trailer bunk poly strips ?????

[ttles714]

Has anyone used the poly type strips used to replace trailer bunk carpeting ? My Florida bought 30' Marlin (about 11K lbs) doesn't load and unload to well on its bunk trailer here at the ramps in NJ. I would appreciate any feedback from any one who has used them. I have a concern as to whether or not they would make a difference and also as to whether the weight of this boat would gouge the strips or the hull.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

I have just installed them onto my DIY pontoon trailer so I cannot say with personal experience how it worked for me but have seen then in action.

That was the very reason I installed a set on my trailer was seeing them in action. No need to wet down bunks the boats slide of like a cooked egg in a new fry pan.

Check the plastic manufactures in your area, they should carry UHMW.
The outfits here in Calgary will cut to suit.
Purchase your desired width of strips in 1/2 thickness and just couter sink stainless screws to hold them down to your exsiting bunks.

Simple dimple

Tip do not unhook bow strap untill boat is in the water. Have seen plenty of pictures of trailers with UHMW bunks and the boat is laying on the ramp a couple of feet before the waters edge.

 

[johnson89]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

I had a 21 wac with a 225 an put on some plastic strips and it was like night and day.Back the boat so the tires just in the water,unhook the strap and hold on too the rope. back the rest of the way in an hit the brakes while rolling and the boat would slide right in.Loading took a few trips too get it just right, had too leave the motor running forward till I got the strap hooked up but made winching the boat up easy.I also did my bass boat I liked it so much. as jusfloatin has said do not unhook till your in the water, when it starts to slide there is no stopping it......

 

[Av8nBill]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

Granted I only have a 14' Jon, but I put a set of strips on from Surfix and it is night and day for loading/unloading. I had to change how it's all tied down for trailering because I can move it forward or back while it's dry with minimal effort now. Wet, it's outa there!!! +++ on leaving it hooked up till you're absolutely ready for it to depart the trailer.

 

[Reel Kahuna]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

I changed over from carpet to poly that I bought from Taps Plastic. Best conversion I've ever made on a trailer. Easy to launch and power load. Caution!!! Be sure you're boat is in the water before unhooking, otherwise it maybe sitting on ramps concrete...and no, I haven't done that

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

I have them on my ChrisCraft trailer and can push the boat off with one hand and no need to power load.it just drifts right on the trailer and the winch pulls the last couple feet.Loaded and out of the ramp fast.
These are solid composite and come with stainless screws.

These are the best brand out there and a great price.Much better than ones from Bass Pro and the other marine stores,

http://www.surfixinc.com/surfix_trailer_bunkslides.html

 

[HondaPower]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

I have the Surfix boards installed on my bunks, I love them. Boat launches and loads with no effort. My son likes them even better as he is normally doing the launch and recovery while I sit in the truck waiting to pull the trailer out.

 

[the rebel]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

Great thread, will be looking into this directly.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

I only installed some on the foward fourth end of my bunks.
No need to install them on the entire length of my bunks since the boat is floating over that portion when loading or unloading.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

I only installed some on the foward fourth end of my bunks.
No need to install them on the entire length of my bunks since the boat is floating over that portion when loading or unloading.

Would that not start a problem being there is difference in height of 1/2 inch half way down the bunks?
Not to mention the majority of the boats weight is on the back half of the trailer.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

Would that not start a problem being there is difference in height of 1/2 inch half way down the bunks?
Not to mention the majority of the boats weight is on the back half of the trailer.

Not if you mount the plastic so that the top surface is flush over the length of the bunk.
Recess the strips or add to the wood only surfaces.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

Not if you mount the plastic so that the top surface is flush over the length of the bunk.
Recess the strips or add to the wood only surfaces.

That would be a lot more work than just paying the price for a full length strip.
You are forgetting the boating montra

B ust
O ut
A nouther
T housand

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

I put them on my boat trailer and they are great.

http://www.surfixinc.com/surfix_trailer_bunkslides.html

"Caution!!! Be sure you're boat is in the water before unhooking, otherwise it maybe sitting on ramps concrete...and no, I haven't done that ."
Good advice!!

 

[jeeperman]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

That would be a lot more work than just paying the price for a full length strip.

True, but in doing it that way I get the benefit of the strips without the worry of my boat
sliding off the trailer unless the transom is floating off the bunks.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: trailer bunk poly strips ?????

True, but in doing it that way I get the benefit of the strips without the worry of my boat
sliding off the trailer unless the transom is floating off the bunks.

I understand your reasoning but the amount of work plus the cost of more new wood along with the cost of new carpet to cover the new wood where you added the new wood to the old wood bunk. ( wow I hope you are still with me ).

I would rather just lay full length strips and unhooked the bow strap when it is in the water than do the work you did. I bet when it is all said and done yours has cost a bit more and defiantly has more work associated with it.

I am in no way infering that your way would not work or that it would look or even work hookie. It is just more work and more money.