least 3 inch wide.

 

[alldodge]

Note, the ones that lay flat, pivot a bit so the bunks lay flat against the hull. If you go edge wise, you need to position the edges so they also lay to your hull, or angle cut to fit

 

[arejaye]

Most boat use the 2x6 or 8 to spread out the load over more area. They also have a galvanized steel channel under the 2x to make it stiffer. Your 20 footer is probably not that heavy so doing it sideways should work. I would suggest laying it flat with a channel, but if you do go sideways at least double the 2x so your at least 3 inch wide.

Ahhh, I did now notice in the one photo I attached with the boat on the trailer that it does appear to be wider than just a 2x. So as long as I double up this should be fine then? I suppose I could cut an angle on the bunks but if its not the exact angle then it won't be the full surface area touching again.

Thanks for the input

 

[jimmbo]

Here is an example of not to support a hull on a hoist

I rode in this boat in 1982, I took the picture last August. It looks pretty good for a 36 or 37 year old boat

 

[Chris1956]

Boat lifts usually have bunks made of 2X8s or 2X10s, covered in indoor-outdoor carpet. These bunks are mounted with bolts to angle iron brackets, and the angle iron brackets are bolted to the lift frame, allowing the bunks to swivel so the top of the bunk can be adjusted to sit flat on the hull, the long way.

I would suggest you consult some pictures and parts lists to see how it is done.

 

[arejaye]

Boat lifts usually have bunks made of 2X8s or 2X10s, covered in indoor-outdoor carpet. These bunks are mounted with bolts to angle iron brackets, and the angle iron brackets are bolted to the lift frame, allowing the bunks to swivel so the top of the bunk can be adjusted to sit flat on the hull, the long way.

I would suggest you consult some pictures and parts lists to see how it is done.

Well I know how the majority of lifts and trailers work with the bunks that swivel to fit the contour of the hull. My question was if using 2x8's or 2x10 straight up and down would hurt anything on the hull. This way I can use my current setup which is pontoon bunks instead of buying all new hardware, wood, carpet, etc and converting to v- hull style bunks.

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, buy some galvanized angle iron and cut and drill it to hold the current bunks and fit the lift. Or better yet, see if you can order the brackets. I would think that are common and inexpensive.

Your current bunk hardware might hold your boat without damage, but it depends on the shape of the hull, and where the strength of the hull is.