Replacing Trailer Bunks

[Sam]

I need to replace my trailer bunks and one of my friends suggested using plastic in lieu of salt-treated pine.

Is there anyone out there that has done this and if so, any problems?

I could cover the plastic bunks with carpet as done with the pine 2X4's.

Just looking for your input.

Thanks in advance.

[Fishing Rhino]

I'm not sure about the plastic. It does not seem to do well spanning gaps longer than 16 inches. At least the older stuff (decking planks) I've seen, sags and warps worse than wood ever thought of doing. Most plastics get "soft"/flexible as temps rise. In the hot sun, while you are on the water, will it maintain its shape?

I'm sorry I don't have the answers to the above questions, but I'd try to get them before switching to the old tried and true wood bunks.

[freebie]

tate is right about plastic. they don't make anything that has enough structural value for that application. they make steel reinforced plastic bunks but the price is not very attractive. I would think that using fir planks and treating them before covering in carpet should last quite a while.

[Fishes in trees]

Last summer I had worn and rotting boards on my trailer - again. I replaced them with "ultimate bunk boards" a high density polyethelene,

They've been on my trailer for over a year now with zero issues. They were somewhat more expensive than new boards and carpet. I'm ok with that. In the future, I may have other issues with my boat and my trailer but I am not going to have any issues with bunk boards rotting.

[Sam]

Thanks so much for the replies.

I will either go with the salt-treated pine or the Ultimate Bunk Boards.

Sincerely appreciate the feedback.

[RyneB]

i have the same problem. My biggest question is, and its probably a dumb one. How do I get the boat off the bumpers to replace them? A Jack?

[LoneWolf]

  On 11/5/2011 at 4:55 PM, RyneB said:

i have the same problem. My biggest question is, and its probably a dumb one. How do I get the boat off the bumpers to replace them? A Jack?

launch boat and tie it off....replace bunks on trailer... load boat on trailer and your done

[Fishes in trees]

Lone Wolf is right. I would add: (1) pick a ramp that isn't very busy and where there is room for you to work. (2) scout out the job thoroughly prior to launching the boat. Be certain that you have enough or the right size fasteners, etc. Have an extra battery for your electric drill. Be certain that you've got the correct bits, driver heads, etc.

Should you get the bunks off your trailer and then find out you're missing fasteners or your brackets are bent, broke, etc, you're screwed.

When I did the bunks on my boat, I brought along a mechanics creeper and that was much more comfortable than crawling around on gravel.

Just saying, I learned my lesson in this instance by watching someone who didn't. You might want to bring some beer. You'll be thirsty when this chore is over

You might want to bring a buddy. I changed the bunks out by myself and in hindsite, having a buddy along to hold stuff, help measure, and so forth would have made the chore go quicker.

This chore took me most of the afternoon.

[Jig Man]

  On 11/5/2011 at 4:55 PM, RyneB said:

i have the same problem. My biggest question is, and its probably a dumb one. How do I get the boat off the bumpers to replace them? A Jack?

If you don't have a convenient place to put the boat while you do the work, you can put a board under the boat, loosen all the tiedowns and jack up one side at a time to change them out. I have done it both ways and tend to like the parking lot at a lake when the weather is warm and dry.