Check your trailer bunks

[Scott E]

Went out for a few hours yesterday on Canandaigua Lake, saw lots of other jetboats.

Got home and was giving the boat a quick wash and found this



Bunk looked fine when I backed in, damage is limited to a scratch and small chip. at least it didn't go thru to the fiberglass. kicking myself for not noticing it when I was putting the cover on after loading.

I jacked the boat up and got the bunk back in place. next is to get it back up off the bunk to repair.

 

[jameskeller76]

Ouch!

 

[jdonalds]

I agree. Check your bunks.

Last year I launched the boat and a bunk floated off the trailer due to rusted bolts and rotten wood. Fortunately I was able to drive the trailer a short distance home, install a bunk which I already had in the garage, and return to the lake. It could have done a lot of damage to the boat hull.

I now have plastic bunks, countersunk SS bolts and nuts, and new carpet. No more rusty bolts or rotten wood.

 

[Blenderhead]

OH that made me cringe....

 

[scokill]

Bunks floating off is how most people find out their bunks are shot. I see it all the time at the ramp. Check your bunks...poke them, prod them, pull on them. They can look great on the outside but fully rotten and eaten away on the inside.

 

[Anchorman]

I now have plastic bunks, countersunk SS bolts and nuts, and new carpet. No more rusty bolts or rotten wood.

I think I need to do this too. Who manufactures plastic bunks and are you still satisfied with them today? I wouldn’t mind longer bunks than stock.

 

[jdonalds]

I think I need to do this too. Who manufactures plastic bunks and are you still satisfied with them today? I wouldn’t mind longer bunks than stock.

The Ultimate Bunk Board Replacement Solution

Made from High-Density Polyethylene, these bunk boards will last virtually forever giving your boat trailer a sleek new look with easier launching and loading of your boat!

www.ultimatebunkboards.com

Just be aware that the ultimate bunk boards are not as stiff as wood. They will mostly support the boat where the bunk boards meet the metal mounting points. I was concerned about this but after 4 years it doesn't bother me any more. However we rarely drive more then 15 miles to the lake so I don't have long distance experience with the bunk boards.

I do believe the Ultimate Bunk Boards will never rot and should last the life of the boat. Do a search on this board for UBB.

 

[Mike Cardillo]

Damn that hurts.

 

[Anchorman]

The Ultimate Bunk Board Replacement Solution

Made from High-Density Polyethylene, these bunk boards will last virtually forever giving your boat trailer a sleek new look with easier launching and loading of your boat!

www.ultimatebunkboards.com

Just be aware that the ultimate bunk boards are not as stiff as wood. They will mostly support the boat where the bunk boards meet the metal mounting points. I do believe the Ultimate Bunk Boards will never rot and should last the life of the boat. Do a search on this board for UBB.

That is one of my concerns. I don’t want the hull to develop any more of a speed-robbing “hook” than it already has. Thanks for the excellent reply.

I don’t mind getting rid of those giant 3/4” wood screws, either.

 

[scokill]

Yep. That was almost me one year but I noticed the wood was rotten and drove to my brothers and tied up the boat, went the next day got the materials and replaced them. I check them periodically. Visual inspection won't do it. Push, pull, and prod. I would just replace them with wood and be done. It's part of normal maintenance.

 

[4x15mph]

Bad news.... I also had a bolt come out on my 2018 last season and I realized it when retrieving. I used a trailer lock/pin that I had to get me home and then repaired it.