Non Wood Bunk Boards

[Bluebasser86]

Has anyone ever tried these?

http://www.ultimatebunkboards.com/gpage.html

My trailer needs new boards and it seems like I have to replace them every year and I'm getting tired of it. These seem like a good idea but just thought I'd see if anyone has tried them. I like the sound of never having to replace my boards again.

[Long Mike]

I haven't tried them, but the next time I replace my bunks I'm going with those. They appear to be leaps ahead of the slick plastic ones that are guaranteed to dump your boat on the ramp if you are not careful.

[scrutch]

Looks like they're kinda cool, but they do have a warning to not unhook your boat before launching, and always hook your boat after recovery before pulling up the ramp. Sounds like they get pretty slippery when wet. I too am looking for something better.

[Fishing Rhino]

I don't unhook until the trailer wheels are in the water. When loading the hook is connected and winched up tight before pulling up the ramp. Doesn't matter if I'm alone, or with a buddy. The guys I fish with do the same.

[scrutch]

If I have help, I unhook before I back down the ramp. The bunks are dry and don't slip. When loading, I always hook up before pulling up the ramp. Wet bunks are more likely to slip.

[Bluebasser86]

As long as they're dry it shouldn't be a problem it doesn't sound like. I usually don't unhook before it's in the water because all the weight is in the back of my aluminum boat and I get pretty worried because the nose bounces a lot if it's unhooked. It only takes a couple seconds to unhook the front, a lot less time than it takes to find enough people to pick it up and put it back on the trailer.

[Fishes in trees]

I replaced the old boards on my trailer with the products from ultimate bunk boards. (poly-styrene I think, some kind of plastic) They work ok.

I think they are worth the investment.

[reo]

IMO, something is wrong if you are replacing your boards every year. Weather permitting I launch a couple times a week from April through November and get MANY years out of the wood boards. I would look a a different wood along with not wrapping the bottom of the boards to allow for drainage. Again, just my opinion....

[South FLA]

Just be careful, especially on steep ramps, I considered them, but was told by many local saltwater guys that they are too slick! Maybe you could try them on the inside and keep the outside carpeted for friction.

[joefish]

Got a pair in my garage right now. Have not gotten them installed yet. I always get in water before unhooking from trailer and hook back before pulling out. Hope they are as advertised.

[tstone]

I just put new bunks on my trailer, but when it comes time to replace them again I'm going to give these a look.

[CHRGD]

I have these boards on my aluminum boat, and they have worked out well. Mine are not as slick as I thought they would be dry. But once wet, they will dump your boat quick. They did scuff up some, but seem to be very durable. I would not hesitate to put another set on if needed.

[joefish]

Finally got them installed on my Trailer, Not sure i like them very well. When relaoding boat on trailer the boat slides back if you don't leave in gear and fast idle while hooking the bow strap. I fish solo most of the time and this is a PIA to hook up then go back and shut down motor.

Also have some bowing in the boards and boat rest on three points rather than entire bunk board.

I would not buy them again.

[Jim Mac]

I'm thinking of buying the Ultimate bunk boards for my flat bottom jon boat. Do the edges need to be rounded off, or are they good to go as they are? My plan is to mount them flat on the top of my trailer frame, with a 2X4 underneath for extra strength. I would bolt thru the boards and trailer frame, and would not use any brackets. Does this sound OK? Thanks.

[joefish]

I took them off my trailer, way too slick plus they were very flimsy and bowed bad.  Might be OK on a john boat that is not heavy as a bass boat.

[Scott F]

Has anyone ever tried these?

http://www.ultimatebunkboards.com/gpage.html

My trailer needs new boards and it seems like I have to replace them every year and I'm getting tired of it. These seem like a good idea but just thought I'd see if anyone has tried them. I like the sound of never having to replace my boards again.

 

Replace them every year? I've had my boat 25 years and have not replaced the bunks yet.  What's the difference between the Ultimate Bunk Boards and the plastic lumber used in decking which is about half the price?

[Jim Mac]

The decking needs to be installed on 12" to 16" centers.

[Bluebasser86]

Replace them every year? I've had my boat 25 years and have not replaced the bunks yet.  What's the difference between the Ultimate Bunk Boards and the plastic lumber used in decking which is about half the price?

I fish a lot, my boards get wet and dry out a lot. Plus I fish in the scorching heat we get in the summer, the below freezing temps we get in the winter, drag my boat down some nasty dirt roads and through snow and road chemicals during the winter. Plus I'm a tightwad when it comes to stuff like that I guess so I'd use spare 2x4's from job sites when I was doing construction, probably not the best boards to use for a boat trailer but they saved me from having to buy new ones. I've had a couple get broken by what I'm guessing was people climbing on my trailer in the parking lots (not broken when I parked the truck, broken when I got back to the ramp). 

 

As for the difference, I'm not 100% but I believe the Bunk Boards are more durable than the plastic lumber. I know I've been very impressed with them so far and they're showing very little signs of wear after 2 solid years of use. They were worth it from what I've seen so far and come with a lifetime warranty. That plastic decking might support the weight of a boat, but I wouldn't bet my boat on it. If the UBB break and dump my boat on the pavement or highway I can take the issue up with them. If I put deck boards on my trailer and it happens I'm guessing my insurance guy would just laugh at me. 

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Any idea what the shipping cost is?

 

I've been tossing around the idea for a while now, just never got around to it. Bunks finally starting to show some wear, possibly looking to replace them.

[Jim Mac]

Any idea what the shipping cost is?

 

I've been tossing around the idea for a while now, just never got around to it. Bunks finally starting to show some wear, possibly looking to replace them.

 

The shipping to me here in Wisconsin is $15. That's for two 2X4 bunks. It's right on their website.

[Mr_Scrogg]

I'm ordering a set of these tonight actually. 

 

I think I'll still keep my carpeted guide ons though.

[Koofy Smacker]

I looked into them. They do bow a lot more than a typical bunk and are much slicker. I went with a typical 2x4, bought the carpet at Cabelas and sent myself on an afternoon long project in the basement cutting and carpeting them. Next time I went to the lake it took me about half an hour to pull the old boards off and put the new ones on. 2 years going and its like new. I did however urethane the ends of the boards with 3 coats to stop massive water absorption. I think in total it cost me around 60 bucks all said and done. Plus if your trailer is good you can reuse the stainless bolts and washers which should have come with it

[J Francho]

Why not use composite boards, and cover them with traditional bunk carpet?

[MikeA57]

When I rebuilt my trailer it had roller bunks. I took the rollers out then replaced them with full sized 2"x4" cypress boards. On top of the cypress I laid a layer of the white composite material called bunk slicks. It's held up great so far. This is on a 1956 Holsclaw trailer that was 50+ years old when I rebuilt it and I expect it to last another 50+ years!

 

 

[MikeA57]

Pic of the bunk slicks...