side bunk question

[sasanm]

Guys, I have a question that I am trying to figure out? I have a early 60's starcraft holiday 18ft that I am working on. The previous owner put 8ft carpeted side bunks weled on to the trailer. The question is am I better off with these or should I go to a roller type side bunk. I have a lot of trouble trying to get the boat on the trailer. The other question is the side bunks are about 4 inches from the boat and about 3 inches above the mid rub rail. Am I better off bringing in the bunks so they help enter the boat? Also should I drop the bunks so they rub against the rub rails or am I just better off going to Cabella's and buying the roller type side guides.
Thanks,
james

 

[Silvertip]

Re: side bunk question

Trouble getting on and off a trailer is generally a matter of practice and technique. Backing in too little or too much is often the issue. Trailer design can play a part but generally it's just a matter of technique. Adjusted properly, it shouldn't matter where the bunks touch the boat and their purpose is to align the boat so it centers on the trailer. Longer bunk boards should provide better alignment than a single roller guide on as the boat can still pivot around the guide on. Since you didn't indicate what your technique is and what specific problem you are having we can't offer much advice.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: side bunk question

one or two of these will make all the difference in the world. i have them on my last, and second roller. i also use guide ons.

 

[John_S]

Re: side bunk question

I agree with Silvertip. Longer side bunks should be better than posts with rollers. If I had to guess, I'd say you are setting your trailer too deep for retrieval. ie its floating instead of riding on one of the keel rollers.

 

[jtexas]

Re: side bunk question

count on the side bunks to keep you from floating off in a side current, but don't count on 'em to center the boat. this

self-centering keel roller helps a lot.

guide-ons are still a good idea in addition to your side bunks

 

[DJ]

Re: side bunk question

I like side boards but they have to be functional.

To be functional, they need to be a lot closer to the hull and below the gunnel.

I set up all my rigs so that you cannot get it on the trailer wrong. The side boards play a big part in that.

 

[sasanm]

Re: side bunk question

thanks guuys for the info. I think I will try to lower them alittle and bring them in. Also I have been thinking about the self centering rollers. I will give them a try.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: side bunk question

i forgot to put the link in for the self centering roller. CRS disease.