PVC instead of carpeted bunks for trailer???

[ppandr]

I was thinking of replacing my worn out carpeted bunks with 3" schedule 40 pvc on my trailer. On my boat (aluminum welded hull) trailer I have installed strips of pvc trim to help launch and recover easier since the ramps I typically use have me backing in till I step out of the drivers seat into the water. Anyone else ever do this? Just hate the thought of replacing the old bunks again in a few years. I was going to heat up the back ends to ease the edges down so they aren't digging in.

 

[seadoosnipe]

Sounds good....

That sounds like a pretty good idea. Just never heard of it being done. It shouldn't damage the ski, maybe it'll cause you to lose the waxed surface where the PVC rides on the bottom of the hull, but you can put it back on from time to time........

 

[kustomkarl]

I used the same PVC pipe on my stand up race boats on the trailer. 3" is the correct size to use. I used the pipe on a flat bed trailer and just drilled a larger hole to attach the screws in the inside of the pipe. They lasted for 5 years without replacement, but my stand ups only weighed 250#.

Karl

 

[gwg2580]

hmm.. never tried that. i have used the screw on strips in the past tho that you screw onto the bunks right over the rug. only thing to be cautious of is unloading. in some steeper ramps i've seen a ski slide right off and ppl run down the ramp to grab em or have difficulty releasing the strap because of the weight of the ski pulling on it, since the surface is slippery now.

 

[kustomkarl]

With slippery bunks, it's best to leave the front hooked up with a little slack till you have it in the water and let it float back off the trailer, then pull slightly forward to have the seadoo floating before you totally unhook the front. This way it won't slide off the trailer or float away after in the water until you release it to tie it up.

Karl

 

[ppandr]

Thanks for the input. I am going forward with the pvc swap. The 3" pvc is stronger than a 2x4 anyway....and I would never disconnect a winch strap until the boat's in the water. It makes it much easier for a speedy recovery when you forget to put the plugs in.....speaking from experience.:rofl:

 

[kustomkarl]

You should post some pictures after your project is finished to let other members see what you did.

Karl

 

[ppandr]

Misson accomplished....