[Rhodes22-list] Trailer bunk replacement

[ROGER PIHLAJA]

Graham,

I am assuming your current bunks are already the correct shape.  On my Lil Dude boat trailer, there are 4 vertical uprights that support each of the bunks.  Each upright has slots that enable the vertical position of the bunks at that station to be adjusted.  Since my bunks were a good fit, I did not have to adjust any of those uprights.  Before you remove the old bunks, measure the overall length, the front overhang, and the rear overhang.  Cut the new bunks to the measured overall length.  Place the new bunks on top of the uprights and adjust the front and rear overhangs.  Using either a long bar clamp or a strap tie down, pull the middle of the bunks down until the bunks touch the two middle uprights.  Check your front and rear overhang dimensions and that the uprights are centered on the bunks.  Starting with the two center uprights, drill and thru bolt the bunks with galvanized carriage bolts.  Then, drill and thru bolt the bunks at the two outer uprights.  By starting from the center and working towards the ends, the bunks will automatically assume the correct shape.  Once the bunks have been thru bolted, you can staple your carpeting or whatever material you’ve decided to use.

I’ve never had to set up a new boat trailer from scratch.  So, I’d have to sit down and think about it if your present bunks don’t already fit your hull.  There’s probably an easy way to do it, I’ve just never had any experience with a new trailer.  I might go to a local boat dealer and ask in the boat delivery prep shop how they set up a new trailer.

Roger Pihlaja 
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium 
1978. Sanford, MI

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 29, 2024, at 2:03 PM, Graham Stewart <gstewart.gm at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Thanks Roger:
> As you will see in my response to Peter, I would like to avoid using carpeting altogether by making slip pads from composite deck skirting - which I have on hand.
> 
> What I am unsure about is how I prepare the bunks with the shape of the hull set in them. How did you do that when you changed your bunks?
> ________________________________
> From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> on behalf of ROGER PIHLAJA <roger_pihlaja at msn.com>
> Sent: Saturday, June 29, 2024 1:54 AM
> To: The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Trailer bunk replacement
> 
> Graham,
> 
> I used PT 2x6’s when I redid my trailer’s bunks back in 1990.  They are still serviceable after about 34 years, although the carpeting is getting pretty worn.  I recommend you use a spade bit to counterbore the surface of the bunks so that the heads of the carriage bolts will be below the surface.  This will prevent the heads from scratching or denting the hull.  Use galvanized carriage bolts.  Use SS or monel staples to attach the carpeting.  C steel staples will leave rust stains on your boat and trailer.
> 
> Roger Pihlaja
> S/V Dynamic Equilibrium
> 1978. Sanford, MI
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jun 28, 2024, at 10:49 PM, Cary Tolbert <retiredtoby at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Graham, that is what I used about 9 years ago. I have had no problems
>> with it so far.
>> 
>> Cary
>> S/V Whisper 86
>>>> On Fri, Jun 28, 2024, 10:43 PM Graham Stewart <gstewart.gm at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> am planning to replace the bunks on my trailer and was planning to use
>>> 2x6 pressure treated pine. Does anyone know of a reason why I sould  use
>>> something else?
>>> Thanks.
>>> 
>>> Graham Stewart
>>> Rhodes 22
>>> Agile, 1976
>>> 
>>> Graham Stewart
>>> gstewart.gm at gmail.com
>>>