Author Topic: Poly Bunks  (Read 2927 times)

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Offline 75starflight

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Poly Bunks
« on: June 26, 2018, 01:40:53 PM »
I have quite a few air boats in my area using 3/8" thick poly sheets on the bunks on their trailers.

Since I am building a bunk trailer to put under Phoenix I was wondering if anyone has any experience with using poly instead of bunk carpet?
1975 v-179 starflite

Offline V153

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Re: Poly Bunks
« Reply #1 on: June 27, 2018, 05:03:19 PM »
Never been a fan of wrapping something that'll rot. With something that'll help it rot.

And as you know I'm a big fan of anything that says "poly", or "composite". Go for it!
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Offline Jason

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Re: Poly Bunks
« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2018, 10:50:33 PM »
Just looking at some old pictures and happened to see my old V172 trailer had poly covered bunks. I don't remember having any issues with them. Carpeted bunks  just look better IMO. The 32 year old bunks on the CV23 trailer were still so solid I just recovered them with new carpet.
Jason S.
1974 Glastron Carlson CV16SS 140 I/O
1986 Glastron Carlson CV23 260 I/O

Offline Plugcheck

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Re: Poly Bunks
« Reply #3 on: June 28, 2018, 07:51:17 AM »
      I believe the only reason they are not used more often is cost.   The load carrying capacity is less than dimensional lumber, so to compensate, some manufacturers have added aluminum reinforcement underneath their poly bunk options.   On pontoon trailers it is common to add poly "Slicks" on top of carpeted bunks, so the behemoths can unload in shallow ramps easier, but I've not seen them as solely being poly only.   Never researched how long carpeted wood bunks last, I suspect about a decade possibly, dependent upon use.   By all means give it a try, but shoot for structural support at least equivalent to standard bunks, or you may end up with trailer dimples similar to what can occur with roller trailers.    Of the air boat trailers I've been around, the flat bottoms seem to require a different level of support, having more support side to side rather than a stringer based V-hull.   Just my $0.02
Michael
1979 CVZ-18 388 CI Vortec Mouse
1980 CVX-16SS 140 Mercruiser
1979 CVX-16 Johnson 175
2002 Bennington 2275CC 90 Mercury
1985 Intimidator project
1989 Lowe 200 Redneck fishin Toon
2001 Godfrey Sweetwater pontoon 115 Rude

Offline 75starflight

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Re: Poly Bunks
« Reply #4 on: June 28, 2018, 10:17:39 AM »
      I believe the only reason they are not used more often is cost.   The load carrying capacity is less than dimensional lumber, so to compensate, some manufacturers have added aluminum reinforcement underneath their poly bunk options.   On pontoon trailers it is common to add poly "Slicks" on top of carpeted bunks, so the behemoths can unload in shallow ramps easier, but I've not seen them as solely being poly only.   Never researched how long carpeted wood bunks last, I suspect about a decade possibly, dependent upon use.   By all means give it a try, but shoot for structural support at least equivalent to standard bunks, or you may end up with trailer dimples similar to what can occur with roller trailers.    Of the air boat trailers I've been around, the flat bottoms seem to require a different level of support, having more support side to side rather than a stringer based V-hull.   Just my $0.02

Mike,

The poly would be added to the top of carpeted wood bunks a full 2x4 of poly would be very expensive.
1975 v-179 starflite

Offline Jason

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Re: Poly Bunks
« Reply #5 on: June 28, 2018, 12:44:10 PM »
Seems the only advantage is easier load and unload. If the trailer sits pretty low and you pretty much float your boat off and on then the extra ease really isn't needed. I usually float the boat on then drag it maybe a foot which isn't a big deal even with the 23.
Jason S.
1974 Glastron Carlson CV16SS 140 I/O
1986 Glastron Carlson CV23 260 I/O

Offline Plugcheck

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Re: Poly Bunks
« Reply #6 on: June 28, 2018, 03:12:09 PM »
Not certain what your looking to accomplish Brandon.  I've added poly to pontoon bunks, but they are twice as long as v hull bunks.  Keeping the wood and carpet is keeping the rot components.  Go one way or the other, but not combined.  Poly is slick, it will make your trailer operate more like a roller. 
Michael
1979 CVZ-18 388 CI Vortec Mouse
1980 CVX-16SS 140 Mercruiser
1979 CVX-16 Johnson 175
2002 Bennington 2275CC 90 Mercury
1985 Intimidator project
1989 Lowe 200 Redneck fishin Toon
2001 Godfrey Sweetwater pontoon 115 Rude