teflon strips on bunks

[zeagle]

I have a 17 ft dixie ctr console fishing boat on a single axle galvinized trailer. I made some new bunks for the trailer, I found some 1/2 in thick teflon sheets at work and figured they would work good on my new bunks. I ripped them to the correct width, attached them with countersaunk stainless screws and was all set for a good day of diving in sunny florida. Sat morning loaded the boat with all gear, gas and oil and hit the very busy boat ramp. Pulled the boat in line for launching started to back down the incline and guess what? My boat slipped off the trailer about 2 feet from the water and landed on the concrete. Now there were probably 6-10 boaters getting reday to launch. There were horns blowing, fingers flying and some words used I have never heard before. Luckily there were some some helpful people at the ramp, we worked for about 45 mins and got the boat back on the trailer and left in a hurry. No real damage to the boat except a broken skeg on the motor. I have been using this boat ramp for 15 years with no problem. Now I back down to the water before I unhook the boat from the winch post.

 

[Bondo]

Re: teflon strips on bunks

Now I back down to the water before I unhook the boat from the winch post.

Ayuh,... That's the way it should Always be done....

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: teflon strips on bunks

There's one of those hard life lessons.
I would have helped you get it back on, but id have been laughing (with you) while dong it...
Here's hoping the next time goes smoother....

 

[bruceb58]

Re: teflon strips on bunks

Personally, I don't think I would put teflon strips on my bunks. I will trade having my boat more secure on my trailer from slipping while trailering over a little less friction while I am launching.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: teflon strips on bunks

I don't want to add insult to injury, but you should always leave the bow hooked up until you're in the water. I don't unhook mine until my motor is running and idling smoothly, just in case. With all the pictures you see on this forum and others of boats laying on the ramp after coming off the trailer, I can't believe people still unhook the bow hook before backing down. I think people complain about others taking too long on the ramp often enough that everyone gets in a hurry. I'd rather hog the ramp for the extra minute it take to be cautious.

Sorry to hear about your misfortune though. Glad no one was hurt and damage was minimal.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: teflon strips on bunks

There's one of those hard life lessons.
I would have helped you get it back on, but id have been laughing (with you) while dong it...
Here's hoping the next time goes smoother....

I would have helped you as well, but I would not have laughed. rather I would have really felt bad for you dumping the boat on a concrete ramp...

I have thought about those teflon strips for my bunks as well. But after your story of it sliding off on the ramp, while still dry none the less, I think I would prefer to have the added friction as well... I float off during launch and do a slight power load with a wet hull. Fiction during loading/unloading is minimal both ways. So, the friction is for peace of mind while trailering....

 

[pootnic]

Re: teflon strips on bunks

Those teflon strips are great for shallow launching and retreiving.

If your using concrete launches and nice ramps,there probably not necessary.

 

[grahamh]

Re: teflon strips on bunks

Wow, makes me think twice about my launching techniques...I ususally unhook the boat just before I back down the ramp, that way no one gets their feet wet. I've never had a problem, but better safe than sorry.

I always keep it hooked up when I pull out though.