Installing and testing polyethylene bunk skids vs the old carpet covered bunks

[@martinschulz9381]

I bought a new boat and trailer a few years back. (Rogue brand trailer) and much to my surprise the bunk boards are Trex style deck boards with no carpet or wood. They are mounted on a solid steel frame to keep them stiff . Very ingenious idea and works very well. I now can't believe that most trailers still use wooden boards with carpet when there are much better options. Good video by the way.

[@tedschmitt178]

Cost to the manufacturers is the reason better options are not used.

[@DEADorALIVEkayaking]

I had a fairly heavy boat that had trouble recovering on steep ramps...too much weight to just pull it up, and almost not enough mojo to power all the way up. I installed HDPE slides on the bunks, and it would almost knock the bow stop off powering on! A good winch strap is a must, to keep the boat from self-launching on the way down the ramp, and tie downs once on the trailer are law in some places, but just common sense everywhere! Stay safe!

[@willjackson716]

I took a large cutting board and cut it into 6 pieces. Installed it on the trailer boards with brass wood screws that was recessed in the plastic. I now can push the boat off of the trailer with little or no effort. It cranks on with a breeze too. Costs about $15 total.

[@PainterD54]

Just thought about that cutting board idea this morning. Mentioned it to the wife when we were discussing using PVC pipe covering the length of the bunks. I thought the nylon cutting board material would be even better because of it's self lubricated properties. My boat project is fairly light, so it should slide off the trailer when I hit the brakes! Way to go Will!!

[@1stinsonguy]

Only time will tell if the poly strips are harder/easier on the hull bottom. Wet carpet has been around a long time. I'm needing to replace my wood bunks yesterday😄. Timely video. Thanks!

[@larrystolzman9337]

I added 2” silicon tracks to my trailer many years ago. They make loading and unloading a breeze. Only caution: on steep boat ramps your boat may launch itself. Be careful.

[@davem145mxr]

Great video, I'm gonna add this to my trailer

[@moonolyth]

That looks nice. I have a Nordica 15 Sailboat. On the cheap, I'll use some plastic decking backed up with 2x4rs.

[@conradhermann1918]

I used fence post covers and cut them on half

[@armandototi9517]

Have seen a boat slide off those backing down a ramp ( they unhooked there boat before backing down) something you need to watch, but what would happen if your rope broke, is it worth it?

[@CoachDriscoll]

Agreed! I don't unhook boat until trailer tires are in the water. A steep launch could cause huge problems!

[@bhf4u]

when you use these,never unhook before you are ready to launch,also you asked about the rope or strap breaking,you should have a short chain to secure your boat on the trailer 1)as a safety 2) to take the pressure off the winch

[@AAE-cg1il]

You shouldn’t ever be unhooking the boat until it’s in the water.

[@schism420420]

Good video Sir. I have the exact same trailer that I bought new as second from Trailmaster. It didnt have fenders on it so I bought new ones on Amazon and extended the younger 14” and the rear 18”. I am having trouble deciding how much room to allow for my fender to tire clearance. Ho w much does your trailer lower when the boat is loaded compared to when the boat is off ?.

[@Bryan-oc5fk]

It would make it eaiser too, first off your winch is cranking the wrong direction. Should go clockwise with the handle to pull in instead of counter clockwise. And second to fix that issue. Your strap should be winding up on top of the which pulley and not under it. You do have it hooked correctly by having it under the bow stopper!

[@jonbarnett6132]

The strap does not HAVE to crank from on top. In fact a straight pull from underneath is a more proper winching method. And it doesn't matter if you crank CW or CCW, as long as the teeth rachet and catch. To each there own though.

[@Bryan-oc5fk]

It’s easier to crank cw

[@danielnicholls6868]

i am going to try strips ripped from a plastic barrel heat and bend down sides . screw in sides should work. can get 6 foot long strips.

[@CoachDriscoll]

I found two sets of those on the ice after shanties were pulled off. Looks like they got stuck in the ice then ripped off when shanty was pulled. That plastic is a bit thinner, but should work! I also thought of using Trex (or similar) composite decking. Many pieces are scratched and you can get them at 50% off. Did that for a dock a few years back.

