Scissor or Bunk Style

[Cubbyblue22]

With buying a pontoon with no trailer comes the time when I have to decide on which one to buy. My dad and grandpa hauled the boat home on a rental that was the scissor type and they said it handled great. I'm wondering what advantages/disadvantages you all have on these types. I hear scissor type is so much easier when your docking and undocking your boat and the bunk style is nicer on the road. Cant wait for your thoughts, thanks.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

Scissor trailers are alot more tippy since they hold the boat just in the center btu they are alot handier to have then a bunk since you can set the baot pretty much anywhere you want to.

If you are going to be towing it long distances a bunk will probably work out alot beter since it is so much more stable.

In the end either is a fine choice, you just need to be a little more careful with the scissor.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

Bunk if you tow ANY distance at all. The center lift trailers dump pretty easy if you have to make a quick maneuver to avoid an accident, been there done that and have seen OTHERS like that. My grandpa avoided the accident but the trailer dumped to one side and drug a toon on the pavement for 100' feet before it righted itself but the damage was done.

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

My old pontoon has the narrow trailer, single axle. Pretty handy if you want to unload the boat on land. It works fine locally, I only live 1/4 mile from the boat launch.

My new pontoon has a double axle bunk style.

If you go with a narrow trailer, I would make sure it's double axle, that way if you hit a pothole, the trailer would be more stable.

If you travel very far, go with the bunk style. I love my new one, although the boat sits really high off the ground. Mine is over 8' tall. So keep this in mind if you have low garage doors.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

But how is the Bunk style for docking/undocking the boat??? I hear it's more of a pain.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

If you put guides on the bunk trailer, preferably on the outside, docking will be just as easy as with scissors trailers.

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

But how is the Bunk style for docking/undocking the boat??? I hear it's more of a pain.

Actually much easier than I thought.

I had also heard this, but it was similar to loading a ski boat. I park where I can see 1/3 of the bunk out of the water, then glide on, and idle up the bunks and then winch the last foot or two. I also have wind guides that are most of the length, they really help and give you security knowing that the boat can't slide off the bunks if you're not centered properly.

Unloading: not a big deal at all, Back in where the vehicle tires are almost to the water. The boat is almost floating, I just start up and idle off.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

I have a scissor type & like it-
I've pulled it up to 200 miles with no problems-
I have a 20 - 30 min haul to the ramps i use -
Just be sure you have a set of DAM good tires!
Changing one out on the road would not be fun

 

[kentuckyguy]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

I have the scissor type trailer also.. Mine only come with one axle and I had the dealer to get me another... I personally would rather have the scissor type trailer as to the bunk style.. I have a low garage door (7 foot) so I will be able to get the boat in there this winter.. As the others have stated dont make any high speed sharp turns or it might tip...

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

Just be sure you have a set of DAM good tires!
Changing one out on the road would not be fun

I forgot about that. My narrow trailer, you CAN'T change a tire with the boat on the trailer!!! I've tried, no luck. Luckily the flat was at home.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

What height difference are we talking about??? I'm storing my pontoon in a shed with a pretty high door but I want to make sure.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

With a bunk style you will probably need a 9' door, I can get mine into a 8' door but I built the trailer and made it as short as possible with 16.5x8x8 tires and I have to remove the windshield, steering wheel, and bimini top to "squeak" it in the garage for the winter.

 

[kentuckyguy]

Re: Scissor or Bunk Style

My door is 7ft.. I will what to take the bimi top off and it will clear by about 4 inches..