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Author	Topic:   Plastic Wood On Trailer Bunks?
george nagy	posted 04-15-2003 05:47 PM ET (US)         I'm thinking of using some of that "trex" recycled plastic 2x6 deck lumbder for my trailer bunks. Good idea?
dscew	posted 04-15-2003 08:27 PM ET (US)          I think trex is too flexible and will sag at any length over about 3 feet. Then you lose support. My opinion only, but the stuff is pretty snaky.
John from Madison CT	posted 04-15-2003 08:30 PM ET (US)             I'm replacing all my wood bunks, new wood, carpet and brackets. Gonna use 2"x4" Pressure treated lumber. John
Drisney	posted 04-15-2003 09:24 PM ET (US)             George, What agreat idea !!! I have been trying to figure out how to get my 22 Revenge to slide on and off the trailer easier. The little slide sticks you can buy look like they end up being pressure pointe ...If the hull (with bottom paint) will slide on the plastic wood rather than stick, that would be a very cool solution. Thanks for the idea! Dave
george nagy	posted 04-15-2003 09:33 PM ET (US)             Drisney, No problem! just send check or money order to..... Just kidding I will let that idea go for free. If you get done before I get around to it let me/us know how well it works. To solve sag over long lengths I was planning on attaching ripped (3") piece perpendicular (t shaped in section)to the bottom of the flat runner with ss fastners, counter sunk naturally.
Drisney	posted 04-17-2003 01:45 PM ET (US)             George, I was thinking of angle stock or "T" stock in aluminum, to deal with the sag potential. My concern is that the plastic will stick rather than slide. Not sure how to determine that prior to doing the whole trailer. Dave
andygere	posted 04-17-2003 02:14 PM ET (US)             Dave, since that material is made for decks, it has something of a non-skid surface to it. I'm not sure if the boat would slide off of it very well, and I'd be concerned about wearing through the gelcoat pretty quickly. One of these days I've got to stop by and see your boat and we can brainstorm a bit on this problem. By the way, I'm fishing on Saturday, will you be out there?
doobee	posted 04-17-2003 09:22 PM ET (US)             I've been toying with the idea of attaching celltek (sp?) to standard bunks. It is a smooth plastic lumber used for trim boards. The celltek provides a slick smooth surface and the bunk provides the support. A 20' plank sells for @ $40.
Dick	posted 04-17-2003 09:48 PM ET (US)             Much cheaper method. Spray your bunks with Mary Kate "Liquid Roller" or a good silicone spray. Dick
Drisney	posted 04-18-2003 12:25 AM ET (US)             Hi Dick !! I am loving the 13' flyfishing for stripers....I have a can of liquid rollers but have not had a chance to try it yet, working a lot of overtime. I will post my results when I do.. Dave
newdad66	posted 04-18-2003 01:33 AM ET (US)             I was just looking through a catalogue and came across plastic bunk glide-ons made by a company called Tie down engineering. They attach over top of either 2x4 or 2x6 lumber of your choice. You can see them at www.tiedown.com/marinem.html. They appear to be quite $$$ but they may help you out. The company states that "They are so slippery you may have to put carpet on half the bunk". Could be a bunch of bunk... ;) Good luck, John
wayne baker	posted 04-18-2003 07:30 AM ET (US)             A note on the liquid roller. A friend of mine went fishing with a guy on the second outing of his new 14 foot carolina skiff. While driveing to the landing the boat owner mentioned to my friend that he was looking foward to seeing how well the boat came of the trailer as he had been advised to spray the bunks with silicone. Before backing down he instructed my friend to undo the bow strap and just hold the attached bow line when the boat was in the water. With some hesitation my friend did as instructed and about half way down the landing the guy touched his breaks and unloaded his new skiff about ten foot shy of the water. The spray silicone did make the baot come off easy just as promised.
weekendwarrior	posted 04-19-2003 05:38 PM ET (US)             Sounds like a good idea for rot control! To make it slide easier on carpeted bunks try this. Get some parafin wax from the grocery store. Rub it all over the carpet. That will make them very nice and slippery, almost as good as rollers!

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