Can Dutton-Lainson 4 Foot Roller Bunks be Added to Vertical Metal Bunks

Question:

I have a Yacht Club 1610B boat trailer for my 14 foot jon boat. I access many shallow boat launch areas and difficult to launch with regular bunks sometimes. My current bunks that came on the trailer from the factory are carpet covered metal bunks 2x4 inch and they are vertically aligned on the trailer such that the 2 inch width rests on the trailer frame and the 4 inch width is the height of the bunk. My bunks are 7 ft long. It looks like the DL21754 could work to convert to rollers but a few questions: 1. Mounting the DL21754 to the existing bunk would be the easiest install but it would also raise the height of the bunk to whatever the height of the roller frame and roller is above its base 2-3. Would that be a problem adding that much height to my current bunks? 2. My current bunks are metal covered in carpet from the factory. Your video speaks of mounting DL21754 to existing wood bunks. Is there any problem mounting them to my metal bunks? I can certainly drill holes in the existing bunks to mount the roller bunks on top with stainless steel bolts and nuts. 3. Lastly my current bunks are 7 foot long and run from transom towards stern. My boat being a jon boat rests on the entire bunk. Would you recommend two sets of these bunks and cutting one set down to 3 feet length so I keep the total 7 foot length? Please advise. Thank you.

asked by: Scott B

Expert Reply:

Ok, I'll go ahead and take these questions one by one regarding the Boat Trailer Standard Roller Bunk - 4' Long- 10 Sets of 2 Rollers # DL21754.

1) Since you have shallow launch areas, adding about 3 inches of height could make it a bit more difficult to launch, so (if possible) it would likely be best to lower your current bunk brackets, if that is how they are attached.

2) You can mount the # DL21754 to your metal bunks since they are vertical. It would be the same practical application as mounting them to wood bunks.

3) It is a good idea to trim one of the sets to three feet to equal your current 7 foot bunks.

expert reply by: Kyle S