Speaking of bunks vs. rollers, would you bunk a larger boat?

[Homerr]

My restoration project (26.2 ft flybridge) has a roller Caulkins trailer. <br /><br />What are your thoughts on a bunk trailer for a big boat? Would it be hard, wise or even cost effective to convert?<br /><br />I have the bunks on my 22 ft runabout, and I love them. 1 person operation.<br /><br />Of course, I doubt it would be as easy with my big tub!<br /><br />I've never experienced a roller trailer to say the least about one this big. The person I bought the boat from says it's a piece of cake to load. Just drive it on up. <br />(yea right..I can't wait to try!)<br /><br />H.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Speaking of bunks vs. rollers, would you bunk a larger boat?

One step at a time. Your restoring your boat first. When you get it in the H2O then take assesment on how your roller trailer is. Rollers do work slick and so do bunks...almost has to do with your boats personality and you.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Homerr]

Re: Speaking of bunks vs. rollers, would you bunk a larger boat?

Yes, restoration first of course!<br /><br />I was just curious if anyone put/has bunks on larger boats.<br /><br />H.

 

[RJS]

Re: Speaking of bunks vs. rollers, would you bunk a larger boat?

Homerr,<br /><br />Where I keep my boat, there are plenty of very large boats with bunks; therefore,I think it's OK. I have a big 21 footer. I now have rollers and really do not like them. I wish I had gotten bunks. I guess I'll get used to the rollers, but the bunks were so easy.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Speaking of bunks vs. rollers, would you bunk a larger boat?

I have a 24' Boston Whaler with twin Evinrude 175's, I use a E-Z load trailer with BUNKS. BW recomends them for better weight distribution on the hull, i.e., no concentrated loads. I also have plastic slides on the bunks. They allow the boat to slide on better. Most of the time I winch the boat on by hand. I never risk the boat rolling off early. Of course the're great to drive onto, too.

 

[araiha]

Re: Speaking of bunks vs. rollers, would you bunk a larger boat?

Buddy of mine has a 27 foot Seasport with the Pilot cabin (dry weight is 8,000) and the bunks work great for him. I helped him set the the trailer up and launched to boat a couple of times. No problems at all.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Speaking of bunks vs. rollers, would you bunk a larger boat?

Thanks for the replies...<br /><br />I've also been told that rollers can wreak havoc on the hull.<br /><br />Like I say, my 22 ft boat has bunks, and it's a 1 person job.<br /><br />I might look into converting my rollers to bunks, as most of the rollers need replaced anyhow.<br /><br />H.

 

[DJ]

Re: Speaking of bunks vs. rollers, would you bunk a larger boat?

Homerr,<br /><br />It's (usually) relatively easy to go from rollers to bunks. More expensive to go the other way.

 

[smalloutboardsarecool]

Re: Speaking of bunks vs. rollers, would you bunk a larger boat?

Go with bunks they remove algie and fouling off the hull and when its time to paint the hull you can lift the boat up with a jack and not worry about it rolling off!

 

[BigBabyLou]

Re: Speaking of bunks vs. rollers, would you bunk a larger boat?

Homerr,<br /><br />my 26'5" Sunbridge has dry weight of 4 tons. I would not want my boat on rollers. Not for a million bucks. The friction the bunks provide helps keep the boat on the trailer after loading / before launching / during towing.<br /><br />In my opinion, bunks are much safer for a big boat than rollers.<br /><br />Happy trailering!<br />Lou

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Speaking of bunks vs. rollers, would you bunk a larger boat?

Make sure the bunks stick past the transom for best support.....nylon glides are the best.<br />Bigger the boat bigger the bunk timbers. Ex; 28 ft cuddy 3" X 6" on edge, trimmed to match hull bottom angle and should line up with main hull stringers inside. At least 4 supports per bunk.....the only SAFE way to store a hull on a trailer without "cupping" the bottom. NO keel rollers should be making contact when the boat is seated on the trailer. This will damage the keel eventually.<br />This is how I built them for 20 years in the welding and fabricating buisness for "go fast boats".