[@Fell1619]

Hello, I have a similar situation with my trailer, do you have the link or name of the product you purchased? Love the video. Thanks

[@CoachDriscoll]

Not the exact same thing bt like this... a.co/d/ixqwIFj Sure you can find it cheaper somewhere else where they dont say its for boat trailers!

[@Fell1619]

@@CoachDriscoll Thanks, appreciate the information.

[@vincentroberts8215]

Can you install it over the carpet or would you recommend removing the old carpet first?

[@CoachDriscoll]

I think right over the old carpet would be fine. It should have no impact on function...carpet won't be touching.

[@dewaynehastings3191]

Not sure being fastened from top. If screws back out it could damage the bottom of the boat.

[@CoachDriscoll]

Good point! Just checked a second ago and haven't moved (probably 60 launches/retrieves) Suggest a marine adhesive. Cost about $10 a tube but is amazing stuff. Just a dab in screw hole should any chance of movement.

[@unclejerm7692]

The thin one like in the video have to be fastened from the top. The much thicker ones are a lot better because you completely eliminate the 2x4 underneath - so no wood to rot out or warp from getting wet. They are the same size as a 2x4 and fasten from the bottom just like the 2x4 they replace, not much more $$ either.

[@johnjansen251]

My bunk racks run acroos trailer, 4 of them, flat bottom boat. Would the boat slide as well going acorss the vinyl?

[@CoachDriscoll]

That's an interesting question because I just purchased a flat bottom boat and thinking about adding skids. I'm sure they will help and would guess you can use more narrow skids because each is carrying less weight. Unfortunately, like everything else, the price has gone up.

[@toddbollen1455]

put it on right over your ripped carpet ? seams lot easyer than taking bunks off. I have A lund all so . with ripped carpet .thanks for video Filmed on 2019 you still happy with it?

[@CoachDriscoll]

I replaced the wooden bunks due to some rot....so bare wood. I've launced around 70 times since installation and noticed one bolt was a bit loose. Other than that, I love em!

[@toddbollen1455]

@@CoachDriscoll thanks my other worry is makes them slipperier how it be trailering it on highway.. tt will be strapped down Wonder bout that

[@vincentroberts8215]

My 17 ft boat trailer has upper and lower bunks. Do you think I need sliders on both upper and lower or just the top? Thanks, Vince

[@CoachDriscoll]

I'm going to guess just the lower. Maybe try just changing those first and see how it goes.

[@estebanperez5768]

How are they working out 3 years later? Update video?

[@CoachDriscoll]

Before I put the boat to bed for the winter, I checked the bunks out. All screws were still tight and there was some marks on them they were fine! I'm guessing this would be after about 50 launches and retrivals.

[@jeffbridges7009]

Im looking to unload the pressure treated bunks and carpet altogether. Dont see the point in just laminating the poly on top of the weakest link, wood.

[@CoachDriscoll]

I get what your saying. Poly on aluminum would be awesome. No problems with the wood strength yet, but do check them regularly for wear. Also a cheaper option.

[@rangerbull]

Was always afraid if I unlatch boat and back down ramp the boat will slide off trailer

[@CoachDriscoll]

So I had that happen to me for first time this year. Luckily it was quick dropoff and everything was ok. But could have been a disaster! Lesson learmed: if theres a hill over, say, 30 degrees, keep the boat attached until its in the water.

[@elconquistador7363]

Always keep wench strap attached... Until you are ready for it to be let loose. Better yet, never use the wench strap... Especially when the guy is filming at the ramp, makes great videos to watch while on the pot!

[@feellnfroggy]

Are those screws recessed? I have an aluminum boat, I'd hate to drag screws.

[@feellnfroggy]

Also, poly is great for waxing too.

[@CoachDriscoll]

@@feellnfroggy The predrilling allowed the screws to countersink on their own. I just put similar runners on ice shanty and needed to create a larger hole to get them below level. I suggest being prepared for either situation. (Screws have NOT worked themselves up since initial installation).

