Bunk Trailers

[Chris E]

We (meaning my father) just bought a new bunk trailer to store the boat on for the winter. I have never set one of these up before, and i remeber reading elsewhere on the forum about leaving a little of the bunk exposed at the back. I was wondering why that was. I want to make sure this thing is set up right the first time so any advice would be great. Thanks.

[JW]

Basically, you want the heaviest part of the boat (at transom) supported by the bunk. Better yet, pull the boat forward enough so that the rear-most bunk upright is below the transom. Doing that puts the strongest part of the bunk directly below the transom, therefore some of the bunk extends past the transom. Why go to all that trouble? Over many years storage, a properly supported transom will keep the hull straight back there. Unsupported transoms can 'hook' which kills top speed (but does help ski/tubing)

[merc245]

When loading on to a bunk trailer leave apx. 1 1/2 ft. + or - of the center bunk exposed and the boat load straight and true everytime. Hand or power loading. I've never missed in 10yrs after I was shown how.

[Chris E]

thanks for the advice, now i can do it right the first time (as opposed to what usually happens!!!)

[merc245]

It will take a few times but your eye end up 1 to 2 ft from the crank. With a heavier boat some people back the trailer in deeper to wet the entire bunk then pull forward. The boat slides easyier. Don't know ? Never had anything heavier then the starflite.But its impressive to set it on the trailer, step out on to the dock go around to the bow, hook up crank 3 to 4 times and confindently pullaway with dry feet and in record time.