Response from Hunter
I used the tech support link on this site to pose the question to Hunter yesterday. I was so impressed - a reply came back in 9 minutes! Anyway, their take on the matter is posted below. If you look at the trailer it sort of makes sense, because the bunk support pillars are on a telescoping bracket that is not through-bolted, only a compression bolt to snug the extension down and prevent it from collapsing. Not the ideal setup if the intent was to carry the hull weight, but OK just to provide lateral support I suppose. Will post a pic tomorrow. Thanks for all the feedback!-----Original Message-----From: CustServ-Hunter [mailto:customerservice@huntermarine.com]Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 9:22 AMTo: [name]Subject: RE: TECH SUPPORT QUESTION from HOWDear Mr. Palmer,The weight of the boat should be resting on the keel, therunners should be firmly up against the hull.-----Original Message-----From: info@hunterowners.com [mailto:info@hunterowners.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 9:13 AMTo: CustServ-HunterSubject: TECH SUPPORT QUESTION from HOWThe following inquiry was sent on 04/26/2005 at 06:12:47 Pacfic time:Jeff PalmerI have a 1989 Hunter 18.5 and am doing some trailer repair. I'm notsure it's the original trailer, but it appears that currently whentrailered, the weight of the boat is resting on the keel wing bulb andthe trailer bunks are largely to keep the boat steady instead of bearingweight. Is this the correct way to trailer this boat or should theweight be resting on the bunks and not the keel (do the bunks need to beraised to keep the keel off the trailer skid plate)? Thanks so much,Jeff Palmer