Changing Bow Stop & Silicon spray on bunks

[blifsey]

OK, I bought a Stoltz Ultimate Bow Stop and need to replace existing stop. I also would like to "slicken" up the bunks some with silicon spray. Dumb question, how do you do this with boat sitting on trailer. When I did similar work to my little 14' tin boat, I was able to slide the boat back a foot or two and list boat and rest it on wood blocks. I know there is no way I can do this to a 18' FG boat. Do I go to the lake, launch boat and work on trailer in parking lot?<br /><br />Hadn't thought of this aspect until this afternoon <br /><br />Thanks,<br />BL...

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Changing Bow Stop & Silicon spray on bunks

I took a can of silicon spray with me when I went fishing, and after a morning of fishing I sprayed the runners on my trailer. I did it when the carpet was dry. Darn thing will launch itself now if you are not careful. That was a year ago and it is still slicker then owl ****!

 

[troyo]

Re: Changing Bow Stop & Silicon spray on bunks

Careful with the liquid roller spray; on more than one occasion I have observed the self launching boat; literally, while backing down ramp, boat slid right onto the concrete ramp; not a pretty sight nor sound

 

[Finger Lakes Boater]

Re: Changing Bow Stop & Silicon spray on bunks

I am suspicious of things to make bunks more slippery!!! With a brand new carpeted bunk (I assume maximum friction from new carpet) launching the boat is a snap!! With steep ramps, power off is easy, and with shallower ramps, simply backing down and stopping short when wet has been amply sufficient to move the boat off. Why create the possibility of launching onto the concrete? What am I missing here?

 

[blifsey]

Re: Changing Bow Stop & Silicon spray on bunks

Based on a cool idea from another thread here, I jacked the trailer tongue to its highest point, blocked the boat using some jack stands and soft wood. I then lowered the trailer tongue and the bow and bow stop separated as pretty as you please Instead of jacking up boat, jack down the trailer! Then I found that the existing bolt hole was smaller diameter than the Stoltz bolt. Now I got to get a big drill bit and drill the holes out. The fun never ends.<br /><br />On the concern about putting slippery stuff on bunks...mine aren't slippery at all and the boat doesn't launch or load near as smoothly as others I've noted at the ramp. Maybe I'll start by just spraying down 1/4 or 1/2 the bunk. Or, do just one whole bunk and go in circles (Sorry for that, I just wanted to use the winking graemlin)<br /><br />Thanks,<br />BL...

 

[marty_scher]

Re: Changing Bow Stop & Silicon spray on bunks

Boats sliding off onto the ramp?<br /><br />It thought it was standard practice to leave the winch connected until the boat was in the water.<br /><br />Am I missing something?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: Changing Bow Stop & Silicon spray on bunks

Marty,<br /><br />Nope, you've got it right. You're light years ahead of a lot of the knuckle heads you'll see on a Sunday afternoon.

 

[humblechoice]

Re: Changing Bow Stop & Silicon spray on bunks

have a 16 ft skif, I sprayed three quarters of the bunk, as I usually launch by myself it still holds to the bunks untill I push it of, however I donot release the winch and safety line until I am in position.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Changing Bow Stop & Silicon spray on bunks

NEVER unhook until your at the water's edge. I have a new E-Z Loader trailer with bunks for a 24' boat. I bought their optional bunk slides...like a pieces of plastic on the bunks, over the carpet. The great part is not the launch but the retrieve! Comes on a lot easier when using the winch.

 

[RCabrera]

Re: Changing Bow Stop & Silicon spray on bunks

I'm a novice mariner. I agree with Marty on keeping boat secure until it's semi-floating ready to lauch!