Good day all, I have a 1992 17' Montauk, and—before I start slicing and dicing wood—what is the ideal length of bunks that I'm putting on the trailer frame?
I have all the parts I need, I just have to break out the saw at this point. I'm pulling off the rollers. I was advised rollers are bad news for my Whaler.
Any help would be glorious. Thanks
Trailer bunks
Re: Trailer bunks
Boston Whaler boats like a classic 17-foot Montauk like to be kept on a trailer that has two or three keel rollers and one pair of lateral bunks. Most weight goes onto the keel rollers.
An all-bunk trailer is okay, too, if it has a second pair of bunks close to the keel.
Old-style floppy roller trailers are not recommended.
The length of a bunk board is determined by the spacing between the two supports. The bunks can extend beyond the supports somewhat.
There is a long, detailed, illustrated article about trailers for Boston Whaler boats in the Reference section:
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/trailering/
An all-bunk trailer is okay, too, if it has a second pair of bunks close to the keel.
Old-style floppy roller trailers are not recommended.
The length of a bunk board is determined by the spacing between the two supports. The bunks can extend beyond the supports somewhat.
There is a long, detailed, illustrated article about trailers for Boston Whaler boats in the Reference section:
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/trailering/
Re: Trailer bunks
Thank you, admirable information. Take care.
Re: Trailer bunks
In doing some additional research, I came across some c.1970 literature that included trailer recommendations. I have added this new information to the Reference Section article on trailer set-up. Here is the new information I found and added:
Trailering Tips
Boston Whaler boats do not require special trailers, but selection should be based on the following important considerations:
- Load ratings:
- 13' - 600 lbs
- 16' - 1200 to 1600 lbs
- 19' - 25001bs
- 19' sterndrive - 3000 lbs
- 21' - 3000 lbs
- Avoid either under- or over-rating.
- For long haul, use biggest available tires.
- Use wooden side supports--not rollers. Side rollers may become misdirected and damage boat.
- Keel rollers must take nearly all the weight, bearing on keel, not adjacent hull surface.
- Winch stand should have bow stop above the bow eye. This allows winch to pull eye straight in and provides security in a panic stop.
- Flat chassis type trailers are required for 19-and 21-foot models. Trailers designed for deep-V boats cause sponsons to rub on fenders.