DHM trailers / bow v-bunk / scratching / adding a small keel roller?

[SilentSeven]

On my 2004 DHM trailer, the bow of our 206 is supported by 2 low mounted v-bunks. The issue is that it's mostly impossible to load/unload the boat with out significant pressure on these bunks. This is leading to scuff marks on the bow. :/

Here's what happens...

As the back of the boat floats up, the bow rotates down thus pinching (if you will) the boat into the bunks. Once the boat floats about 18" backward, the pressure is off and the boat is free. It's not possible to put the trailer in deep(er) to mitigate the issue... Same problem when loading....boat floats into and then encounters the bunks. You have to either winch the boat the last 18" or nudge it up with the throttle.

IMO, the real solution would be to redesign the entire front v-bunk so it's smaller and less "under" the boat. Not a simple job.

Anyone out there with a DHM trailer who has solved this? I have two working ideas.....

I'm tinkering with the idea of adding a small keel roller near the bow that would support the bow as the boat moves on and off the trailer. Not sure yet if this is possible but it's the best idea I have at the moment.

Another possible approach to be to change the v-bunk material from carpet to something like gatorbak with the thinking that carpet doesn't work well under pressure (sand in carpet = scratches) and the high pressure points quickly wear thin. Unclear how well a hull slides on gatorbak bunk material....

I'll add some pics in a bit.....

[NtsDad]

I had a similar (not the same) problem on my 2005 sv-211 with a trail-rite trailer. One of the ramps I regularly go to is way to steep. I added two additional front bunks placed forward on the trailer and it seems to help a little. I will post pictures the next time I grab the boat from storage.

[SilentSeven]

Picture of my bunk setup.

In the first pic, you can see the extra carpetting I just stapled on to recover the thin pressure points. I'm in the process of updating the primary bunks to gatorbak.

[KWSMAN]

SilentSeven how do you like the Gatorbak?


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[SilentSeven]

SilentSeven how do you like the Gatorbak?

....way to early for an opinion - still installing. I may have an initial impression in a few weeks. I'll make a point to share

[SilentSeven]

OK. So the gatorbak's been in for a while and - short of the initial purchase price - I like it. Boat seems to load fine and it's got to be a better than my carpet for not retaining sand and grit when the trailer sits outside with no boat. Just rinse it off and it's pretty clean and good to go.

I still haven't done the v-berths in front but plan to redo those bunks over the winter. Here's a few pictures.

[SilentSeven]

Bit of an update on my gatorbak.

I finally did the forward bow v-berths. And I really like how it loads with the gatorbak installed. Before, it was very difficult to pull the boat into the berths and you just cringed knowing the carpet had glick in it scuffing the hull. With the gatorbak, there's a lot less friction in the bow and the boat loads a lot simpler.

So - now all my berths have gatorbak (except the foward vertical nose stop which will remain carpet) and I have to say I'm a fan. Looks good. Easy to clean. Loads better. Seems to protect from scuffing much better.

The lower (apparent) friction now has me looking for a secondary safety strap / turnbuckle for the bowclip.

Four of five stars. Would need to be cheaper to get that 5th star...requires a lot of first borns to obtain. Gatorbak does have regular sales...would recommend trying to get on one of those if you can.

[KWSMAN]

Out with the old carpet and in with Gatorbak. Replacing the lag screws which should be here this week. Pretty happy with the install. Thanks SilentSeven for your initial review.



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[SilentSeven]

Gatorbak tip after having the bunks installed for ~ 3 years. After a period, the bunks loose their low friction slipperiness. This can lead to 'stickion' around the bow area making the boat hard to unload / load.

To solve this, just spray some silicon slip spray on those most forward exposed bunk sections to restore the glide on / glide off. Helps if you spray and let sit in the sun for a few hours before dunking the trailer.

I continue to really like my gatorbak bunks. In particular, when the boats off the trailer, they don't collect grit and grime and they have pretty much eliminated any bow scuffing. The slip spray trick solves a nagging little issue.

[Scooter G]

Nice thread & follow up SilentSeven, good to know it's holding up.
I replaced the carpet on the Boatmate trailer 2 Season's ago. According to the hull, I should of just used sandpaper.
I saw mention of an occasional Gatorbak sale. If anyone happens to catch a glimmer of that happening, please let us know...