trailer bunk board coverings

[Beck]

Hi to all,<br /><br />After two years, finally found the exact flatboat I have been looking for. Tims custom 16x54 little wider, longer and higher sides than the flat I have now plus its a welded flat.<br /><br />The two bunk boards that are under the boat now are bare and are 2x4 about 6'long. Without the engine the flatboat pivots on the front of the boards. When the transon is straped down it lays flat but I'm thinking there is tremendous pressure under the boat on the area by the front of the boards. I'm planing on replacing them with 8' long boards so they will rest on the entire board. <br /><br />The main question, Most boards are covered with carpet. I'm thinking of covering them with a codex material. (a type of plastic wall protective covering, very durable and it can be heated and bent down the sides of the wood and attached. The boat should slide off the trailer easier, but I'm concerned that when I am driving the boat up the trailer and then kill the engine, that maybe it will slide off again before I can attached the front trailer wench strap.? <br /><br />Any opinions would be appreciated.<br /><br />I just ordered a CMC power trim kit from Iboats it should get here tomm. My 48 spl had the power assist piston that has long lost its assist. In fact now it is a pain in the butt.<br /><br />Sincerly,<br />Beck

 

[monoshock]

Re: trailer bunk board coverings

I just put new bunks on my pontoon boat trailer. Instead of the factory installed 2x4’s I used 2x6’s this works much better, I used carpet but just covered the sides and tops of the boards, this way the wood dries much faster and I think will help the wood last longer. I think I would stay with carpet; all the trailers I have seen have carpet on the bunks.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: trailer bunk board coverings

Hi Beck,<br />

I'm thinking of covering them with a codex material. (a type of plastic wall protective covering,

What is this stuff?<br />Out here, we've never heard of it.

 

[Beck]

Re: trailer bunk board coverings

Hey Still..<br /><br />Well it comes in 4x8 sheets, 1/16" or 1/8" thicknes, somewhat flexible but very dense. It feels like plastic but very flexible. They use it at work for covering walls that have a tendency to be hit by carts, etc. It protects the sheetrock walls. The name if i'm spelling it correctly is Codex, or Kodex. I'm not sure of the price I got a few leftover pieces quite a while back and thought I could use it now. I've heard of people putting a thick piece of plastic on the bunk boards to allow the boats to slide off easier. This stuff will act the same way. I've even thought of using a plastic 55 gal barrel cutting it in strips and heating it to form a straight piece and connecting it to the bunks. But I think the Codex would be easier. It's thinner and bends easier when heated.<br /> <br />Beck

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: trailer bunk board coverings

Thanks.<br /><br />I've got a big, heavy plastic barrel, and my bunks need work. I might give that idea a shot.

 

[tommays]

Re: trailer bunk board coverings

you really dont want them to be to slippery it may get hard to keep the boat on the trailer in turns and other events<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Beck]

Re: trailer bunk board coverings

Glad I could help.<br /><br />Just to expand a tad, cut the top and bottom out and slit the side this will give you a sheet so to speak. I used to do it with dialysis barrels but it was thinner and unrolled into a sheet. The barrels may be somewhat harder to unroll. But I would cut the barrel the size of the top of the bunk boards but leaving, say a tab 1 1/2" on the side every 12-18" (more or less whatever you think is needed) They will be heated and bent so you can use them to attach it to the bunk. I guess you could connect them like others have said of the thick plastic pieces counter sink holes and attache them with flat head screws. The only thing about doing it that way, I would be concerned about the screws comming out some and me not noticing it and scratching the bottom of the boat. <br /><br />Beck

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: trailer bunk board coverings

What I don't like is the idea of my bunkboards staying wet for too long after trailering.<br /><br />What if I stripped off the carpet, and replaced it with several strips of commercial plastic 'D' section? You can buy it in rolls for edging office doors or other things that keep taking knocks. A bit like the rubrail on a boat, but smaller.<br /><br />The boat should slide easy on this, and the wood would dry quicker.

 

[amirm]

Re: trailer bunk board coverings

My new 2005 EZ Loader trailer came with plastic covers of sorts over the bunks already. It kind of warsn about them being more slippery and not releasing the winch until ready. I will be using them for the first time this week so I will let you know how it goes!<br /><br />Amir

 

[Beck]

Re: trailer bunk board coverings

Still...<br /><br />That sounds like a good idea too. My bunks are on the flat so they are 4" wide. Thats why I'm going to try to use the codex. <br /><br />Amir<br /><br />Do let me know how it works. I havn't done mine yet as there are others issues I'm addressing with my trailer before I do the bunks.<br /><br />Tommays<br /><br />That was a concern of mine also which is why I posted this topic. But I had heard that there was a commercial type material as Amir speaks of that is already on the trailer from the manufacturer.<br /><br />Later,<br />Beck