Stupid? <scratches on bunks>

[Hellacool]

As I like to say, if it is stupid but works, its not stupid. Anyway, I posted about my hull getting scratched pretty good from my bunks (these are fine scratches and most likely would buff out but over time there wont be much left to buff out). The boat is at a marina that launches and recovers for me. it is a very shallow launch so the boat can be floated only so far and it is evident. There are many things I can do to mitigate the scratches but no matter what, with time it is going to wear out my gel coat. Bottom paint is an option but based on my research it is not worth the effort and downside. So my question, what about keel guards or something similar? Could I not install one lying flat at each location the bunks contact the hull? Lying flat, they would cover a lot of area. This whole thing bothers me, I can not see between the boat and bunks and worry eventually this will be a major issue. Any other suggestions? Am I being paranoid?

 

[djetok]

As I like to say, if it is stupid but works, its not stupid. Anyway, I posted about my hull getting scratched pretty good from my bunks (these are fine scratches and most likely would buff out but over time there wont be much left to buff out). The boat is at a marina that launches and recovers for me. it is a very shallow launch so the boat can be floated only so far and it is evident. There are many things I can do to mitigate the scratches but no matter what, with time it is going to wear out my gel coat. Bottom paint is an option but based on my research it is not worth the effort and downside. So my question, what about keel guards or something similar? Could I not install one lying flat at each location the bunks contact the hull? Lying flat, they would cover a lot of area. This whole thing bothers me, I can not see between the boat and bunks and worry eventually this will be a major issue. Any other suggestions? Am I being paranoid?

You can brush your bunks after they put the boat in the water. I understand the scratches bother you but it happens. You could try to use clay bar on the parts you can see.

 

[Hellacool]

You can brush your bunks after they put the boat in the water. I understand the scratches bother you but it happens. You could try to use clay bar on the parts you can see.

Unfortunately I do not see the trailer. I have to give a two hour notice and the boat is in by the time I get there, and may not come out for a day or two depending on how busy they are, that is what I think is causing the scratches, dirt getting on the bunks while it sits empty. To be honest, I chose this route out of convenience and am now thinking it may not be as convenient as I had hoped.

 

[Joe Hellaby]

Buy a new trailer with rollers, or have rollers installed on your current trailer.

 

[Hellacool]

Buy a new trailer with rollers, or have rollers installed on your current trailer.

https://www.dutton-lainson.com/proddetail.php?prod=21741

 

[Julian]

Unless you are trailering the boat a long way with her sitting on these "dirty" bunks, I would relax and enjoy. You might ask the marina to be careful about not power loading and rinsing the bunks before loading....but you are likely dealing with low paid labor. The scratches you will get from the short distance moves at the marina would take decades to make it through the gel coat.

 

[djetok]

https://www.dutton-lainson.com/proddetail.php?prod=21741

Deluxe 5-foot roller bunks (pair) attach directly to 2 x 4 bunk boards, or can be mounted with 6389 brackets (sold separately). A quick, easy and inexpensive way to upgrade bunk trailers to rollers. 12 gauge steel, galvanized finish, rubber rollers. For boats weighing up to 3000 lbs. The advantage of this style of roller bunks is that each set of rollers is wider (3 rollers instead of 2), providing more contact with the boat. The rollers on this style of bunk do not have wobble capability for self-alignment like model 6355 does. The rated capacity is based on having good contact with all of the rollers, and a reasonably even distribution of weight on the rollers. Rollers must be in contact with straight sections of the boat hull. It is critical to avoid a very large load on the first set of rollers during the unloading and loading process. The boat should float at least part way onto the trailer before contacting rollers, so that all of its weight is not concentrated on the first set of rollers. A concentrated load can crush a single set of rollers, with the potential for damage to the boat hull.

remember you are not loading and unloading. If one of those rollers went through the hull. You might be really upset. like Julian said just enjoy. If some needs to say your being paranoid, I will. Your are being paranoid. There are a 1000 things that can go wrong and this is a very small one.

 

[Hellacool]

Unless you are trailering the boat a long way with her sitting on these "dirty" bunks, I would relax and enjoy. You might ask the marina to be careful about not power loading and rinsing the bunks before loading....but you are likely dealing with low paid labor. The scratches you will get from the short distance moves at the marina would take decades to make it through the gel coat.

That is a valid point, I just do not know how thick the gelcoat on these boats are. Good thing is they rope on but because it is shallow the do winch a few feet before pulling it out.

 

[Speedling]

That is a valid point, I just do not know how thick the gelcoat on these boats are. Good thing is they rope on but because it is shallow the do winch a few feet before pulling it out.

You can adjust the front post slightly lower so they winch less and float on a little farther. You want the weight distribution correct over the axles to let your truck take good tongue weight too but if you never trailer then it is just an option.