To bunk or not to bunk...

[ol tymer]

Hey ya'll: I got a 20 ft Seaswirl fiberglass I/O. My trailer is a Shorelander with all those roller thingys. If I don't get it perfectly straight on retrieving, the blamed rollers ride up on the keel, making it lop-sided for sure. Last time took me 3 times before I got it right. So, my question is: Is it possible to add some bunks to my trailer to guide me on straight? And if so, where can I get them? Also the fenders (dual axle) are about 55 inches long so I would need to bolt something either forward or behind the fenders, right? Help if ye can! Thanks a bunch. Ol Tymer

 

[oceansbreeze]

Re: To bunk or not to bunk...

might be easier to make some guides to bolt to the sides to keep the boat inline when putting it on the trailer. I made some a few years back for my old Chriscraft trailer, bent then, then used a set of U bolts to bolt around the trailer chassis. I dropped some black pvc tube down over the steel poles to allow the boat to bump it gently..... but it never drifted in the docks..... and was perfectly in line when I drove out...

As to your question, I don't know the answer, depending on the trailer style, I once used 2X4's and wrapped with astroturf carpeting, then bolted into the trailer... and it worked good, but I was replacing wheels that were in a straight line bunk layout... so it was easy... I picture of your trailer may help?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: To bunk or not to bunk...

i have done some out of PVC.

 

[ol tymer]

Re: To bunk or not to bunk...

OK guys, I kinda decided to maybe make my own bunk boards for my two axle shorelandr trailer. But man, I can't seem to find anyone that sells heavy duty brackets in order to do this. Course I found a lot of bunk guide ons that include the board. Any you can buy replacement boards, but not replacement brackets. Go figure! My main problem is that there is only 4" clearance from the frame to the fender. So I think I need to extend the brackets on each side of the fender which is about 5 1/2 feet. Anyway if you know of any outfit that will sell bunk brackets, please let me know. thanks a bunch. Ol Tymer

 

[clemsonfor]

Re: To bunk or not to bunk...

I boats on here? trailer parts places online, bass pro marine, cabales, West Marine in their catalouge and store and net, boaters world, your local marine dealer? lots of places have them, use the internet and you'll find them, try here in the iboats store first, i have seen extended and normal in most of these places.

-nate

 

[Modemagic]

Re: To bunk or not to bunk...

OK guys, I kinda decided to maybe make my own bunk boards for my two axle shorelandr trailer. But man, I can't seem to find anyone that sells heavy duty brackets in order to do this. Course I found a lot of bunk guide ons that include the board. Any you can buy replacement boards, but not replacement brackets. Go figure! My main problem is that there is only 4" clearance from the frame to the fender. So I think I need to extend the brackets on each side of the fender which is about 5 1/2 feet. Anyway if you know of any outfit that will sell bunk brackets, please let me know. thanks a bunch. Ol Tymer

What I did on my trailer was take a trip to Home Depot and buy some U-bolts, Big L-brackets (Like decking type), and some channel that electricians use to mount conduit to, electrical boxes, etc. It's kind of a U-shape and has oblong holes in it. Mount the L-brackets to the channel over the top of the channel, and cut the channel into 12" sections or so. between the U-bolts, and channel, you have great flexibility in mounting as far as height, angle, etc. and the L-brackets allow you to mount your bunks quickly. Best part is the hardware is galvanized.

I can take some pics if you'd like.

 

[Seon]

Re: To bunk or not to bunk...

Hey ya'll: I got a 20 ft Seaswirl fiberglass I/O... If I don't get it perfectly straight on retrieving, the blamed rollers ride up on the keel, making it lop-sided for sure. Last time took me 3 times before I got it right. ... Thanks a bunch. Ol Tymer

I'm having the same problem with my 21' Trophy on rollers bunks. I never had this problem with my previously owned boats with board bunks so I just decided to buy a used trailer with board bunks and plan to upgrade it with new actuactor, disc brakes, new boards, etc.

 

[dingbat]

Re: To bunk or not to bunk...

If you're having problems centering a boat on a roller trailer you have the trailer too deep in the water.

It's easier to pull forward a bit than to convert a roller trailer to bunks.

 

[Mark42]

Re: To bunk or not to bunk...

What I did on my trailer was take a trip to Home Depot and buy some U-bolts, Big L-brackets (Like decking type), and some channel that electricians use to mount conduit to, electrical boxes, etc. It's kind of a U-shape and has oblong holes in it. Mount the L-brackets to the channel over the top of the channel, and cut the channel into 12" sections or so. between the U-bolts, and channel, you have great flexibility in mounting as far as height, angle, etc. and the L-brackets allow you to mount your bunks quickly. Best part is the hardware is galvanized.

I can take some pics if you'd like.

Yes, please do post a photo. I like the fact that the parts are galvanized.

 

[Mark42]

Re: To bunk or not to bunk...

i have done some out of PVC.

TD, what size/schedule PVC did you use? Did you put any drain holes in it?