boat rests only on 2 inches of a 6 inch bunk board. Should I worry?

[Betik]

i have noticed that my port side center bunk is not making 100% contact with the hull on the rear part ( see pic). The front makes 100% contact ( see pic) The steed side does make 100% contact front and back ( see pic).

The situation remain even after changing the bunk boards.

So a couple of questions.

1. Is this an issue that I need to fix prior to towing 1,300 miles to Florida ?
2. If it is an issue can it be the metallic bracket ? Does shorelader even make them anymore or should I check with the dealer?

 

[AndyD]

By looking at the first picture, it looks like the bunks are attached to a 2 piece bracket with a bolt right under the bunk that may allow you to adjust the tilt on the bunk? If you loosen that bolt will it allow you to twist that end of the bunk to set flush?

 

[Betik]

Yes the brackets are adjustable. Actually they all seem to be self-adjustable.
When I take the boats off they all change angles and when I load the boat they all reset snag. All but that one.

 

[swatski]

i have noticed that my port side center bunk is not making 100% contact with the hull on the rear part ( see pic). The front makes 100% contact ( see pic) The steed side does make 100% contact front and back ( see pic).

The situation remain even after changing the bunk boards.

So a couple of questions.

1. Is this an issue that I need to fix prior to towing 1,300 miles to Florida ?
2. If it is an issue can it be the metallic bracket ? Does shorelader even make them anymore or should I check with the dealer?

I can't help you with the trailer, but your hull looks incredibly clean! Nice waxing job.

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[Betik]

@swatski it has nothing to do with fact that the boat has 30 hours on it and Mel put 27 of them. It is all because I take care of it LOL.

 

[PEARCE]

I'm sorry I can't help you with your bunk issue, but if it were me I'd drop the boat in the water and go play for a while and then retrailer it. Just to see if the angles change.

On a different note:
Are gonna dip that perfect, besides the bunk, painted steel trailer in the saltwater when you get to Florida?

 

[Betik]

@PEARCE I already tried 4 reloads. Including powerloading with 5 feet of the bunks out the water, winching the last 6-7 feet and even getting waste deep in a 70 degree water and pushing the side of the boat. The results are all the same. The common factor here is either me or the bracket. LOL

In regard, to salt water, I am afraid that is the only viable solution ( trust me I have gotten a lot of grief about it). I am hopping (please chime in if I am being optimistic) the trailer will be structurally sound for 3 years ( Bimini 2017,2018,2019). Then I will just buy a new trailer.

 

[swatski]

@Betik I think your bunk is just warped. As simple as that (I'm assuming it is original wood). I would make sure the wood is not rotten, but otherwise I wouldn't worry about it.
That's my honest opinion, after reviewing your comments and your pics again.

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[Bill D]

@Betik your bunk should be able to be moved by hand when the boat is off of it. After you launch, see if you can move it toward the center/toward the outside by hand. If not, loosen the bolts a bit and try.

 

[Betik]

@Bill D what you description is correct in terms of bunk movement. The move freely but they are not loose. As matter of fact the one bracket is the one that is the most freely moving. I still think it is bracket issue.

@swatski the wood is brand new, less than 30 days old. Mel insisted that I don't tow TX to FL on the original wood. As matter of fact, because I am fully aware of my skillset level, I ordered new wood when I ordered the carpet. The carpet person from GA, installed the carpet on the wood and shipped me the bunk boards with the carpet already stapled. All I had to do was take off the old ones, and put in the new ones. I also extended the rear/outer bunks buy 5 inches on the front and 1 inch on the back ( kind of pointless on the back), so I do have extra resting surface but it is all on the outside.

 

[swatski]

@Bill D what you description is correct in terms of bunk movement. The move freely but they are not loose. As matter of fact the one bracket is the one that is the most freely moving. I still think it is bracket issue.

@swatski the wood is brand new, less than 30 days old. Mel insisted that I don't tow TX to FL on the original wood. As matter of fact, because I am fully aware of my skillset level, I ordered new wood when I ordered the carpet. The carpet person from GA, installed the carpet on the wood and shipped me the bunk boards with the carpet already stapled. All I had to do was take off the old ones, and put in the new ones. I also extended the rear/outer bunks buy 5 inches on the front and 1 inch on the back ( kind of pointless on the back), so I do have extra resting surface but it is all on the outside.

Well, that makes it even more likely - the wood these days is sold practically "green".
I don't want to dismiss this completely, but I doubt this is a serious issue that would compromise your ability to tow.
When the boat is off the trailer, can you check those bunks - if may be crooked/twisted somewhat - with a strait edge?

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[Betik]

it is supposed to be pressured treated pine
I will double check.

 

[swatski]

it is supposed to be pressured treated pine
I will double check.

PT, even when kiln dried, can warp very fast. I wouldn't worry about what you have going too much, as long as it is not disintegrating and in danger of the bracket going through and damaging the hull which it obviously is not. And dont even think of straitening it up! (I know you are thinking about it, lol). Wood takes on a set when it dries and the wood fibers shrink together. They may swell back a little bit, but not enough to straighten a crooked board. Once crooked, that is about the way it stays.

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[Betik]

it does hurt my eyes, but I try not to look at it. So as long as it provides enough support to the boat, I can leave it.

 

[Bruce]

it is supposed to be pressured treated pine
I will double check.

That stuff loves to warp!