Replacing bunk boards

[Robbin]

We are in the process of refurbishing the keel system on our boat. We raised the boat off the trailer only to find the bunk boards have sagged between the supports, leaving the boat resting mainly upon the upright bunk supports. So far there has been no oil canning.There is a definite twist in the boards as they travel from the mid-support to the front support. Here are a few questions we need answered.How do we go about replacing those boards?Do we need to soak the boards in order to get the twist into them when fastening it to the supports? What type wood should we use?What size board is recommended?I searched the archives and came up empty handed, so thanks for any assistance with this.Robbin

 

[Ken Palmer]

trailer bunks

I used 2x6x12' pressure treated on mine, didn't have any trouble pressing them into place to drill the holes for the bolts. Just loosely bolted them until all the bolts are in then tightened all up covered with carpet. I used SS staples I bought from Jamestown Fastners. I have seen at least one trailer locally though that has 8" wide boards, so you better measure the boards on your trailer. One more thing, I'd watch the knots in the boards and avoid them, besides making the bunks weak they ooze sap in time.good luckKen

 

[Bill]

watch the bolt heads

I used the 2x6x12 treated lumber also and used carriage bolts (round head)to bolt them down..... if you recess the bolt heads a little then the hull will be sitting on the bunk bed instead of the bolts...... I sat on the bunk beds to get them to "bend" to the proper location and then clamped them with a bar clam to hold them in place while I drilled the holes...... be sure the clamps are secure or you could get a good "whack" if they come loose before you attach the bolts...... good luckBill