Boat trailer bunks are a type of support system used to cradle the hull of a boat during transportation and storage. They are typically made of wood, plastic, or carpeted wood, and are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Bunks are positioned on the trailer frame and run parallel to the keel of the boat, providing a stable and secure platform for the boat to rest on. The bunks are supported by brackets and are usually adjustable to accommodate boats of different sizes and shapes.
Bunks are an alternative to roller systems, which use rollers to support the boat during loading and unloading. While rollers are ideal for boats that are launched and retrieved frequently, bunks are better suited for boats that are transported over long distances. Bunks sit lower to the ground than rollers, which lowers the center of gravity of the boat and reduces sway during transport. Bunks also rely on friction to keep the boat in place, which reduces the risk of the boat sliding off the back of the trailer if the winch strap fails.
When setting up boat trailer bunks, it is important to ensure that the trailer is the right one for your boat and that the keel of the boat will be able to rest on three bars on the frame of the trailer, counting from the rearmost bar. The bunks should be 3 to 4 inches wide, and the length should be long enough to cover the distance between the two rearmost crossbars on your trailer. Carpeted bunks are suitable for hulls made of fiberglass, while plastic bunks are better suited for aluminum boats .
In summary, boat trailer bunks are a type of support system used to cradle the hull of a boat during transportation and storage. They are positioned on the trailer frame and run parallel to the keel of the boat, providing a stable and secure platform for the boat to rest on. Bunks are an alternative to roller systems and are better suited for boats that are transported over long distances. When setting up boat trailer bunks, it is important to ensure that the trailer is the right one for your boat and that the bunks are the appropriate size and material for your boat’s hull.