Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

improving loading surface on boat trailer for easier cranking


Recommended Posts

I find it difficult to crank my 16' boat onto my trailer (non-roller type).

The carpeted surface on the trailer is worn somewhat. Does anybody have any tricks (like a lubricant) on impoving the carpeted surface to make my task easier?

My apologies if this question seems dumb!

------------------
<><<><
Calvinist
><>><>

[This message has been edited by CALVINIST (edited 04-29-2004).]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Calv, as wavey said if you convert to the roller bunks you will have a much easier time. I did this with my sixteen footer and it works great. Adam

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They covered it .. convert the bunks to rollers and it will take care of your problem .. roller bunks are from $50-$100 average depending on length/quality/design.

If you do switch to rollers, be sure not to unhook your boat until your over the water, your boat WILL hit the pavement sooner or later(usually sooner). Roller bunks also make it easy for driving onto the trailer.. just leave the motor under power so the boat doesnt roll backwards while you hook up the strap.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The answer is unanimous...Thanks.

I don't know if I want to actually convert to rollers, since my trailer is nothing to get excited about. But if I did, where would I be able to purchace the kit?

------------------
<><<><
Calvinist
><>><>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Calvinist: I have a bunk trailer and I have no problem getting my 17 1/2 foot boat up on the trailer. Are you putting your trailer far enough into the water? I back the trailer into the water so just the top of the fenders are above the water and then drive the boat on with no problem.

Have a good day

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Check around, I think Fleet Farm or Northern Tool may have them. I can relate to not wanting to put a lot of money into an old rig. I replaced the bunks on a trailer of mine a few years ago. Used treated 2x4's and covered them with indoor-outdoor carpeting.
It also has a few center rollers and it tilts, so I don't have a problem, even though
it's a heavy fiberglass boat.

You could always make friends with a big, burly gal and have her handle the winch...
(joke)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Stay with the bunks!!! My last boat had a trailer with rollers, and it was a PIA. My new boat has bunks, and I don't think I'll ever go back to rollers.

Spray 'em with silicon as suggested and you'll be set.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bunker trailers are made to power load on and float off.... The crank on the front is just for looks smile.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

perhaps I'll try the silicon.

STEP and 1/2...

I know that if you get too deep while loading, you run into all kinds of problems with keeping that boat just right mad.gif
I will consider what you said about the water level just above the fender.

------------------
<><<><
Calvinist
><>><>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I bought my first boat last year, a 16.5 foot Lund, and have a bunk trailer. Took me about a dozen times before I learned the sweet spot for loading. If I went too deep the back end would never sit right when I pulled it out. Too shallow and I couldn't get the boat all the way on. Now it takes me about 15 seconds to get my boat on the trailer and it's perfect everytime.

Wally

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you really want to keep the bunks, try to put some plastic strips over the carpet.
Be creative, it is fun and easy.

I have a done a few this way for people using strips cut from heavy plastic slip sheets used on pallets that ship produce such as Carrots.
Very slick and east to work with.

You can also cut sections from and old 5 gallon pail and attach them with roofing nails.
Tuff, slick and easy to use.
Save the bread for a new boat?
smile.gif

All kinds of cheap, easy ways to go.

Rollers can also be made but cost a few bucks to put it all together.

You can also save money and make some slick boat guides out of 2" or 3" PVC and some U bolts.
Draw up what you like, measure twice, cut them up and glue together, bolt on, cap and maybe add reflectors or even lights before you cap them.
Tuff and work great as all you do is run the boat up, lock the winch, hook up safty strap and split.
smile.gif
Fun to do.

Just a thought.

Tom Wehler


www.muskytomsguideservice.com

[This message has been edited by TomWehler (edited 04-29-2004).]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the plastic strips work really good with a bunk ,had them on a basstracker bunk trailer

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like that plastic strip idea!

------------------
<><<><
Calvinist
><>><>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cabelas has fancy ones for Buck trailers.
I use them on my BIG Eagle trailer and bought TWO packs.
They are 10" X 4" and 1/4" thick. Very Heavy to last under the pressuer of the Lund 2025 Magnm Pro V LE & my Merc 225 Opti.

If you look around your garage or ask some friends I bet you can find something that will work for you.
Save some money and have fun making them work for yourself.

Where you located?
I could maybe help you out.

Going to the Island Saturday on Vermilion as Ice has busted up on Wednesday.
Time to get that BIG Lund in the water and open the cabin.
Will be back in Chisago City Sunday night and all next week.
Drop me a E-mail or call and I can look around my place and see if I have anything that would work for you.
Maybe help put them on for ya.

Tom

www.muskytomsguideservice.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Bird Dog and Tom,


My server isn't up, so I'll e-mail you when I get home from work.

------------------
<><<><
Calvinist
><>><>

[This message has been edited by CALVINIST (edited 04-30-2004).]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.