Ok so I have been around long enough to know that this has been discussed before but not for a while so an updated thread would be nice. This year I will need to replace the carpet on my trailer bunks (Catalina 22 Wing keel) and I am wondering if there is something better for launching. I trailer sail 100% and launch at ramps of various quality and angle (shortest ramp has less than 1 foot left before axel drops off end of ramp into 3+ foot hole). Last year I improved my keel guides that make centering the wing much easier but this year I need to work on the bunks. While the boat comes off ok nice with a tap to the breaks getting it back on is not as easy. I must depend heavily on the front bow roller and winch to get it close. Then haul it out, collapse the extension, and break a few times to get the boat to be fully seated in the bow stop. I know better than to winch the boat on the trailer (fixed wing would prevent this anyway) and that it is to be "floated" on but is there something better than carpet I should consider? In a perfect world I would love roller bunks but my trailer is just not set up for them and I am not sure how the boat would handle the point loading of the rollers. So I ask you all for opinions and ideas. What works for you and what lasts? Boat specks are listed below.
Catalina 22
Fixed Wing Keel
Boat weight approx 3,000 lbs
Total trailer weight loaded for cruising 4,000-4,500 lbs
Trailer axle is a single 6,000 lb with hydraulic drum brakes
Longest single trailer trip to date 2,000+ mi (longer trips may be coming).
Catalina 22
Fixed Wing Keel
Boat weight approx 3,000 lbs
Total trailer weight loaded for cruising 4,000-4,500 lbs
Trailer axle is a single 6,000 lb with hydraulic drum brakes
Longest single trailer trip to date 2,000+ mi (longer trips may be coming).