Adjusting bunks with boat on trailer

[queasy]

A little backround info before my question. New Sundeck 187 (18'10") on new Karavan tandem 4 bunk trailer. The front bunks are positioned on the strakes too much. It was bugging me all summer, but my dealer said "Oh that's fine, won't hurt a thing." So last month I took some photos of the boat and trailer and emailed them to Karavan. Got a call from their rep last week. Very nice guy, and agreed that the bunks weren't positioned correctly and told me where they should be adjusted. My question is if there is a way to raise the front of the boat slightly on the trailer to adjust the front bunks? I've been given a couple of suggestions: strap through the keel eye, and lift with a fork lift. Or use a well padded floor jack underneath near the front. Any suggestions? I can wait til spring and do it when the boats in the water, but it would be nice too be able to do it on the trailer, because I'll have to adjust the winch a bit, then have everything set for next season. thanks

 

[Bob in Calif.]

Re: Adjusting bunks with boat on trailer

I would not use the eyelet on the front of the boat, but I would jack up the front of the boat. What I have done in the past, with out damage to the boat, is to use a padded, several foot long 4X4 board under the flat part of the keel, lengthwise and just raise it high enough with a floor jack, to get the job done, leaving the transom sitting on the rear bunks. I wouldn't raise it more that 2 or 3 inches higher than the final position you want the bunks in. <br /><br />Most of all if you do that is to make sure the boat doesn't rock back and forth so it would slip off the board and or jack and have someone with you watching for movement of the boat during the adjustment.<br />By using just the eyelet, damage could occur and would probably void your warranty. <br /> <br />You can always take a copy of the information the rep. sent you and request the dealer do it for you. <br /><br />PS: Welcome to the board.<br /><br /> ...Bob in Calif...

 

[ndemge]

Re: Adjusting bunks with boat on trailer

I moved my boat to a new trailer last winter....<br /><br />(moved with 2 tractors)<br /><br />...once it was on the trailer, I had to do my final bunk adjustments, I was within a couple inches on my measurements before moving the boat.<br /><br />Just used jacks and 4x4's to move everything around. Keep the trailer hooked to a vehicle with parking brake on so the trailer can't move on you.... heave boat lands on your hand, it gonna hurt!

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Adjusting bunks with boat on trailer

Bob,<br />If boat hoists use the front eye to lift the boat to put it in the water, what is wrong with queasy lifting his boat by the eye to adjust his bunks???<br /><br />Queasy, either of the suggestions already given to you will work. I see no problem either way, except for safety. If you guard yourself against the safety aspect by using jack stands and do not get into a hurry, that if fine. If you are not far from the water, I would just take the tools with me, put it in the water and adjust it at the ramp. That way you can easily test the way that it sits and re-adjust if nessessary.<br /><br />Knightgang

 

[Bob in Calif.]

Re: Adjusting bunks with boat on trailer

I've never seen a boat hoist lift a boat onto the water using only the front eyelet. Mabe I'm missing something.<br /><br />Personally, I would feel more comfortable not using the eyelet to lift "dead weight". I realize a boater will be using the winch thru the eyelet to get the boat all the way on the trailer and to secure the boat once it is in trailering position, but that would be sliding weight and usually on a wet surface. I just don't want to see somebody's new boat damaged, or warranty voided in the name of haste. But that's just my opinion.<br /><br /> ...Bob in Calif...

 

[queasy]

Re: Adjusting bunks with boat on trailer

Thanks Bob, I think that would be the best way. I was going to make a long "channel" out of 2x4's and a 2x6 padded covered with carpet. I don't have to lift very high, just enough to get the weight off the bunks. ndemge, I saw the pics you posted of moving your boat. Pretty slick!

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Adjusting bunks with boat on trailer

I did not mean lifting the boat by the front eyelet alone. Usually there are three drops from the hoist, one for the front (in the eyelet) and two for the back (one in each eyelet there). If he lifts the front of the boat and leaves the stern on the bunks (since he never mentioned lifting the entire boat aff of the trailer, i do not see anything going on that could void the warranty.....unless it is dropped, which could also happen with the jacks.

 

[Bob in Calif.]

Re: Adjusting bunks with boat on trailer

Sorry Queasy, I didn't post any pictures and I didn't take any pictures when I reconfiggured my new boat trailer. That means.....Somebody else "done good."<br /><br /> ...Bob in Calif...

 

[Bob in Calif.]

Re: Adjusting bunks with boat on trailer

Knightgang...I just thought you were just going to hang it by the eyelet, from a tall Oak Tree... <br /><br />I just personally wouldn't lift it with the eyelet. I would have nightmares thinking the fiberglass inside the hull was damaged, where the eyelet enters... <br /><br /> ...Bob in Calif...

 

[tmeo]

Re: Adjusting bunks with boat on trailer

I agree with Bob; on the inside of my boat, there is very little extra support for the bow eye. If you put too much stress on it it will damage the hull.