boat lift bunk questions

[snapper-3]

I'm taking delivery of an 18' deep-V center console boat soon and storing it on my boat lift. Some questions regarding the placement of the bunk boards on the lift:<br /><br />Is there a formula for calculating the correct distance between bunk boards on a boat lift for a particular boat? Or is it just a trial & error thing? Also, should the boards be closer to one another at the bow and further apart at the stern? Or should they be parallel? <br /><br />Thanks for any help.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: boat lift bunk questions

i think it really depends on the boat and lift. i've seen several different configurations, all working. any chance the boat is being delivered on a bunk trailer? if that's the case, take measurements and your good to go. you also need to take into account the keel of the boat and position of the cross memeber of the lift. obviously don't want them touching. if you still have no idea, i'd place the bunks btw 3-4 ft apart, assuming a 7 1/2 ft beam.

 

[EZLoader]

Re: boat lift bunk questions

The key to this is knowing the construction of your boat. Check with the manufacturer of the boat to see what they recommend. I would set the bunks directly underneath the boat's stringers which should be the strongest part of the hull. <br /><br />Your bunks should be parallel. If they aren't then you will be pinching your hull as you winch it on.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: boat lift bunk questions

Originally posted by mattttt25:<br /> .... you also need to take into account the keel of the boat and position of the cross memeber of the lift. obviously don't want them touching.......

I second that. The guy who built my boathouse & set up the lift didn't get this right; I had to switch from 2x8's to 2x10's to keep the keel off of the front steel crosspiece.

 

[BillP]

Re: boat lift bunk questions

It's just like when setting up a trailer. You have to consider lift strakes and hull shape. Strength wise most boats won't care where they sit on a bunk. Make the bunks straight. The inside edges may need to be tapered to fit the vee. Some do it and others don't. I see tapers on 4" wide bunks and no taper on 2" wide ones. <br /><br />For the last 30+ yrs I've use cables attached to lifting eyes on my boat instead of bunks. When the water is rough I don't worry about the boat hitting the hard bunks and doing damage. Others use nylon straps instead of bunks. Straps are the easiest.