Adjusting Bunk Boards

[Jerry_NJ]

I have a 16' aluminum boat equipped like a bass boat, live well, flat plywood floor and raised front deck. It has a 9.9 hp outboard. I'd guess the total weight at less than 500 pounds... I really don't know the weight.

My problem, may be old age, is it is getting harder to push the boat off the trailer when the boat isn't floating, i.e., water up to just the lower end of the trailer and boat, I guess there is some float help with the end/engine weight.

I assume the carpet covered bunk boards may be too high. Is there a recommended adjustment for these boards when on dry land? I would assume the goal is to make most of the weight of the boat to rest on the rollers in the center of the trailer. Can I back off on the bunk board heigth so that they just keep the boat level? Guessing here on how to adjust.

 

[Daleg70]

Re: Adjusting Bunk Boards

Others may have another thought, but here is mine. First there is no real standard in trailer design --- some of course are rollers and some bunk. Most bunk trailers only use the center rollers as quides when loading. However I have seen some where the center rollers bear more weight -- particularily if they are pivoted or a style like that. In general, as a said, on a bunk trailer the weight is supported by the bunks and the rollers are just guides for loading/unloading and to prevent hitting the cross beams. There are ways, however, to make the boat slide easier on the bunks. I have known people who spray the carpet (assuming your bunks are carpeted) with the cooking spray PAM. There are also commercial sprays that have names like "liquid roller" and such. You might give one the the slide sprays a try. They seem to last for a couple of months and then have to be reapplied.
Besides that there are TEFLON type covers that may be applied, but I have not used them as I found them costly.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Adjusting Bunk Boards

If it's fresh water and your comfortable doing this, give it a try.
Back the trailer a little farther in to float the stern, getting the bunks wet. Then pull up and unload as usual.
I feel your pain and this does help, but it sounds like your trying to stay out of the salt.

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Re: Adjusting Bunk Boards

No, my boat sees only fresh water lakes. The problem with getting the trailer into the water far enough to float the boat is when the lake is low - usually the case in the fall.

I didn't mention, my boat is a Grumman "V" bottom boat. The rollers on the "Shorelander" trailer are at least three. A large roller (8" or more wide) at the back end, another medium (6" estimated in both cases, from memory) and a small near the front of the trailer. There is also a large "V" notch into which the boat bow end hits to stop the boat's forward motion.

I was thinking about installing roller bunks (about $100) but have put that idea off as I am not sure it will be a big improvement. I have also looked at the "slick" pads that can be applied over the carpet on the bunks. All seem to offer some improvement, but I figured I would first try lowering the bunks (less friction) a small amount. Just push them up to touch the sides of the boat, not push the boat up.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Adjusting Bunk Boards

Things can be done to make the launch easier:

lower the bunks and rollers
Lengthen the tongue.
Switch to a lower tire.
Move the axle mounts from below the springs, to above the springs.
Raise the front of the boat on the trailer.
Coat the bunks with silicone or wd40

 

[krakatoa]

Re: Adjusting Bunk Boards

Things can be done to make the launch easier:

Switch to a lower tire.

This is a new one for me.

I believe that adding PAM or WD40 could be illegal because of the echosystem....

I heard about liquid electrical tape but... liquid rollers???

 

[NYBo]

Re: Adjusting Bunk Boards

A bit pricey, but these should help.

 

[boaterinsd]

Re: Adjusting Bunk Boards

I have these on my new old boat. Be sure to get or use side guides to keep them on the proper spot, as mine were not. I have a modified V hull .