Pontoon boat trailer runners

tumblebug1949

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
76
For a little background, I have a 1999 21 ft. Fishin' Barge from Sun Tracker with a 40hp motor.

This may be more of a trailer question but I need to know if the plastic runners that can be purchased and attached to the carpeted runners works well for a pontoon boat trailer. The material I am asking about is somewhat like the material used to make the white cutting boards you find about everywhere. You can get strips 3" or 4" wide and those are bolted or screwed right to the carpeted runner. It is supposed to let the pontoon boat slide on and off the trailer much easier.

My trailer has the dual runners on each side forming a slight "V" shape that the pontoons tubes slide into.

If anyone has used these runners with a pontoon, let me know what you think. Second, If anyone knows a place to get these a a good price I would be interested in that also.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Tom
 

gpfishingdude

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 1, 2012
Messages
538
Re: Pontoon boat trailer runners

The ones I installed on the bunk boards are called bunk board trailer slicks. Mine might make the boat slide a little easier but I don't think I have to worry about the boat sliding off the trailer like some people claim. I am still powering my boat on and off. My guide ons need a little work and that might improve my loading a little bit. My toons could probably use some cleaning and polishing too.
 

Old Screwball

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
240
Re: Pontoon boat trailer runners

Just had 4 boxes delivered to the house. Going back to the river in July for 3 weeks, I'll install them then and give you my never so humble opinion. The bunk carpet was wearing down a bit anyway....
 

cooterdude

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 27, 2010
Messages
33
Re: Pontoon boat trailer runners

you might look into some composite decking material from your local lowes or home depot its sold in 20 foot lengths will never rot and if you install it upside down with the groves facing upwards it will slide off well as well
 

MinUph

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
466
Re: Pontoon boat trailer runners

you might look into some composite decking material from your local lowes or home depot its sold in 20 foot lengths will never rot and if you install it upside down with the groves facing upwards it will slide off well as well

I like this idea. Did you do this and if so did you add any support for the composite? I know from building decks with the stuff that it needs good support. More So than wood.
 

kazeej

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 4, 2005
Messages
48
Re: Pontoon boat trailer runners

you might look into some composite decking material from your local lowes or home depot its sold in 20 foot lengths will never rot and if you install it upside down with the groves facing upwards it will slide off well as well

That is an awesome idea! I put the runners on my trailer the OP is talking about. They did help, but the boat still hangs when loading and loading. One of the ramps I use is very long and has almost no slope. You can only back up so far down the ramp before having to muscle the boat off and on the trailer.


Jack
South Florida
 

kazeej

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 4, 2005
Messages
48
Re: Pontoon boat trailer runners

I like this idea. Did you do this and if so did you add any support for the composite? I know from building decks with the stuff that it needs good support. More So than wood.

FWIW I'm planning on leaving the 2x6 bunks in place, and adding the composite material on top of them.

Jack
South Florida
 

Silver Eagle

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 16, 2010
Messages
852
Re: Pontoon boat trailer runners

I bought the sliders last year, My PB is 24ft long. I covered all the bunks , They look good but that's about all I can say good about them. One guy told me that I had to get the bunks wet before the boat would slide off. When I back into the water my PB floats off. And when I'm Loading the trailer with PB there already wet. I use a steep ramp sometimes nothing has changed. When I unhook the boat It just says there until it floats off.
 

MinUph

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
466
Re: Pontoon boat trailer runners

FWIW I'm planning on leaving the 2x6 bunks in place, and adding the composite material on top of them.

Jack
South Florida

Jack please keep me informed how this goes? My carpet is shot and hate to put new on just to watch it rot LOL.
 

a1nowell

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
437
Re: Pontoon boat trailer runners

Tom,
I used the slicks listed in the link below, but for a different reason. I replaced my old bunkd with treated lumber not knowing the treated lumber is corrosive to aluminum. The slicks were used to put a barrier between the bunks & my toons.


Boat Trailer Bunk Slick Kit, 10 piece
Larry
 

kazeej

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 4, 2005
Messages
48
Re: Pontoon boat trailer runners

I just priced the PVC composite stuff at the big orange store. It will cost me about $120 in materials to do all the bunks on my trailer. I'm waiting to see if it goes on sale anytime soon. I haven't done it yet, but I'll keep you guys posted...

Jack
South Florida
 

Old Screwball

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
240
Re: Pontoon boat trailer runners

I installed 4 boxes (40 of the slicks) last week. Seems to make the 'toon slide off easier. River level is way up, so I pretty nearly float off and on. Just or laughs I pulled in short on the ramp and pushed her off the trailer. Seemed like it slid easier than on the carpet. My bunks were starting to look a bit torn up, so I was going to have to re-carpet anyway. The bunks were a hell of a lot easier. Worth the $120 .... not sure yet.
 
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