Can Carpeted Bunks Replace Roller Bunks on Boat Trailer to Make for Easier Launch

Question:

We have a 1999 ShoreLandr bunk-style boat trailer with a 16 AlumaCraft bench-seat style fishing boat with a 30 HP Evinrude and bow-mounted Minn-Kota Terrova trolling motor - total weight of boat and trailer is approximately 1150 lb. The trailer has two 6 carpeted bunks, and a front center roller for support of the front of the hull. Although the boat is not that heavy, it is very difficult for us to push-launch the boat off the bunks due to friction. We choose not to back the trailer deep into the water to float it off because of corrosion risks with the wheel bearings and lights. Could these carpeted bunks be replaced with your 5 roller bunks? Would the 5 bunks be long enough to provide adequate hull support, and to extend back far enough to enable loading of the boat on the trailer, since they would be replacing 6 carpeted bunks?

asked by: David G

Expert Reply:

Roller bunks will make what you are trying to do incredibly easy as the boat will basically want to roll off on it's own and not require you to push it off. So without knowing what length your bunks are overall you have a few options to get the best length setup. You could use a combination of 5 foot sections like part # DL21741 and 4 foot sections like part # DL21740 to get the best length possible. These even could bolt directly to your carpeted bunks for an easier install.

Or we also have bunk brackets like part # DL21742 which would easily work to replace your current bunks.

expert reply by: Jameson C