Using 2X6 for bunks

[hodginsmn]

I hope I can explain this well enough. When I pull my pontoon out of the water, the very front of the tubes sit perfectly in the bunks and for 2/3 of the way back it looks like everything is great. However, when I get the boat all the way out of the water I discover that the back 1/3 of the tubes are not sitting in the bunks.


Sometimes I can just give it a good push and it works fine, but often the bottom ?rudder? on the tube gets caught on the bunk and I have to back it down the ramp again to push it over.


Not sure if the main reason is that the tubes are 27 feet (may not happen with shorter tubes?), but one thought I had was to replace the 2X4 bunks with 2X6 boards. My theory is that with a wider ?V? for the bunks the tubes may settle in better?


Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Using 2X6 for bunks

I don't think the 2X6's will make much difference. I would add guides. I prefer the guides on the outside of the toons because you can make them longer to accomodate various boat ramp depths.

 

[lmuss53]

Re: Using 2X6 for bunks

I would suggest not backing the trailer in as far a couple of times and see if the boat centers itself up better, also pull out VERY slowly and let gravity and the bunks center the boat for you.

One more suggestion is to take careful notice of how the boat is squared up against the stop, if there is a gap on either the left or right the boat is not on the trailer sqaurely, and will be cockeyed when you pull out. Square it up and tighten the winch strap before you pull out.

If you try not backing in so far I think you will see a big improvement without changing anything.

 

[Bennettc]

Re: Using 2X6 for bunks

I would try getting some trailer slides for your trailer. I put those on mine and I can hand crank the boat up the trailer easily. This gives you more time to center the back of the boat as you pull it up. I am also able to easily push the back of my boat back in line when it's needed. I might replace my two roller guides with 8 foot bunks to help keep straight.

 

[el kamino]

Re: Using 2X6 for bunks

So what did you end up doing? I have the same problem.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Using 2X6 for bunks

solution is 2 sets of outside guide ons, and bunk slicks on the bunks. i could IDLE my 20 footer right up the the bow stop.

 

[hodginsmn]

Re: Using 2X6 for bunks

I don't back the trailer in as far and haven't had a problem since! I have to do a lot of cranking but it is better than backing down the ramp when it is not lined up. I am going to look into guides and bunk slicks for next year.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Using 2X6 for bunks

I put two sets of guides on my trailer two at the very rear end and two towards the front. There on the inside so when I pull it in ,the guides line up the toons perfectly. So when I put my trailer in the water, I use a rope with a eye bolt in the very front center.I use this to pull the boat streight in. Then when the boat reaches the strap hook I crank it in the rest of the way.

 

[woolznaz]

Re: Using 2X6 for bunks

I have some very nice guides on mine that really make loading easy. However, even with the guides, the very back of the tubes will be off center just a little almost every time. I'm talking about 2 inches off center or less. What I have learned that if I just leave it alone it corrects itself within a few miles/bumps. I have decided it's not a big deal at all and settles right in to where it should be. Yours may do the same.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Using 2X6 for bunks

I have 2x6 on mine. I don't think 2x4 would be any different. I launch and retrieve in a deep water ramp and sometimes the back end is off a few inches. I tie off the front and drive up the gravel road a few hundred feet and it settles into place. Don't tie down until then, otherwise your straps will be loose. I hope to have tall outer guides on before next season.