Bunk Glides

[striper15]

Hey guys –

Have a question about bunk glides. Do they scratch the gel coat? I am looking at these in particular - www.surfixinc.com/surfix_trailer_bunkslides.html I emailed the company today and they replied that they never heard of any scratching in “factory” gel coats, but to quote the guy, “owner applied paints and gel coats may have a problem”. Not sure what he meant by that so I thought I would ask if anyone out there has had firsthand experience with glides.

Another concern I have is do they make hooking and un-hooking the bow hook too difficult as the boat pressure is always there on the hook eye due to the glides slickness and the boat sliding backwards?? Can you get enough slack to un-do the hook?

For those who have done it, is it worth the upgrade?? Thanks for any input!

Eric

[dannyp]

I would be a little worried about my boat sliding off the trailer.
If I am by myself, I release my winch strap and let about 6-8" of strap loose, then lock the winch, Then I back down the ramp, this is where would be concerned about the boat sliding off the trailer with those slicks. JMHO


DannyP

[Mike Bucca]

I'm with Danny here on the boat sliding off the trailer. Eric my question to you is what problems are you encountering to make you want to purchase this type of thing? Maybe we can offer alternative suggestions.

Mike

[striper15]

Thanks Mike for the offer. The ramp at the lake that I fish a lot now has a real shallow gradual slope to it. I have to back the trailer way back to get enough water to release the boat off of the bunks. The wheels of my truck are in the water, a feeling that I’m not comfortable with. The glides would help with this, but what do I do when I go to a steeper grade ramp?? That was my concern with the glides and having enough friction to get slack in the tow strap to undo it. With your guys input already, I think I’ll just leave things as they are. I don’t have a big boat (16'), so it’s not too hard to maneuver; it’s just like the one in this picture, but white and with no casting platform or push pole - www.customgheenoe.com/images/Costefishn4.jpg

Thanks again guys for the help!

Eric

[dannyp]

IF you are able to hop in the bed of your truck,, I would consider one of those walking ramps you bolt onto the trailer.
Just a thought


Dannyp

[bassboy1]

I can see where he is coming from. I went with the hull I did, as opposed to a larger one was so I can still use it as a practical electric only rig, and be able to easily pull the motor, but still be big enough and fast enough to run the big lake.

Even though I have 5.5 feet between my coupler and winch post (I like long tongues for launching reasons), at lake Aubrey, I thought I was going to have to unhitch the trailer to get the boat off. Same goes for some of the other electric only ramps.

I had the slicks on a different boat, and at the normal ramps on the main lake, you just need to back most of the way in, and then unhook your strap, as opposed to unhooking it at the top, and then back a foot further and tap the brakes. If you are launching alone (as opposed to having your partner unhook in the last instance), there is no need to undo a foot of strap to unstick the boat, as you back in, and unhook the strap as you are getting in. Then, all it takes is an easy push, from in the boat, and you are off. It doesn't affect loading that much either.

Lets just say that my boat will have them as soon as I have more than a dollar 25 to my name. Well, after I get a new battery too, as I toasted mine last week.

[Mike Bucca]

Eric, Why don't you get you some knee high boots and just walk in the water to scoot your boat off the trailer? Cheaper and safer than the jump in the back of the truck method.

BTW them Gheenos are sweet river boats!! I miss mine!@

Mike

[hockeyruss123]

i made something very similair to what he's talking about. mine is made out of polypropolene. haven't put them on yet.i countersunk the holes so the head of the screw will be below the rubbing surface. i tow my jon with a car so spring thru winter i just about get my feet wet every time when by myself. but when your a fishaholic thats the sacrifice you take!!

[bassboy1]

Dec 20, 2008 12:54:27 GMT -1 hockeyruss123 said:

mine is made out of polypropolene.

You know what works best, that is cheap? Walmart white cutting boards. Rip them in the bandsaw or table saw, and attach them to the bunks with countersunk stainless screws. Really is about the same material as the storebought ones, just cheaper.