trailer mod to allow for hoisting off & on

[Captain Steve]

Brand new owner of a 2009 Ranger Tug 25. I have my boat stored on the hard with hoist in/out. It looks like the front strap will snug up against the front of the bunk. There needs to be a gap about 6 inches to get the rear strap under the boat. I thought of cutting the gap into the bunk...then laying down another bunk on top of the existing set with the gap in place..then I thought how about lifting the stern a couple of inches with a jack up against the keel. Looking for the "best" ideas.

 

[richrutkowski]

I think that cutting the gap is the way to go. When I took delivery of my new 29 and trailer, I had the factory cut a gap. While I have not used it thus far for a hoist, it has not interfered with launch and retrieval on the ramp.

Rich

 

[Irish Mist]

My trailer I purchased used has a slot cut in it for the strap. I loaded the boat just fine from a ramp. This week I will see how the strap fits 🙂

 

[Captain Steve]

Cutting the bunk for a gap for the strap had me concerned about a normal launch at a ramp. It looks like on and off is not impeded by the gap. I am assuming that you all had just one cut for the gap for the stern strap?

 

[gerlots]

I cut a 1 1/2" gap in the bunk and it is tight, I would recommend 1 3/4" or 2". I go on and off at a boat launch with no problem. This beats jacking it up with a hydraulic jack by a single point on the keel.

 

[walldog]

Here is my solution for bunk cutouts:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2584&p=18850&hilit=bunk+cutouts#p18850

I was afraid to weaken the existing bunks, probably overkill, but a couple of cross country trips with no issues.

 

[knotflying]

Interesting, so far I have not had any issues getting the boat lifted with straps or a forklift and I never modified the bunks.

 

[Captain Steve]

On my trailer the bunks extend to within a foot to the transom...your rear lifting strap must have been in place to hoist the boat clear. The front of the bunk is about even with the forward side cleat, which looks like it would be sufficently back from the bow to balance the lift.

 

[Captain Steve]

I cut a 1 1/2" gap in the bunk and it is tight, I would recommend 1 3/4" or 2". I go on and off at a boat launch with no problem. This beats jacking it up with a hydraulic jack by a single point on the keel.

Did the hoisting guys identify where to make the cuts??

 

[gerlots]

No, I contacted the Factory for the correct placement.

 

[gerlots]

Note placement:http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3791#p28944

 

[Captain Steve]

Update: laid down two new redwood bunks, on the existing trailer bunks. Wrapped in indoor outdoor carpet. The hoisting straps for the bow were able to clear the front edge of the bunks. Left a 12 Inch gap for the stern straps. Works fine and then I weighed it in at 7000 lbs