Carpet on trailer bunks: do you really need it?

[A-Jay]

2 hours ago, Elkins45 said:

I launch by myself 99% of the time. 

Me too.

And this is what it looks like when I have a dock at the ramp . . 

A-Jay

[Big Rick]

On 11/2/2020 at 11:08 AM, Elkins45 said:

I launch by myself 99% of the time. I tie a long bow rope to the truck and float the boat completely off the trailer, pull-up a bit, then get out and pull it back to shore.

Me too. And I'd like to try the ultimate bunks, but am afraid of launching this way on a steeper ramp. I have always launched this way and don't always have a dock right along side of the ramp. @A-Jay How do you launch on a steep ramp? 

 

[A-Jay]

1 minute ago, Big Rick said:

Me too. And I'd like to try the ultimate bunks, but am afraid of launching this way on a steeper ramp. I have always launched this way and don't always have a dock right along side of the ramp. @A-Jay How do you launch on a steep ramp? 

 

 If there is a dock at the ramp, my Launch & Recover process is the same, regardless of the ramp grade.

During very early & late season (cold water), when the docks are not in, I'll don the hip boots and perform the wet foot launch.

The Lund can simply be pushed or pulled right onto the trailer - too easy.

Haven't done a video on that complete process yet, but when the opportunity is there, I will. 

Either way, I do not remove the safety chain or the towing strap, until my rig is in the drink and just about to float off the trailer.

A-Jay

[Elkins45]

This is what I ended up doing. So far I'm pleased with it.

[MN Fisher]

29 minutes ago, Elkins45 said:

This is what I ended up doing. So far I'm pleased with it.

Look like the same ones I put on my canoe trailer. I like that they're not 'solid'...allows you to sink the screws below the level of the hull without counter-sinking and there's less contact with the hull as well.

[Elkins45]

On 11/2/2020 at 2:14 PM, A-Jay said:

Me too.

And this is what it looks like when I have a dock at the ramp . . 

A-Jay

 

I don't believe I've ever launched at a ramp with a dock next to it like that.

 

 

On 11/12/2020 at 10:56 PM, MN Fisher said:

Look like the same ones I put on my canoe trailer. I like that they're not 'solid'...allows you to sink the screws below the level of the hull without counter-sinking and there's less contact with the hull as well.

Yes, it was your link that I followed to buy them. They were less expensive than some of the other options and the reviews were good.

[A-Jay]

47 minutes ago, Elkins45 said:

 

I don't believe I've ever launched at a ramp with a dock next to it like that.

 

While it's not a requirement for me either, it certainly is very convenient. 

The other side of it is that on the lakes where there is no dock available or in place at a ramp,

I see very few fellow bassheads.

Big fan of that.

A-Jay

 

[MN Fisher]

2 hours ago, Elkins45 said:

Yes, it was your link that I followed to buy them. They were less expensive than some of the other options and the reviews were good.

Well, I know that I'm happy with them. Makes launching the canoe much easier.

[Tatsu Dave]

Small metal boat came with carpeted bunks on trailer. I do a lot of solo launching and landing so I bought a set of bunk slides that also came with corners for the back of bunks to pull on without ripping and wearing the bunk carpet. Bunk carpets soon hold a lot of grit and gravel from launching with no ramps to speak of, the slides keep the boat bottom slightly above the carpet and some wax or spray perservative will keep them slick and winching and pushing off quite easy, steep or flat ramp. Figure the carpet will last a long time, on 5 years now

[OnthePotomac]

After I watched A-Jay do his I did mine for my 17'6" G3.  The boat weighs 900lbs and no problems getting it off, or back on by myself.  It does not go anywhere on its own. Sorry for the double pic.