Trailer Bunks

[Tydogg]

Ok guys ...anyone have a good way of replacing there bunks with the boat ON the trailer . I dont live close to a lake where i can drop the boat in and leave it while redoing the bunks . Have search the ole INNERWEBS and cant find a way to lift the boat off enough to get this done . Has anyone done this or know how it can be done ?

[Branden967]

Ive been thinking about this too. I was just going to put a jack on top of the trailer rails and lift it up just a tad to slide the old one out. Im not sure if thats easier said than done....Im open for suggestion too, I need to replace a rotten bunk.

[parrothd]

Ive been thinking about this too. I was just going to put a jack on top of the trailer rails and lift it up just a tad to slide the old one out. Im not sure if thats easier said than done....Im open for suggestion too, I need to replace a rotten bunk.
I use a jack and peices of wood with some carpet to protect the hull. Raise the boat just enough to slide the bunk out. Make sure you jack it securely and make sure it's stable. I raise the bow with the trailer jack, then place some large blocking under the bow, then lower the trailer jack. Do the same on the rear.

[996scott]

this is what i did and it worked great.

https://www.auroramarine.com/main/ask-the-skipper/getting-under-the-trailer-bunks-to-clean-the-boat-bottom/

[Tydogg]

this is what i did and it worked great.

https://www.auroramarine.com/main/ask-the-skipper/getting-under-the-trailer-bunks-to-clean-the-boat-bottom/

Wow that worked huh ? Seems laying it on the blocks would be sketchy to me !! But hey if it works right !! Will give that a go ! Awesome thanks for the link buddy appreciate it

[zabooda]

No boat launch and dock to tie up. It takes 10 minutes to change them out.

[sandm]

just did my bunks a couple of weeks ago. went to ramp on a thursday morning at 7am. left boat tied up to the dock at the launch. took an hour to do all 6.

looking at that website, no way I would ever lay under a boat supported by cinder blocks. just because something works doesn't mean it's the right way :)

[larry_arizona]

just did my bunks a couple of weeks ago. went to ramp on a thursday morning at 7am. left boat tied up to the dock at the launch. took an hour to do all 6.

looking at that website, no way I would ever lay under a boat supported by cinder blocks. just because something works doesn't mean it's the right way :)

This!!!! As long as you are prepared with the right tools, either send a family member to take a lap in the boat while you swap bunks or find a launch where you can anchor off to the side while you get it done.


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[996scott]

oh, there were a few sketchy moments where i was a little uncomfortable for sure. I always left the trailer in place just in case. Doing it at the lake is so much easier for sure. Helped my buddy do his at the lake last year and it was a million times easier, but if you're in a pinch this does work.

[jnr4817]

What kind of carpet are you using to cover them?

[parrothd]

oh, there were a few sketchy moments where i was a little uncomfortable for sure. I always left the trailer in place just in case. Doing it at the lake is so much easier for sure. Helped my buddy do his at the lake last year and it was a million times easier, but if you're in a pinch this does work.

Take a drive by a marina, lots of boats on wood crates and jacks, mine uses large Styrofoam blocks 2x2 feet. :)

[Tydogg]

No boat launch and dock to tie up. It takes 10 minutes to change them out.

Closest lake is about 30 mins from me . I mean technically i could go drop the boat in and do the repair right there honestly . Seems way easier than jacking it up etc etc ....more than likely what i will be doing

[Tydogg]

Had seen this on a wakeboard forum as well that instead of using PT Wood to buy Composite Deck boards , put 2 of them together and never have to worry about changing them again , obviously still wrap the in carpet and it definitely will cost more BUT if they last forever then why not . The only worry i have , due to experience building multiple decks is the screws staying in . Doing the larger lag "screws" im wondering if they will have enough bite to stay in . Anyone do this ??

[bergermaister]

I've seen guys wooden bunks float off the trailer when they launch. I would think that since composite is not going to break down, and you're only running the lag in once, then it should hold the bite as long as you don't over tighten and peal the threads made when going in. I'd do small pilot holes first.

I'll be curious how it goes - mine are probably due pretty soon as well.

[Branden967]

I’d be worried about the composite stuff been too floppy and the boat bending or sitting on the steel mounts weird. I like that stuff but even installing it on decks you have to over support it with more joists. I wouldn’t use it for bunk boards.

[Kidder522]

And don't forget that composite wood is about 3/4" smaller, so you may not have enough room for your prop if you are close to the prop guard on the trailer.

[larry_arizona]

How long did your current bunks last?

My concern with composite is they will bend/bow more that wood. They are fairly flimsy.

These look better if you go composite.

https://www.ultimatebunkboards.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&view=productdetails&virtuemart_product_id=50&virtuemart_category_id=3&Itemid=9999


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[jzelt]

I cut and pre-carpet the bunks ahead of time at home. I launch and spend some time on the water. Go back to the parking lot after it has had some time to dry. Cordless drill pre-drill holes and run the lag bolts in with some wood glue/sealant of choice. Takes 1/2 hr to do entire job in the lot at most while family is out enjoying the water. Take some sandpaper and touchup spray paint to hit the areas needed on the brackets.

[sandm]

composite is good for a lot of things but bunks is asking for a fail. has all the makings of an "americas funniest home video" clip. :)

those "ultimate bunk boards" are stupid-expensive. 1 8ft supreme board at $230 is more than double what it cost me to do it 4 months ago in wood/carpet. even the basic 8ft cost what my entire job cost.
I guess nautty/mc owners need something to spend their coin on.....

[Tydogg]

Prop guard is already installed . Yes they are smaller and thats why they were saying double them up . Ya i dont think i will go that route was just wondering if anyone has done it or knew of anyone who did . Agree they are definitely not as strong. Was just asking . I have had the boat 3 years now and have yet to replace them ...and the condition the boat was in when i got it, i would venture to say the have been replaced MAYBE once !! They are i bad shape thus why i, getting this done this weekend