Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

[10point]

I recently got a new trailer for my fishing boat. The bunks are further out then they probably should be and the bottom of my boat is hitting the trailer when I launch. The place where I want the bunks to be has the tranducer from depth finder mounted on the botttom of the boat near the back of the transom. The transducer is about 3/8 an inch tall. Should I move the bunks and hope that the tranducer doesn't break off and have the boat not level by this amount or should I let the boat over hang about 3 or 4 inches off the back of the trailer?

 

[wifisher]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

What about moving the transducer???

 

[10point]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

What about moving the transducer???

I was afraid if I did that I would get leaks from the holes that were drilled. Wasn't sure hot to plug those.

 

[wifisher]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

is it aluminum or glass? I have plugged holes by putting a short bolt thru and a nut on the inside. Use some silicone. I'm sure that is not the "proper" way to do it, but it works. Maybe some other people have better ideas?

 

[etracer68]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

Fast way is to move the transducer. Depending on the weight displacement of the boat on the trailer, you might be able to move the whole winch unit, so the boat sets farther back. I think you should have at lease 10% weight still on the hitch, but you might want to check on that, I'm not always right. Put screws in with sealer, and you should be good to go.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

Do not overhang the bunks, the bunks gotta support transom weight. If anything, the bunks should be even with the back of the transom or even stick out a few inches past the transom.
(EDIT: assuming you have carpeted/slicked wood bunks, rather than roller bunks)

My opinion: remove the transducer for now, plug the holes with screws and 5200 sealant (or, if you are 100% certain the transducer is not going back in the same spot, a permanent fix with thickened epoxy/MarineTex [EDIT: assuming fiberglass boat]). Then work on getting those bunks set up just the way you want for ease of launch and retreive. Then relocate the transducer and install with screws and 5200 sealant.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

I didnt mention it but, YES, ajgraz is right, on the bunks being even, or a few inches sticking out.

 

[10point]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

I think I might just add a roller. The trailer only came with one roller and I think that might be easier than trying to movet he transducer and the bunks.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

I think I might just add a roller. The trailer only came with one roller and I think that might be easier than trying to movet he transducer and the bunks.

You may wind up adding roller(s) also before the new trailer is properly fitted to the hull, but if your bunks are really not in a good spot then throwing in roller(s) might just be a band-aid fix. How badly located are the bunks?

 

[10point]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

I don't think they are located that bad. There are only two places they can go on this boat.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

PICS. boat on trailer.
the bunks should not extend past the transom.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

Leave the transducer where it is. Move the boat back so the transducer is about one inch from touching the bunk. Now move the winch post back so the bow stop hits the boat. Now determine tongue weight. 10% of total trailer+boat weight. If it is significantly less than that, loosen the undercarriage U-bolts and slide it back a bit. Trailers are very adjustable. You don't generally need to modify them to fit the boat or any accessories on them.

 

[Snap43nib]

Re: Tranducer mounted where I need bunks to be

On the back of my boat I had 6 holes from the old transducer that the old owner had on the boat and the old speedo. What I did was use a piece 1" thick pvc board and made a plate so that I don't have to put anymore holes in my boat no matter what I install and or move, now I just drill into the pvc plate.