Correct bunk separation for a Ranger 27 lift

[Pete]

I'm having a boat lift installed here in Florida for my 27 which is at present stored up north. I asked Kenny about the correct bunk separation and he said for trailers, which he thinks also works for lifts, it should be 4 ft center to center. However my lift installer explained to me that the geometry of a lift is different from that for a trailer and if he spreads the bunks 4 ft he believes the bottom of the hull would hit the the bottom cradle. I'm guessing this is true for a distinctly V shaped hull but maybe not the case for a 27.

So is there anyone out there who keeps a Ranger 27 (or 25) on a boat lift and if so, do you happen to know the distance between bunks?
Pete

 

[walldog]

I'm having a boat lift installed here in Florida for my 27 which is at present stored up north. I asked Kenny about the correct bunk separation and he said for trailers, which he thinks also works for lifts, it should be 4 ft center to center. However my lift installer explained to me that the geometry of a lift is different from that for a trailer and if he spreads the bunks 4 ft he believes the bottom of the hull would hit the the bottom cradle. I'm guessing this is true for a distinctly V shaped hull but maybe not the case for a 27.

So is there anyone out there who keeps a Ranger 27 (or 25) on a boat lift and if so, do you happen to know the distance between bunks?
Pete

We keep our 27 on a lift here in Texas, but it is a sling lift. The cradle lift would require too much water depth. Unless you have a deep water slip in Florida, you will encounter the same problem. It is a simple matter to change out an existing cradle for slings.

http://walldogsjourneys.blogspot.com/20 ... -slip.html

For the 27 you will want the 6"x16 or 18' slings. I forget which, I will find out what I purchased and let you know if you are interested.

http://www.boathoistusastore.com/store2 ... ing-6-x-12

If you use the cradle lift, you should measure inside to inside of your trim tabs and let that be the inside to inside distance between your bunks. And it probably will allow the keel to hit the frame of the cradle lift. So the bunks will have to be built up, thereby making it necessary for deeper water in the slip. Any closer on the bunks and the 27 maybe unstable. You can probably tell that I like sling lifts better.

 

[walldog]

I see your boat is not available to you, so I went out measured mine. Kenny was right 48" inside to inside of your bunks will lift your boat safely. My slings are 12' apart with the rear sling at the cockpit railing hand holds on each side.