replacing bunk pads on my trailer

cletus · Jul-11-2008, 08:34 PM

does anyone have some advice on replacing bunk pads is it ez enough to do it my self.

JeffM · Jul-11-2008, 08:59 PM

piece of cake. replace 2x's with non-treated material, go to the local fabric spot and get some similar stuff, stainless steel staples, new galvy lags, measure and duplicate. Take the tools to the harbor, launch, tie it up and it'll take about 30 minutes to R&R all the bunks (mine has 4).

tuna taxi · Jul-11-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffM

piece of cake. replace 2x's with non-treated material, go to the local fabric spot and get some similar stuff, stainless steel staples, new galvy lags, measure and duplicate. Take the tools to the harbor, launch, tie it up and it'll take about 30 minutes to R&R all the bunks (mine has 4).

What he said.

I replaced mine last year. Even if you don't fish that day it's worth paying the $10 or so dollars to get your boat off the trailer. I did mine on a fishing day, just remember to be considerate and try not to do it when everyone is launching or coming in. Also, don't forget to take a handsaw or battery powered saw to cut the old bunks, makes disposal A HELL OF A LOT EASIER. Good luck!!!!

P.S.

take a handsaw or battery powered sawzall, it can be a bitch taking the old nuts and bolts off.

MATTY J · Jul-12-2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffM

piece of cake. replace 2x's with non-treated material, go to the local fabric spot and get some similar stuff, stainless steel staples, new galvy lags, measure and duplicate. Take the tools to the harbor, launch, tie it up and it'll take about 30 minutes to R&R all the bunks (mine has 4).

Just what he said. I even kept my boat on the trailer. Check your trailer, you might have set screws at the bottom of the bunk supports. I loosened those and backed out the uprights til I had enough room to remove the bunks. Make sure you soak those bolts with WD before you wrench on them. A rusty bolt can snap, take it from me.
Wish I thought about bringing a saw to cut up the old ones!

Az.monkey · Jul-12-2008, 03:40 PM

What they said....We pre measured, cut and carpeted, 4 guys, 2 on the boat in MB fishing while 2 at the parking lot changing them out 32 minuets start to finnish and the cordless saw made for a tidy disposal and we all finnished the day fishing

Dirtguy · Jul-12-2008, 11:06 PM

Consider using HDPE like some vendors sell. I do have lots of HDPE for lifetime bunk pads. Maybe cheaper than carpet. Use redwood and bolt them on. Navy now uses HDPE on their SD launches.

DG

cletus · Jul-16-2008, 07:17 PM

Thanks for the info guys

Reel 007 · Jul-16-2008, 07:56 PM

I was at the launch ramp at San Pedro a few day ago and there was a trailer in the parking lot with some sort of plastic bunk with a protective covering on (part of the bunk) seem good for a long time I think that would be the way to go, when I need to replace my bunks I am sure going to try and find that stuff. May be a once in a lifetime job, post if you find that stuff and where, for that matter anyone know where to find that gray plastic bunk material

Dirtguy · Jul-17-2008, 09:31 AM

Google it! There's lots of info. I found the molded type but it's all HDPE and is about $100.00 a bunk. But a sheet for that....

DG

sandiegosteve · Jul-17-2008, 04:12 PM

Search this forum, I found good info on it when I did it.

I did the on-trailer method and it was pretty easy, but took some elbow grease.

As for those plastic things you saw, they may have been to help the boat slide on and off. The catch I've heard about those is that you boat will slide off very easily. Like right off the trailer while backing, or it can be very hard to land the boat back on the trailer as it want to come off very easily. If you launch alone, it may be something to think about.

Dirtguy · Jul-17-2008, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandiegosteve

Search this forum, I found good info on it when I did it.

I did the on-trailer method and it was pretty easy, but took some elbow grease.

As for those plastic things you saw, they may have been to help the boat slide on and off. The catch I've heard about those is that you boat will slide off very easily. Like right off the trailer while backing, or it can be very hard to land the boat back on the trailer as it want to come off very easily. If you launch alone, it may be something to think about.

Yeah. I heard taht the Navy went to the plastic bunk covers to eliminate the maintenance. When they tried to launch the first couple of times, they lost the boat on the ramp. Wonder how many times they lost a boat until they left the safety hook on? Government. Sheeesh!

Does anyone hit the ramp with no safety hook on? What would happen if you had to panic stop while backing?

There was a thread about a newer boat that was sitting on a ramp that came off the trailer...with carpet. So it can happen to anyone, with anything,,,anytime.

The up sides are that you never have to worry about carpet again. And it's easier to load.

DG