Slick bunks

dezul · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2015 9:46 am

AJWest wrote:

I never disconnect my winch strap or safety strap until the boat is ready to back off the trailer. The ramp I use is probably average angle. I just back in, the rear of the boat floats, I hop into the bed of my truck from the side (I'm still nimble enough to do that from street level), lower the tailgate, sit on the tailgate, remove safety chain, release the winch strap, the boat just floats in place, I climb in, fire it up, bump it into reverse then back to neutral and all done. Launching or recovering a boat shouldn't be an issue with anyone really. You just need to know what method to use depending on the ramp and possibly other conditions or obstacles

I do it every now and then when I need a quick launch cause the ramp is busy. I definitely don't do it on the any steep ramps though. I also back up till I can see that the boat is floating, then I stop and unstrap the boat and push it off.

admin · **Joined:** Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:00 am **Posts:** 1115

After watching a boat slide off the bunks and onto the ground. I would probably never put the slick stuff on the bunks. Depending on the ramp sometimes you have to give it a little power. Sometimes even a little more. At each ramp I have an idea on where I need the trailer to be. Giving a boat some throttle to get it off the trailer I feel is way safer than having to worry about someone not hooking the boat and it sliding off the trailer.

Pharmer · **Posted:** Wed Jun 10, 2015 9:38 pm

Very inconsistent ramps where we launch on Ouachita. I backup to waters edge, unstrap everything, plug goes in, everyone loads up, wife backs me in until we begin to float, then I power back to clear the trailer. Worst part, no docks! So picking my wife or whomever backed me in up from the bank is the tricky part. I've actually gotten scary good at backing up to the bank so that they can sit on the platform in thigh deep water. Loading does require some power, but just enough to keep the tie down pinned to the front roller long enough for me to clip in and tighten from the boat.

x_40oz · **Joined:** Mon Aug 05, 2013 4:48 am **Posts:** 270

My previous boat came with EZ bunks or whaterver they are called on the trailer. It was a Malibu VLX 21. My experience was that it was easy to get the boat on and off, but they left sctatches in the gelcoat. These wernt light scatches either...some pretty deep. Before I sold the boat i crawled under the trailer and did some rubbing compound and potectant wax, but you could still see them. I have the same issue you do now with my A22, but I would not go back with the EZ bunks, I would try some of the spray and be careful with taking the strap loose too soon.

My .02

boardjnky4 · **Joined:** Thu Dec 05, 2013 2:22 pm **Posts:** 437

I always do the "hit the brakes" trick right as the trailer gets submerged. Works perfectly every time.

We always power load and unload. It's just the easiest and fastest way to get the job done. Have never had any damage done to my boat or trailer.

I wouldn't mess with any of the bunk stuff. Not worth it in my opinion.

2015T22 · **Joined:** Sun Aug 10, 2014 9:19 pm **Posts:** 36

AJWest wrote:

carguy79ta wrote:

I launch by having the truck back down and hit the brakes to help ease it off. we have a shallow non steep ramp. the exhaust tail pipe is underwater. 4wd silverado. when loading out, my wife putts slowly and just coasts in. I then hook up the winch and winch it all the way in (15 A22). works pretty good. dont like to power load. or unload.

Hmmm, I don't know about this technique of "hit the brakes to ease it off". Sounds like there could be potential for something weird or freakish to happen. Maybe the boat come off uncontrolled or crooked and the underwater drive components hitting the prop guard or trailer frame, maybe the truck hitting a patch of slick moss on the ramp and the truck keeps going? To each his own technique but this is the first in all my 26 years of boating hearing or seeing this done with a wakeboat. However, if it works for you and you feel safe doing so...by all means proceed.

This is a pretty normal way to get the boat off the trailer without powering it off. Sometimes I have my wife follow the boat with continuous (bow/stern line tied together) dock line and I'll hit the brakes (just as the trailer wheels are going under water) and slide the boat right off the trailer as I pull up the ramp and she can just tie it off to the dock without getting in the boat. Also, when I launch alone (which I frequently do) I pull 15' out of the winch, lock it and leave it connected to the boat. back the boat in and hit the brakes so it floats to the back of the trailer. I can tie it up to the dock, unclip the winch strap and drive the truck out of the water without making everyone wait for me. Pretty much the only time we power the boat OFF is when we're launching on a ramp without a dock. We always power on the trailer.

I usually launch the boat 2-3 times a week and on the weekends the ramp is a total shit show. Getting in/out quickly is a must. I have never left the bow strap connected on this or any boat I've ever owned going down the ramp and I've never found a reason to. Most of this discussion is around how much friction there is between the boat and bunks-the boats not going to slide off the dry trailer when backing down the ramp.

3oh2rider · **Joined:** Sat May 09, 2015 7:39 pm **Posts:** 110

I sprayed my bunk with liquid rollers and all I have to say is daaaamn!! It works fantastic. I've loaded/unloaded about 5 times since spraying them. I am curious to see how long it takes to wear away and another coat needing to be applied. I just bought another can so I am ready. Definitely do not unhook the boat til it's almost all the way in the water. The boat slides right off without power unloading. My 2 cents for what it's worth.

Bagdragger24 · **Joined:** Mon Jun 08, 2015 7:57 pm **Posts:** 30

^^ I have seen multiple boats hit the pavement by unhooking the bow strap and then backing down the ramp. Better off waiting till the trailer hits the water before undoing the strap.

dezul · **Posted:** Thu Jun 18, 2015 9:39 pm

I guess my normal way is different than most. I back the trailer in with the wife driving the boat. I unhook the straps and push it off. It is pretty simple. She comes and picks me up at the dock or ramp. If you don't trust a woman to drive your boat, then you are married/dating the wrong one. Typically they are better than me or you at following directions.

Reverse the order for loading

vanamp · **Joined:** Wed Feb 05, 2014 9:02 am **Posts:** 272

If you have a pickle fork why unhook bow strap before you back in? My wife backs the trailer in the I reach over the bow and crank it loose and remove bow strap. Start it up and wife will do the quick backup move if needed.

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