Trailer Bunk Adjustment

[docschreiber]

I recently bought a Coronado 23 mkII. I found out today that the trailer that came with it has had the bunks adjusted since the Coronado was last on it. Any advice on the best (and safest) way to load the boat and get the bunks adjusted would be greatly appreciated.

My current plan is to raise the bunks slightly higher than I think necessary from my estimated measurements based off the specs, haul the boat out, and then lower the bunks until the keel rests down.

 

[victorhoisington]

How are you putting the boat on the trailer? By lift or floating it on?

The following is my opinion on how I approach the situation when adjusting the bunks. The boat is supported primarily on the keel while on the trailer so, as long as you are positioned properly with the keel centered on the trailer and supported at the bow you should be fine. The bunks provide lateral support only, keeping the boat vertical on the trailer, they generally should not be pushing into the hull or trying to support the hull as this can lead to oil canning of the fiberglass and/or damage to the hull.

If putting it on by lift (or crane), lower the bunks, set the boat on the trailer with the crane and then adjust the bunks before you remove the crane. one person should be able to do this fairly easily

If on the water, again, lower the bunks and then while floating the boat on the trailer support it at the bow and get the keel resting on the trailer. Your forward/aft positioning is critical here for proper weight distribution on the trailer, the bow eye position and height should help. Then move the forward bunks up to position, pull the boat partially out and then adjust the mid ship and and finally all the way out to position the aft bunks.

On my 28, I raise and lower them frequently as I'm polishing and waxing during my yearly prep. A good socket wrench helps.

Have fun

Victor

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

It depends where in TN is the boat located as to a lift.

Yes the boat stands can be lowered but you have to be very careful because you do not want the stand pads pushing the hull in. If you need advice, feel free to send me an email with phone number and I will call. I was a former sailboat dealer and was in the position you were in when removing boats out of the water on my trailers up to 34 feet on a regular trailer.