Converting Roller trailer to bunks for my Starcraft 161

[Jimmy Starcraft]

Hi Everyone,
Was sidelined for a while but am back on on my 1973 Starcraft project and need advice on my trailer. The trailer it came on is a roller but in really rough shape. I have a load rite roller trailer from a previous boat that I want to switch it to.

The cross members on my load rite trailer are about 6 feet apart. Everything I've read says this span is just to far for a 2x6 or even a 2x8 on its flat side up. My boat weighs about 650 and the 70 hp about 260 so Im thinking with gear and other stuff about 1200lbs.

The plan I have that I am looking for advice on in this. If I remove the roller arms I will be left with the support bars and old brackets. In the picture the bracket on the top side of the support bars where the roller arm was attached I want to add a bunk trailer angle bracket on both ends of the old roller support bar. I would also drill another hole through the larger support bracket on the cross member holding the the old roller support arm to make it fixed. Then mount a 2x6 on its flat edge between the two. It would have a short enough span between supports and I think be a great option for me.

I hope Ive explained my idea so it makes sense. Am I out to lunch on this? is it just a dumb idea or does it make sense and would make this a good trailer for me.

I only use deep water launches so not worried about that. Want the bunks for better support of my old aluminum boat and long term storage plus cheaper than replacing all the rollers.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[dingbat]

The trailer structure and cross members are the same on roller and bunk Loadrites. The difference is the support structure.

Just need to figure out what size u bolts fit the cross members and what size (height) vertical bunk brackets you need. Might be able to use the existing bunk support brackets if tall enough. Locate and drill the bunk at the appropriate height.

 

[roscoe]

The straight flat surface of your boat will be pushing against a flat board.
Board wont sag in the middle, or on either end past the bracket..
You are good.

The bunk brackets on my trailer are 8'apart.

 

[airshot]

Your boat is not that heavy, so the span would not be a big concern for me. However if your concerned, add a piece if angle iron/ angle aluminum in between then add your 2x6 or other size lumber to make your bunk. I have saw many trailers with a T shaped bunk, a 2x3 on edge bolted to a 2x4, or 2x6 to stiffen the bunk board. No need for overkill. I prefer the roller trailers myself.....

 

[Jimmy Starcraft]

Ok, thats great, thank you all that makes me feel better. Sounds like I should just order a bunk bracket kit remove the rollers and old brackets all together and call it a day. Would anyone recommend 2x6 or 2x8 bunks for the 6 foot distance between cross members. I think I'd feel more comfortable with 2x8 bunks but is that me just being paranoid. Thx

 

[airshot]

In my opinuon, 2x6 would be plenty, if your worried add a stiffener like I mentioned previously by adding a 2x3 on edge under the 2x6. You will need carpet or other surface on bunks for the hull to slide on. A 2x8 would create to much friction as a bunk board.

 

[Jimmy Starcraft]

Thx airshot, I do like the the idea of adding extra support. I will be using 8 foot bunks. I will counter sink and bolt through every 16 inches to attach the 2x3 on edge. Will carpet the bunk boards and attach them to the trailer using a bunk bracket kit that fits my cross members.
I know being an aluminum boat never to use pressure treated wood for the bunks. So thats the plan, really appreciate this forum and the help. I'll post some pics to help others in the future. Cheers

 

[jimmbo]

That Trailer looks like it uses a lot of EZLoader Hardware from the late 70s. Is there an EZLoader Distributor near you?

 

[Jimmy Starcraft]

That Trailer looks like it uses a lot of EZLoader Hardware from the late 70s. Is there an EZLoader Distributor near you?

Not that I know of but will take a look. The trailer is from 1996. I was going to get a bracket kit from Amazon for it.