What type bunks?

jmart2601 · Post by **jmart2601** » July 13th, 2006, 11:29 pm

Am new to bbf.net...good website!
I have a couple questions on repairing my boat trailer bunks ...(it hauls my 18' flats boat) and currently has pressure treated/carpet covered, pressure-treated wood... which has deteriotated significantly:

1) would most recommend ordinary, replacement cypress-type bunks?

2) I had thought of going with the synthetic-type decking material (now available) covered with carpet? Have thought about doubling them for added strength(?).

I'd like some advice...

Thanks.
misipyflats

Post by **Chalk** » July 14th, 2006, 7:15 am

Welcome aboard...

I have seen some trailers with the no rot trailer bunks...I would use that before laminating some decking and carpeting it...I'm sure you already know that the angle of the bunks is very important to the posture and life of your hull, make sure to use the same angles from the old ones on the new ones.

Dura Bunk No rot trailer bunks

FUTCHCAIRO · Post by **FUTCHCAIRO** » July 14th, 2006, 9:20 am

YA HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL IN UNLOADING OFF THOSE SILICONE COATED BUNKS, THEY ARE VERY SLICK AND YOUR BOAT WILL START SLIDING OFF BEFORE YA GET TO THE WATER. I HAVE ROLLER BUNKS ON BOTH OF MY TRAILERS, THEY TOO, WILL DUMP YOUR BOAT BEFORE YA GET TO THE WATER ON A STEEP RAMP. I HAVE MY FISHIN PARTNER BACK IN TILL THE BUNKS ARE ABOUT 1/2 UNDER WATER, THEN I DISCONNECT FROM THE WENCH, THE BOAT THEN JUST ROLLS RIGHT OFF. WHEN I LOAD I POWER LOAD ALL THE WAY TO THE WENCH, LEAVE THE ENGINE RUNNIN AT IDLE SPEED IN GEAR, ATTACH THE WENCH AND AWAY WE GO. WHEN I AM BY MYSELF , I BACK IN TILL THE BUNKS ARE ABOUT 1/2 WAY IN THE WATER, THEN PUT ON MY BOOTS, GO BACK AND UNHITCH THE BOAT AND GIVE IT A SHOVE BEING SURE I HAVE A LINE IN MY HAND, AFTER THE BOW CLEARS THE TRAILER I THEN PULL THE BOAT BACK TO SHORE TO BOARD. WHEN I LOAD BY MYSELF USE THE SAME METHOD AS ABOVE.
PA THE OLD MAN OF THE SEA

jmart2601 · Post by **jmart2601** » July 15th, 2006, 9:54 pm

Thanks guys...finding these darn bunks are more difficult than I expected!

I'm not gonna laminate anything...the synthetic decking boards I speak of are the type sold @ Lowes. But after looking at them they appear too flexible for the span between my frame's cross-rails. So, unless I double them I don't think they're gonna work. And doubling them is just too much $$$.

Had thought about Cypress lumber for bunks...but even a source for Cypress lumber is difficult to find.

I'm gonna checkout the "DuraBunks" you mentioned but the dealer is only open M-F here in Tallahassee. (Its puzzling a "retail dealer" can afford to be closed on Saturdays!?)

If the "DuraBunks" don't work out, guess I'll just throw on some pressure-treated lumber from Lowes & cover them with carpet.

leonreno · Post by **leonreno** » July 16th, 2006, 2:30 am

Those composite wood lumber you were thanking of does not have the same strength as regular lumber. They can not be used where they will have to support a load like regular lumber. And doubling them probably still would not be strong enough as they would probably sag over time. All building codes and manufacturers instructions do not allow for any load bearing.

jmart2601 · Post by **jmart2601** » July 16th, 2006, 7:50 pm

Thanks Leonreno!

That was my same assumption after looking at them closer! They don't have much strength unless supported very well. The span on my trailer is too far apart for them to work & support the load properly. Guess I'll go another route for bunks.

Post by AJ » July 20th, 2006, 9:18 pm

You need to get that thing finished, your electrician may need a ride fishin if my boats break down.

Post by **Tidedancer** » July 20th, 2006, 9:44 pm

What brand of trailer is it?

jmart2601 · Post by **jmart2601** » July 25th, 2006, 10:03 pm

AJ...is that you!? Ha! Hope the trailer works as well after I get finished as your electrical work has thus far! I tried the generator/switch &...EVERYTHING worked as planned! Thanks!

Tidedancer...the trailer is a gavalnized, Magic-Tilt brand. Just got me some Cypress lumber last wk & will finish mounting the bunks this weekend! After that its time to... get'er wet!

Post by **Atticus** » July 25th, 2006, 10:41 pm

Saw an ad for these bunk caps in a mag a while back:

http://www.bunkaps.com

jmart2601 · Post by **jmart2601** » July 25th, 2006, 11:15 pm

Thanks Atticus....wow! Those babies are nice...but REALLY expensive!!!