Pontoon bunk setup questions

[DerekDN25]

Hey All,

Newbie here, I purchased a older floe lift over the winter and it did not have the setup for a pontoon. I wanted bunks that would support the length of the deck as that was the style of lift we had before. I ended up with these (looks to be) homemade style of bunks that were the off the same setup of lift that I have. I am working to get the bunks setup and realized that I don't know if how I am setting them up is correct. I have attached the pictures of how I have them setup currently and looking for verification that it looks correct. I also am wondering about the vertical upright pipes, as they extend and then are locked in place via a bolt being tightened. Is there any concern with weight limits on those bolts and legs? My pontoon is not that heavy, only about 1500 lbs, I just don't want to get it in the water and the boat on it and the bunks slam down due to the boat weight. I could probably drill through the pipes and slide a bolt all the way through both pipes for more stabilization. What are the thoughts on the setup?

 

[ahicks]

I'm with you. Once you confirm the heights are ok, through bolting would be a good plan.

Our boat is often pressed into use as a dock side patio for instance. There may be several people on it and it might never leave the dock! Point being, whatever the original weight of the hull, that could be doubled easily while still on the lift.

I lucked out on our lift. It was originally used for an IO powered 'toon. Top rail is doubled, and there's an extra set of up right arms. Bought on the cheap because of a winch issue that was 15.00 to fix!

 

[DerekDN25]

I'm with you. Once you confirm the heights are ok, through bolting would be a good plan.

Our boat is often pressed into use as a dock side patio for instance. There may be several people on it and it might never leave the dock! Point being, whatever the original weight of the hull, that could be doubled easily while still on the lift.

I lucked out on our lift. It was originally used for an IO powered 'toon. Top rail is doubled, and there's an extra set of up right arms. Bought on the cheap because of a winch issue that was 15.00 to fix!

Thanks AHICKS- I have confirmed height will clear the toons not hitting the frame. So I think that should be good. I need to get my spacing right on the frame from left to right but that's just measuring and alignment.

 

[ahicks]

Yup, then you get to start your docking practice. It's like threading a needle when you have a cross wind, often ending in a big CRASH when you hit something. Been driving pontoon boats since the 70's and I still get all crossed up on occasion....

Oh and you want something, hopefully something other than the prop or lower unit, to stop the boat when the toon is where you want it front to rear. Our lift is usually set up a little high in front. This lets the rain water run off the deck, but it also will help stop the boat.

 

[DerekDN25]

Yup, then you get to start your docking practice. It's like threading a needle when you have a cross wind, often ending in a big CRASH when you hit something. Been driving pontoon boats since the 70's and I still get all crossed up on occasion....

Oh and you want something, hopefully something other than the prop or lower unit, to stop the boat when the toon is where you want it front to rear. Our lift is usually set up a little high in front. This lets the rain water run off the deck, but it also will help stop the boat.

It is hard to see in the picture, but I do have a Floe motor stop unit on the back railing already! Thanks for the heads up though.

 

[Scott06]

Those aren’t homemade bunks they are guides that go on the sides of the boat to center it on the lift, not meant to support the weight of a boat.