A blog about boats, fishing, water sports and having fun on the ocean
How long should my boat trailer bunks be?
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Ideally, the bunk boards should be at least half as long as your boat and run from the stern (or a few inches beyond it) to the bow as far forward as you like. Due to shipping restrictions/cost on over-sized items, the longest bunk boards we carry are the CE Smith Carpeted Bunk Boards # CE27845 which are 7 foot long.
What is the best material to use for boat trailer bunks?
For wood, pressure-treated pine is the industry standard for trailer bunks. Popular alternatives are oak, cypress and other hardwoods that add even more durability. Composite boards used for patio decking are other options, but pressure-treated pine is a proven material with economic benefits.
Expert Reply: For your 22-foot Sea Ray, I suggest using the 60-inch tall CE Smith Post-Style Guide-Ons, # CE27640. Posts of this height are going to remain visible while your trailer is partially submerged, making it easier to guide your boat.
Are boat trailer guides helpful?
Boat trailer guides, or guide-ons, attach to your trailer and help you easily, safely, and accurately load or unload your boat. They’re simple tools, but they can help you avoid accidents and damage to your boat. Available in many different styles and sizes, boat trailer guides offer you a lot of options.
How long should my boat trailer bunks be? – Related Questions
How tight should boat guides be?
You would want an inch or two of clearance between the boat and the uprights. With the appropriate amount of clearance your boat that is wider in the middle wouldn’t be an issue.
How do you build a boat trailer guide?
What are the poles on the back of a boat trailer for?
To prevent the trailer from drifting towards the port or starboard, guide poles inhibit the boat from swaying off to either side by being held in position.
How do you drive a boat on a trailer?
How far do you back a boat trailer into the water?
It should be just about as deep as it was when taking the boat off, and in most cases, about two-thirds of the trailer will be submerged while one-third remains out of the water. Don’t submerge the trailer too deep, or the bow of the boat may float over the bunks and go off to the side.
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers says boat trailer tires have a maximum speed rating of 62-68 mph, so keep this in mind when driving on interstates.
Why do trucks end up in the water at boat ramps?
Can I launch a boat with front wheel drive?
The short answer is it likely won’t have much trouble doing so, even with the tongue weight unloading the drive wheels, which typically will be on the dry portion of the launch ramp rather on the exposed slippery sections that come with tidal changes.
Do you need 4×4 to tow a boat?
Four-wheel drive is not absolutely necessary, but experienced boat owners prefer a four-wheel drive vehicle when towing a boat to avoid loosing traction at a boat launch. Boat ramps are steep and often coated in slick material like sand, mud and aquatic plant growth.
How do I stop my boat ramp from slipping?
How Do You Make a Boat Ramp Not Slippery?
Traction Mats. If you have trouble pulling your boat out of the water because the ramp is covered in slippery algae, place a traction mat under your tires to increase grip.
Bucket of Coarse Sand.
Deflating Rear Tires.
Adding Weight Over Drive Tires.
What should you not do on a boat ramp?
DON’T socialize while at the ramp.
If the ramp is packed, this is not the time to catch up with friends or other boaters. People in line will not appreciate watching you stand around and socialize while they’re waiting for their turn to approach the ramp.
On a ramp shallower than 12%, a typical car will have its rear axle in the water by the time the boat is in far enough to be pushed free. Any steeper than 15% and people are likely to slip and fall, plus it’s hard for front-drive vehicles to get enough traction on steep, wet slopes.
What is proper boat launch etiquette?
Always complete all prep work first in the staging area—out of the way of ramp where other boaters are launching. Launch quickly and efficiently; have others in your crew assist you to make the process easier, if possible. As soon as the boat is off the trailer, pull back up the ramp and park in a designated spot.
What do three short blasts of a horn mean?
One short blast tells other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my port (left side).” Two short blasts tell other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side.” Three short blasts tell other boaters, “I am backing up.”
Do I need to change my boat oil every year?
Most manufacturers recommend you change your boat’s oil every 50 to 100 hours of operation. Sometimes this is translated to once every year, whichever comes first.
What is the first thing you should do after retrieving a boat onto a trailer?
After you have the boat all the way on the trailer, attach the safety chains and pull the boat the trailer forward–make sure your engine is raised first!