Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

[Benz Mondi]

Just thought I'd give those considering this product a heads up. I read the reviews both on this site and at BassProShops and not one mentioned that these are actually full length PVC covers that are a substitute for the bunk carpet, not for the whole bunk itself. They are installed over existing bunk lumber. Accordingly, in replacing rotten bunks, you'll have to factor the cost of replacment lumber along with the cost of these covers.

I just got these delivered and was obviously suprised. That having been said, they do appear to be well designed and built. They come in four (4) 50" lengths that cover 2" x 4" lumber and have 1/4" x 1/2" angled ridges that are meant to help guide the boat toward the middle. You have to make sure to install them properly. The ends have a curved cap so that there are no exposed, blunt ends. They are attached at reinforced spots along the sides via the supplied stainless steel, self-tapping screws. There is no hardware attachment at the top surface to endanger the boat bottom. This means that you have to make sure that the cover lies completely flat against the top surface of the bunk lumber or the compression of the boat against the gap will eventually cause the sides to crack at the screw points. Turning the bunk lumber over with the cover at the bottom and stepping on them while the sides are screwed in should do the trick.

For my trailer, I only need 7' bunks so I'll have to cut an equivalent amount off of the butting ends so that I maintain the proper groove alignment. Now to get some pressure treated 2 x 4's at the home center.

Al

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

Nice review, but if you go to the Bass Pro Shops web site and look up this product, there are numerous questions and answers in the "Q&A" on the product that tell you they are bunk carpet replacements that go over existing (or new) bunk lumber:
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...-03A7-DF11-904F-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA

Also if you go to the Tie Down website and look up the install instructions, they tell you the same:
http://www.tiedown.com/pdf/a935.pdf

 

[Cannondale]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

Nice review, but if you go to the Bass Pro Shops web site and look up this product, there are numerous questions and answers in the "Q&A" on the product that tell you they are bunk carpet replacements that go over existing (or new) bunk lumber:
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...-03A7-DF11-904F-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA

Also if you go to the Tie Down website and look up the install instructions, they tell you the same:
http://www.tiedown.com/pdf/a935.pdf

Exactly what I was going to say......I don't think anyone is "surprised" they are covers....Tie Down, BPS, iBoats, and almost every other website, store, etc., states they are carpet replacements.

Second, OP, you don't need to cut any of the glide-ons off. Tie Down, again in their installation instructions, states that it's more than acceptable to have the glide-ons extend beyond the front end of the bunks. So put your saw away.

Sometimes it pays to read the directions.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

And the product description...

 

[Benz Mondi]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

I'm new to all this forum business, but I get it now. I see how some of you are, quick to wag the finger. As my NY buddies would say: " I've got a finger for ya." HA.

Leaving an overhang of almost 12" can't help but hurt the functionality. Common sense prevails here. I'm going to have to cut.

For the record, I do still plan to keep them. My point was to alert would be buyers that the actual descriptions from Bass Pro shops could have made it absolutely clear that these were covers buy stating or even hinting that these are carpet replacements or something of the sort. Re-read the description as listed both on iBoats and BassProshops... no mention. Despite comments to the contrary, in case it's not just me that actually relies on just the product descriptions, the reviews and does a search on this forum, my experience can be their wisdom.

You guys are different. I get it. You go " Detective Columbo" when you shop.

Good humor, guys.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

Not sure why the confusion?
The ad at iBoats clearly says they fit over 2x4 bunk boards.

"Self centering Bunk Glide Ons make launching & loading easy. Ideal for painted, fiberglass or aluminum boats. Fits 2 x 6 or 2 x 4 standard bunk boards. Slide on or off with less effort. Easy to install."

If you looking for solid bunk boards, do a search for "Ultimate Bunk Boards".

 

[dude11]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

Well I for one,do thank you for the heads up.Any time one will share his experiences with a product,I beleive someone will profit--and isn't that one of the main goals of a forum?

 

[dlngr]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

I'd like to know if they work!! Let us know when you test them!!

 

[Cannondale]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

You go " Detective Columbo" when you shop.

What, you don't?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

Hey Benz: Everybody gets their turn in the barrel. Take it like a man! LOL

I've been there, done that, bought the Tee shirt, wore it, washed it, wore it out, and threw it out.

 

[rentprop1]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

or maybe its time to take up a nitting hobby

 

[Shrike]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

or maybe its time to take up a nitting hobby

Or Spelling Class!

 

[Shrike]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

Thanks for the heads up Benz.

By the way, what's self centering about them?

 

[Benz Mondi]

Re: Tie Down Self Centering Bunks are: COVERS!

I'll post pics shortly when I install them so it's plain to see.

What's self centering about them is that the 1/2" wide ridges are set at an angle toward the center of the trailer. Imagine a fishbone where the ribs are aligned toward a center spine. In this way as the boat bottom contacts the bunk surface its directed toward the center from both sides.

The pdf that AJGRAZ included in his post from tiedown's website does not actually describe the one that I got. There is no reference to what I got on the Tie-Down website. Mine are four equivalent length bunk covers, a matched pair for each side and they don't have the "X" pattern. I didn't go into it because the comments are so comical, but I actually did go to the tiedown website before I ordered. Since I didn't find what I thought to be the solid synthetic bunk boards on their site, I moved on. The reference to the line "...fit 2 x 4 bunk boards...", I thought meant that they would replace 2 x 4 bunk material so that the existing brackets could be re-used.

AJGRAZ, you wouldn't happen to be the A. Grazziano that I went to Jesuit prep school with in SF would you?

Al