Should I swap bunks for rollers?

[gunsbuns]

The lake we use is tidal and if I get stuck having to use the ramp at low tide I struggle to drive the boat onto the trailer (ie I can't sink the trailer enough). The winch just won't pull the boat on right up to the end. There is clearly a lot of friction with the weight of the boat (X25) on the carpet bunks. I've tried squirting detergent and using silicon spray but it doesn't make much difference. I'm contemplating changing the bunnks for rollers as this would no doubt allow the boat to more easilly be pulled on with the winch. Is one better for the boat (hull)?

Or should I just get a better winch?

Thoughts / advice?

[zsqure]

Mary Jane liquid rollers. you'll wish you hadn't done it but it will wear off over time. The rollers instead of bunks can be tricky, place stress areas on the hull. Ever seen a fishing boat slide down the ramp on its' keel? try the Mary Jane stuff first and keep your boat latched to the winch strap until you get in the water. As far as getting up on the trailer, try the Mary Jane stuff it's some slick $h!t.

[JohnE]

Don't use silicone. It can cause the hull to blister. Harold (TMCNo1) had this happen many years ago and posted about it many times over the years. Maybe it won't cause it on the newer hulls with their barriers, but I wouldn't try it. Spray on liquid wax can be used, or the Mary Jane is probably much more slick.

[Gonzo]

Don't use silicone. It can cause the hull to blister. Harold (TMCNo1) had this happen many years ago and posted about it many times over the years. Maybe it won't cause it on the newer hulls with their barriers, but I wouldn't try it. Spray on liquid wax can be used, or the Mary Jane is probably much more slick.

plus one for liquid wax, how about an electric winch? Good reviews despite the price here....

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/9567234974640936710?q=electric+winch+boat+trailer&biw=1207&bih=580&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.&bvm=bv.106674449,d.cGc&tch=1&ech=1&psi=Rlw7VqaIKNfojwOTw7_ADg.1446730823656.7&prds=hsec:reviews&ved=0CBgQqitqFQoTCPTgj4y1-cgCFU7IYwodat8BHQ&ei=HF07VvTiHc6QjwPqvofoAQ

[cjtpilot]

Don't use silicone. It can cause the hull to blister. Harold (TMCNo1) had this happen many years ago and posted about it many times over the years. Maybe it won't cause it on the newer hulls with their barriers, but I wouldn't try it. Spray on liquid wax can be used, or the Mary Jane is probably much more slick.

This has to be the craziest thing I have ever read! No way spray silicone causes blisters!

[neil.anderson63]

I considered the poly slide route. Went with new carpet instead. Poly slide might be an option for you. ??

[Ramp-N-Clamp]

We've thought about offering this product?? Carpeted bunks are great for trailering but sometimes have too much friction when loading. Full synthetic bunks and rollers are too slick, too loose when trailering and very expensive!!

BUNK SKIN would apply over carpet only where you would need it to reduce friction or add durability.

BUNK SKIN An economical OEM solution for HOT SPOTS and FRICTION!!

BUNK SKIN is a UHMW blend specifically designed to meet the rigors and harsh environments of the outdoors.

BUNK SKIN has the highest UV stability in the industry and can last up to 10 times longer in the outdoors than standard UHMW products.

BUNK SKIN is available in a standard wear strip or can be supplied with
an adhesive backing for easy installation.

No top fasteners
Applies to bunks just like carpet over carpet or wood
Staples or screws on bunk bottom or sides
Does not change trailer geometry
Eliminate carpet warranty claims
Extremely wear resistant-more than carpet or any other plastic
Use as much or as little that is needed for the hot spot
Best material available-Pure UHMW UV stabilized
Does not scratch or absorb water
Any length and width available
Many thicknesses available

[swatguy]

That offering from rack n clamp peaks my interest for sure

[scott023]

Seems to me if you're going to throw rollers on the trailer, you should put a trolling motor on the boat too.

[JohnE]

This has to be the craziest thing I have ever read! No way spray silicone causes blisters!

As I said, #1 posted it many times. He certainly had a lot of knowledge. I don't doubt him. If you want to use silicone, then go ahead.

Here is just one of his posts. http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/...5&postcount=19

I'll look for more later.