[@feellnfroggy]

@@CoachDriscoll good to know. I would have countersunk my own, just good to know what to expect. Honestly after a few minutes of thought, I'm thinking some cheap HDPE cutting boards will be a nice diy.

[@FranksDIY]

good to know . Thanks

[@wg8847]

What company did u buy from..how thick is the skid plates.

[@CoachDriscoll]

Sorry but I don't remember. It was off e-Bay. Will search my purchase history to see.

[@andrewleigh3]

Why did you not remove the old carpet?

[@CoachDriscoll]

Good question! Most of it was new so if the poly bunks failed, I still had new carpet. If I knew it was gonna work, I would've pulled it.

[@americanguy1317]

It will also be easier to slide off the trailer if you have an accident on the road, I seen a guy hit his brakes hard on the freeway and the boat wound up on the back of the truck. Good idea , though not practical due to safety.

[@moldmaker1234]

happens with roller trailers too, just make sure your boats tied down

[@Yarugue]

you have to use tie straps on your trailer to secure your boat to it whilst towing...as far as I know it's the law

[@americanguy1317]

@@Yarugue Yes tie straps are on all trailers But with carpet your boat does not slide as easy is what I was getting at. I guess it is a matter of preference. Just replace the tie straps every couple of years to be sure either way.

[@CoachDriscoll]

Yep, a lot of people out there not really doing things correctly. If I see the boat move at all, I'm pulling over and resecuring it. Secured correctly and it isn't moving due to braking,acceleration, or inclines.

[@1stinsonguy]

Didn't happen because of slick sliders! Happened because of a careless owner that didn't tie down the transom. 😉

[@Straight0uttaCrofton]

that's Jon B's boat!

[@luppaov]

This material is polycarbonate?

[@williamriley2528]

But they gotta be BLACK POLY dude...! Also I think I would have lined them up at the back of the trailer bunks...

[@moonpiespotlight4759]

The boat floats at the back, no need. The only issue is that the boat might slide prematurely off the trailer while backing in. You'll need the carpet in the back to provide some grip while backing in, but you'd basically treat it like a roller trailer.

[@henrycagle7827]

Cut up a plastic trash can and nail it on the bunks

[@nx2269]

Surfiix brand HDPE bunk slides scratched the hull of my bay boat. Had to remove them. Company won’t provide a refund. Buyer beware.

[@carlosnavas7070]

Am thinking about Surfix for my aluminum boat that has a painted hull. I called them to confirm if this would scratch. They said if your carpet isn't scratching them the their product shouldn't either. If you have any other details you could share would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance.

[@nx2269]

Carlos Navas they told me their bunk slides couldn’t have scratched my boat. The fiberglass shop says they see damage from plastic bunk slides all the time. Surfix lie and act as if they don’t know of the issues. They removed my review from amazon.

[@carlosnavas7070]

Brian Becker thanks for sharing I really appreciate it?

[@pauleyplay]

@@nx2269 Helps much Many Thanks !!

[@marcelojosesouza6881]

Parabéns pelo seu trabalho ...

[@robbypotter3051]

Fishe

[@Marldew]

Science fishee

[@7157970000]

Your test isnt fair you should always back trailer in water and get bunks wet then pull out to desired depth same with unloading get bunks wet first think of carpet burn on your skin

[@CoachDriscoll]

Fair point. Will stand by the results, though. I'd hypothesize that the water reduced friction by less than 5%. Next time will test that one, too!

[@melissabreedlove8211]

@ Yeeter Meter... I’m a little confused.. I have a 24ft pontoon.. I alway wet the bunks before loading.. but u said do the same when unloading? I don’t mean to sound foolish but cld u please elaborate on that part please?

[@CoachDriscoll]

@@melissabreedlove8211 sorry I missed this, but I broke a winch due to too much friction loading. The bunks solved that!

[@elconquistador7363]

Bunk carpet should ALWAYS be wet before sliding, either on or off. Those strips are awesome. Less friction than even wet carpet, should equal to less wear on gell coat under boat. Only scary part which is the deal breaker for me... Those screws could back out and tear up the bottom of the boat WAY faster than the extra friction of carpet.