Converting a 10' utility trailer to a boat trailer

[Davis 103]

I have a small 10' 3" plastic Pelican boat that I have placed a heavy rubber mat on the wood deck (after sealing the wood) my question has anyone installed bunk boards and a keel roller to convert this type of trailer and help provide more hull support rather than just having the boat lie flat on the trailer, my idea is that i can remove the bunk boards and roller to use the trailer as a utilty trailer when needed.
If anyone has done this I would like to see pictures or drawings if possabile.

Thanks for the advice

 

[NYBo]

Re: Converting a 10' utility trailer to a boat trailer

I can't imagine that the boat is heavy enough that it needs the extra support. However, it should be simple enough to add the bunks. Don't bother bolting them down. The strapped-down boat will hold them in place. Use countersunk nuts and bolts witht he heads countersunk to act a pins in the bunks; drill corresponding holes in the trailer deck to accept them.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Converting a 10' utility trailer to a boat trailer

you don't need bunks of any kind.... the flat bed is all you need.... you don't even need the rubber..... wood is just fine

 

[Davis 103]

Re: Converting a 10' utility trailer to a boat trailer

Thanks to those that repied, I may be overly cautious as i intend on keeping this boat for years and trailing it across country at times. my concern is the modified v double hull and the plastic material it is made of. it does not sit flay on the trailer I was thinking that a small bunk on either side where the hull does not sit on the trailer would add support and avoid deforming the hull on long trips.
the manufacture suggest a sea doo or the like type trailer but I perfer the utility since it allows storage around the boat.

again thanks for the insight.

by the way, my wife says i'm nesting until I get a larger boat.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Converting a 10' utility trailer to a boat trailer

I like your idea of adding bunks to support the boat.

Ad some pictures so we can see what your plan of action is for this project. If you're going to travel as much as you say you are, adding bunks would be a smart idea.

 

[bobdec]

Re: Converting a 10' utility trailer to a boat trailer

My 14 foot kayak probably has a flatter bottom than your boat so I used a couple of pressure treated 2 X 2's. about 4 feet long. Cut the top facing surface to match the hull's angle and set the spacing between them to match the hull width. Screwed the 2 x 2's into the wood trailer bed with holes counter sunk so the heads won't scratch the hull. Treated them w/outdoor cedar stain to match the trailer bed. Still can use the trailer as a utility with the small bunks installed, or can remove them if I need a perfectly flat bed. In reality the bunks are really not needed for load support, but they are good for aligning the boat during single handed loading and w/tie-down straps installed they prevent side to side slippage during transport. By the way I also had a local welding shop add a 4 X 5 foot 'second story' steel frame rack for $100 that is removable, I added foam pipe insulation around the 1 inch square framing, and use the upper rack for my grandsons 12 footer when we go out together. Pretty hard to transport a 14 and 12 w/o a small trailer so this works out perfect.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Converting a 10' utility trailer to a boat trailer

you should see how they are hauled in semi's when they are new...... trust me, it ISN'T gentle.... You can add bunks if you want but the keels are the strongest parts of the boat and it'll be fine....