[JohnE]

Here's another post by Harold on the topic.

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showpost.php?p=529931&postcount=23

Since it was Harold, I pretty much took it to be true. He was always spot on with anything regarding boat care. But since I've heard of others getting blisters only where the boat rests on the bunks, I suppose it is possible that the blistering on his boat was caused by water trapped in the bunk carpet rather than silicone. I hadn't ever given it much thought.

[Gonzo]

Here's another post by Harold on the topic.

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showpost.php?p=529931&postcount=23

Since it was Harold, I pretty much took it to be true. He was always spot on with anything regarding boat care. But since I've heard of others getting blisters only where the boat rests on the bunks, I suppose it is possible that the blistering on his boat was caused by water trapped in the bunk carpet rather than silicone. I hadn't ever given it much thought.

2nd this

As I said, #1 posted it many times. He certainly had a lot of knowledge. I don't doubt him. If you want to use silicone, then go ahead.

Here is just one of his posts. http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/...5&postcount=19

I'll look for more later.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[cjtpilot]

Here's another post by Harold on the topic.

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showpost.php?p=529931&postcount=23

Since it was Harold, I pretty much took it to be true. He was always spot on with anything regarding boat care. But since I've heard of others getting blisters only where the boat rests on the bunks, I suppose it is possible that the blistering on his boat was caused by water trapped in the bunk carpet rather than silicone. I hadn't ever given it much thought.

Now this makes a lot more sense that the water is causing the blisters, since silicone repels water and the bunks would be trapping the water in between them and the boats gel coat. As for the guy that works on corvettes thats comparing apples and oranges, its not the fiberglass that has the issue its the gel coat that absorbs the water and blisters. I am not saying he isn't knowledgeable about vettes, but those don't use gel coat.

While my opinion comes from my experience as a boat owner that has always used silicone spray on my bunks and almost 20 yrs in aviation working with composites and silicone/silicone based polishes are used on aircraft without any issues.

The OP would benefit from either a silicone spray or the poly slides. However what Ramp-n-clamp posted is very interesting.

[Mastercraftdave]

We've thought about offering this product?? Carpeted bunks are great for trailering but sometimes have too much friction when loading. Full synthetic bunks and rollers are too slick, too loose when trailering and very expensive!!

BUNK SKIN would apply over carpet only where you would need it to reduce friction or add durability.

BUNK SKIN An economical OEM solution for HOT SPOTS and FRICTION!!

BUNK SKIN is a UHMW blend specifically designed to meet the rigors and harsh environments of the outdoors.

BUNK SKIN has the highest UV stability in the industry and can last up to 10 times longer in the outdoors than standard UHMW products.

BUNK SKIN is available in a standard wear strip or can be supplied with
an adhesive backing for easy installation.

No top fasteners
Applies to bunks just like carpet over carpet or wood
Staples or screws on bunk bottom or sides
Does not change trailer geometry
Eliminate carpet warranty claims
Extremely wear resistant-more than carpet or any other plastic
Use as much or as little that is needed for the hot spot
Best material available-Pure UHMW UV stabilized
Does not scratch or absorb water
Any length and width available
Many thicknesses available

Does this material scuff the bottom of the boat similar to the way Ramp-N-Clamp scuffs the front of the boat while loading.

I love the device but I have stuff all over the front of my boat that I cant get off.....

[JohnE]

Now this makes a lot more sense that the water is causing the blisters, since silicone repels water and the bunks would be trapping the water in between them and the boats gel coat. As for the guy that works on corvettes thats comparing apples and oranges, its not the fiberglass that has the issue its the gel coat that absorbs the water and blisters. I am not saying he isn't knowledgeable about vettes, but those don't use gel coat.

While my opinion comes from my experience as a boat owner that has always used silicone spray on my bunks and almost 20 yrs in aviation working with composites and silicone/silicone based polishes are used on aircraft without any issues.

The OP would benefit from either a silicone spray or the poly slides. However what Ramp-n-clamp posted is very interesting.

As I mentioned, I never gave it too much thought. So the cause of the blistering on #1's hull was due to the effects of the silicone, not the silicone itself. I'll buy that.