Trailer Improvements Worth Doing

[Gypsy]

I made two improvements to my trailer that I feel are worth sharing.
The first has to do with the bunks. The rug material that comes on the trailer bunks doesn't allow the boat to slide off the trailer when launching, and it doesn't allow the boat to slide up on the trailer when loading the boat. To remedy this problem, I added plastic slides to the bunks. The plastic I used is not your run of the mill PVC. It is called Natural Virgin Uhmw Plastic. It is very hard, it can be machined, and it is extremely slippery. Also, it is expensive. I think it might be the plastic that is used to make artificial ice skating rinks. I have read in Tugnuts that often when one retrieve ones boat and the trailer is on level ground, the bow is not tight against the winch stop. This should no longer be a problem. I haven't tried it, but I feel you should be able to winch the boat up tight on level ground with little effort. The plastic came from Emco Industrial Plastic - phone #(973) 559-8062. I bought a 4'x8' x 1/2"sheet. It cost $455 and about $120 to ship. I still have enough left over to line my tandem jet ski trailer. See photo.
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The second improvement has to do with lining up the boat when powering on the trailer. From the helm, I can't see the winch, so I is difficult to know if you are lined up correctly. I added a radio antenna pole by the winch. I can now easily line up the boat and also know when I am up against the stop. See photo.
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I feel I can, if necessary, load and unload the boat single handily.

 

[S@LTD]

I did a number of improvements to my trailer (see my album) that addressed the issues you are having. Be a little careful with what you put on the bunks as some of the plastic materials can scar gel coat. That is the reason I went with the Gatorbaks. We launch and retrieve probably an average of 20 times a season many times single handed.

In January it will be four years on these synthetic bunk pads and I could not be happier. Other that the heads of two screws shearing off from loading on shallow ramps and driving on, we have had no issues and they are going strong from a wear perspective. No scuffs on the hull either.

While you are at it if you have the shoulder bolt on your winch consider replacing it with a grade nine bolt. Might consider adding boat guides too so as to keep the boat centered while in gear on the trailer until you hook up the chain and strap. You don’t want it prop walking and hitting a bunk. With Gatorbaks, when wet, the boat wants to slide back which doesn’t give you enough time to connect the strap/chain when single handling.

Good luck!

 

[bob daily]

I too went with the Gatorbaks synthetic bunk slicks/covers, I was told they are better for boats with bottom paint than the plastic slides. I have the boat guides on my trailer which is a must for Loading solo in the river with a strong current. Stay safe Bob