Bunk Enders for a 23 SE??

[Akula]

:?: Does anyone have any experieince with bunk enders for a 23 SE. Got a Loadrite 23T4700TSA2 bunk trailer and when I pull the boat out on a steep ramp with a dip on the port side the boat rolls to that side putting the trim tab onto the bunk. It's starting to tear a hole in the carpeting. Wondering if Bunk Enders might cut down on the wear and tear on the bunk?? When I pull the boat out I usually have someone with a boat hook pushing the boat to the starboard to ensure it seats properly on the bunk, putting the trim tab corner on the outside of the bunk. The Bunk Ender manufacturer suggests not to use them on fiberglass boats over 1500 lbs. Does anyone have any experience with them? Would they work? If so what are the risks at launch/recovery if any? Do not intend to use any other pads on the bunks.

Steve

 

[sea1skiff]

I'm not sure what bunk enders are, but I have a similar problem with my 23SE. The right bunk (looking from the rear of the trailer)is worn where the tab has sat on very end of the bunk. Both bunks are equal distance from the frame and the boat appears to sit square; but the right tab rests on that bunk and the left is off the bunk by about 2 inches

This weekend I moved both bunks in about 2 inches and it helped a great deal on the right, missed my estimate by about 1/2 inch and will adjust this weekend.

I still cant figure out why both bunks are equal distance from the frame yet when the boat loads it ends up being 2-4 inches towards the left leaving the right tab on that bunk

 

[Outta Here]

When I pull the boat out I usually have someone with a boat hook pushing the boat to the starboard to ensure it seats properly .
Steve

If you set the trailer up properly (assuming it's a bunk trailer) and you back in just right (usually 2 or 3 inches of fender out of water), no need to be pushing boat around on trailer. The bunks will catch hull and boat will ride up "on rails".

 

[Megabyte]

Not sure what 'bunk enders' are either. Can you explain?

Does your trailer have loading guides, like the ones seen in this photo, to keep the boat centered on the bunks when loading?

 

[Akula]

Here's a URL to Bass Pro Shops Bunk Enders, to give you an idea what they look like:
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...01_9224_200004006_200000000_200004000_200-4-6.

Megabyte how close are your loading guides to your rub rail--mine have about 2.5 inches clearance on each side, should I bring them in closer?

Fishfactory my bunks appear to be centered on both sides. Little wiggle room for the bunk between the chine on the bottom hull at the front of the rear bunk and the trim tab at the rear. Maximum space is about 1-1.5 inches before the trim tab begins to ride on the back of the rear bunk or the chine rides on the front of the rear bunk. Fishfactory assume with the recovery you described that the front of the fixed bunk or most of the the SA bunk is out of the water?

Any thoughts as how I might mininmize if not eliminate the trim tab banging into the rear of the bunk.



Thanks,

Steve

 

[Megabyte]

Megabyte how close are your loading guides to your rub rail--mine have about 2.5 inches clearance on each side, should I bring them in closer?

Steve... That is the boat I had prior to my Parker.
The guides were as close as I could get them without binding.
1/4 to 1/2" off the rub rails... and she always loaded centered.

 

[gw204]

Steve,

It sounds to me like your trailer is not set up properly for your boat. Have you considered taking it to a pro for adjustment?

I don't have those guide posts on the bunk trailer I use under my 25' Grady and the boat comes up pretty centered each time. I do know that there is still room for some adjustment and I'm confident I can get it perfect.

Of course, nothing centers like a roller trailer.

 

[Megabyte]

It sounds to me like your trailer is not set up properly for your boat. Have you considered taking it to a pro for adjustment?

Good point... and that was exactly what I did with the boat and trailer in that photo.

The trailer was 'setup' by the folks at the factory. Trouble is, once I took it to a pro, I found out it had too much tongue weight and the bunks weren't positioned properly.
There were lots of issues, and the boat had never been fitted properly.

The day I pulled it off the pros lot, I could instantly see a difference. 8)
She tracked straight and true, and loaded perfectly after that.
Well worth the $120 it cost me to get it right.

 

[Outta Here]

I don't know where my bunks are in relation to the water. I relate to how much of the front of trailer fender is out of water. Your bunks should be cut on the deadrise of your hull. Fit them so the "lifting strakes" fit snugly between them. When it's right, you can feel the bunks grab and align boat. No need to power on, with practice, you'll find how much speed you need to drift onto trailer. Bunk friction will stop you short of bow stop. A little burst of throttle to fit bow tight to stop.

If your bunks are too long, easy cure. Pull back carpet and cut off. I prefer a Still :wink: . Re-staple carpet. You gotta have the tall guide ons. Most of the times I have trouble, it's because the trailer is too deep and bunks can't guide boat.

If you're too shallow, simply have driver back up a little more while you hold boat w/a little throttle.

 

[Wicho]

If your bunks are too long, easy cure. Pull back carpet and cut off. I prefer a Still :wink: . Re-staple carpet. You gotta have the tall guide ons. Most of the times I have trouble, it's because the trailer is too deep and bunks can't guide boat.

I adjusted my winch post back - to solve this problem but now I think there is not enough tongue weight. I agree that taking it to a pro..solves allot of problems. My trim tabs would have benifited! (they are all bent b/c of the bunks being too long...

Cheers..

 

[Akula]

Okay guys agree I need a trailer pro. How do I find one, assume boat dealers aren't the ones. What am a looking for?

Steve

 

[Megabyte]

Okay guys agree I need a trailer pro. How do I find one, assume boat dealers aren't the ones. What am a looking for?

Depends on where you are. You don't have a location in your profile, so it's difficult for folks to help.
If you were in my area, I'd send you to Daves Trailers in Glen Burnie.
They have trailers covered like a blanket. :wink:

 

[Akula]

I'm in the Northern Neck of VA, specifically King George. Sorry, should have stated so in my previous post.

Steve

 

[rangerdog]

Okay guys agree I need a trailer pro. How do I find one, assume boat dealers aren't the ones. What am a looking for?

Steve

I disagree. Your Parker dealer should know how to fit a parker on any type of trailer.