What's the correct way to adjust bunk rails.

[Johnny Be Cool]

I want to put a 23' Cabin Cruiser on the trailer below. There are NO bunk rails present and please keep in mind that the cross members are straight, not vee'd. The boat will be resting on the keel rollers, therefore if I try to push the 2x4's snug to the hull, the weight will still be on the keel rollers.

How do I distribute the weight evenly so that it's not all on the keel.
Is best to lay the boards flat or upright.
Stagger the height to form a V ?
How many braces to a board and what would be the proper lenght.
Is it OK to use a car jack with block to jack up the boat?

 

[JimS123]

Re: What's the correct way to adjust bunk rails.

Those upright "poles" are intended for pivoting bunks. Not suitable for your boat, IMHO.

Get two sets of brackets and make 2 long bunks...spanning between the last 3 crossmembers of your trailer. Carpet the Bunks, install them, then drop them down out of the way. I would personally put them upright.

Put a line across the six rollers and pull it up tight. Adjust any rollers (if necessary) so they are all in a straiht line.

Put the boat on the trailer. Use jacks or whatever is necessary to level the boat side to side. All the weight will be resting on the rollers.

Next, jack up the rollers so they are tight against the hull. Tighten the bolts.

That's Boat Trailer Adjustment 101 class from the 1950's.

 

[Johnny Be Cool]

Re: What's the correct way to adjust bunk rails.

I get it! Good info on using a line. Now that all of the weight is on the rollers, how do you go about getting the boat on the bunks.
Even if you push the bunks against the hull, it still wouldn't be holding any weight. For that matter the bunks would only be good for balance not weight distribution. I thought too much weight on the keel is bad.

I know what you mean about the poles that's why I'm changing to bunks. The bunks will also serve as stability and weight balance.

You think standing the 2x4's are better then lying them flat on the braces. I've been reading here that flat helps distribute the weight along the hull.

 

[JimS123]

Re: What's the correct way to adjust bunk rails.

If you go to your local marina and look at the boats on land that are stored without trailers you will see that thay are all supported by the keel, with only a few side stands to keep them level. The keel is the strongest part of your boat. If its not, better get a new boat.

Your side bunks are only there to keep the boat from tipping over.

Some trailers have the bunks vertical, some horizontal. As long as they are not supporting the weight of the boat, I see no differnce. I've had them mounted both ways.

This is a controversial subject. Others will tell you to put the weight on the bunks. Depends on whether you intend to launch the boat frequently and how much trouble you want to have when doing it.

Your trailer is old school. The way I told you is not "my" way, its the way we were tought years ago. That's part of the reason for controversy. Some of the guys today use different types of trailers.

My 2009 boat is set up that way....or at least now it is after I fixed it. My 1952 is also adjusted the same. Been working ok a long time.

 

[Johnny Be Cool]

Re: What's the correct way to adjust bunk rails.

I appreciate the straight thought. I will proceed as planned.
Thank you for your insight.
Have a good weekend!