Replacing Bunks/Carpet

[Chris611]

I have a 21' Open bow boat. The trailer has the carpet bunks. I am wanting to replace the carpet and the bunks on the trailer...here is what I need help on. How do I get the boat off the trailer without water nearby? I'm thinking that I can make some sort of cradle out of plywood, styrofoam, 2x4's etc to hold the boat while I replace the bunks. Has anyone tried this and how did you go about it. I would assume I have to lift the boat, then ease the trailer forward, relift, ease forward, etc. until the trailer is free and then reverse to put back on. Looking forward to you all's thouhts.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Chris

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Replacing Bunks/Carpet

The simplest method is to simply measure the old ones and make a set of new bunks. Head for the water, dump the boat and exchange bunks in the parking lot. Otherwise, here is one method I've used several times but it requires a fairly stout tree in the area where you need to work. Position the boat under the tree with the bow even with a very stout branch. Unhook the trailer and drop the tongue as low as it will go. Place blocking (barrels, wood framework, tires, etc) under the back of the boat. Raise the tongue which causes the rear of the boat to rise off the trailer. If that doesn't work for you, rent a floor jack. Now -- using a cable or chain hoist lashed to the tree branch, raise the front of the boat. Remove the trailer, do the necessary work and slide it back under the boat reversing the process. You need to determine if the bow eye can support the weight. Remove batteries and gear to lighten things up a bit. Cable hoists can be rented cheaply. PLEASE - stay out from under the boat and keep kids and pets away from it.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Replacing Bunks/Carpet

Either lift the boat as Upinsmoke suggests or jack it up with hydraulic jacks. I don't think you need to pull the trailer out from underneath the boat. Just get it high enough to be able to swap out the bunks. Perhaps do one side at a time.

 

[Chris611]

Re: Replacing Bunks/Carpet

Thanks guys, are there any spot on the hull that are off limits for lifting? Where should I lift. I have a floor jack that would have ample capacity to lift the boat, but I am unsure where to put it and if I need some sort of pad to reduce the pressure on the hull. <br /><br />Thanks<br />Chris

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Replacing Bunks/Carpet

Perhaps do one side at a time.

Great suggestion. We've done that by putting a balk of timber underneath the rub rail, and jacking the boat up with another piece of 2x4 - one side at a time. Rip off the old bunk carpet and slide in the new. Staple or glue underneath only.<br /><br />It means the boat is still on the trailer in its proper position when the job is done.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Replacing Bunks/Carpet

Sounds like an accident waiting to happen. Dump the boat in the water, that way u can take your time doing the job.