Plastic Boat Bunk Covers: Friend Or Foe To Aluminum Boats?

Plastic boat bunk covers are a great way to protect the bottom of your aluminum boat from damage. The covers create a barrier between the boat and the trailer, preventing corrosion and scratches. They are especially useful if you are launching in saltwater, as this can cause a chemical reaction with the aluminum. In addition, plastic bunk covers make it easier to launch and load your boat, as they are slippery when wet. You can buy plastic bunk covers or make your own using PVC.

Plastic boat bunk covers can prevent corrosion of the aluminium boat hull

One solution to this problem is to use plastic bunk covers, which act as a barrier between the boat hull and the treated lumber. These plastic covers can be made from materials such as polyurethane, PVC, or nylon, and they are designed to be slippery, making it easier to launch and load the boat. They are also durable and long-lasting, so you won't have to replace them every year like you would with regular wood.

Another option is to avoid using treated lumber altogether and opt for untreated wood, such as plain lumber or white oak, and cover it with carpet. However, it is important to ensure that the carpet does not come into direct contact with the aluminium hull, as this can still cause corrosion. Some boaters also recommend using a barrier like Tyvek between the wood and the boat stringers to prevent corrosion.

Additionally, you can use composite wood bunks, which are more expensive but also durable and long-lasting. Another option is to use aluminium channel with UHMW (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) screwed to the top as a bunk material.

Whatever option you choose, it is important to take precautions to prevent corrosion of your aluminium boat hull. Plastic bunk covers can be an effective solution to this common problem.

Treated lumber is not suitable for aluminium boats due to a chemical reaction

Treated lumber is not suitable for use in aluminium boats due to a chemical reaction between the two materials. The chemicals used to treat lumber, often containing copper, will corrode the aluminium hull of a boat. This corrosion will eventually lead to holes forming in the hull, causing leaks.

While the reaction may not be immediate, water will cause the chemicals in the treated wood to leak out, allowing the copper to eat away at the aluminium. This process will be accelerated in saltwater. Before holes appear, there will be signs of pitting and other early corrosion.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to use untreated wood or, even better, to avoid wood entirely and opt for a material like aluminium sheets, which won't rot like wood. If you already have treated wood in your boat, you can create a barrier between the wood and the aluminium to prevent direct contact. However, this may require extra work and money, and the copper may still find a way to leach out and corrode the aluminium.

In summary, to protect your aluminium boat from corrosion and potential leaks, it is best to avoid using treated lumber altogether and opt for alternative materials that won't react with the aluminium.

Alternative materials for boat bunks include cypress, white oak, and composite wood

Boat owners and boating enthusiasts have differing opinions on the best materials for boat bunks. While some prefer plastic or composite wood, others opt for natural wood varieties like cypress and white oak.

Cypress wood is a popular choice for boat bunks due to its durability and longevity. It is often recommended to leave cypress unpainted and untreated, as this allows the wood to breathe and dry out more effectively. Cypress is also known for its ability to withstand heavy loads without compromising on weight, making it ideal for supporting boats.

White oak is another natural wood option that is commonly used for boat bunks. It is a strong and sturdy material that can provide ample support for boats. White oak is also naturally resistant to rot and decay, making it a long-lasting choice for boat bunks.

Composite wood is a more modern alternative to traditional wood materials. It is engineered to be durable and long-lasting, often made from a combination of wood fibres and plastics. Composite wood is designed to withstand the elements and is resistant to rotting, warping, and cracking. This material is a good option for those seeking a low-maintenance solution, as it does not require the same level of treatment and upkeep as natural wood.

When it comes to choosing the right material for boat bunks, there are several factors to consider, including durability, weight, maintenance, and cost. While plastic and composite wood options offer convenience and longevity, natural wood varieties like cypress and white oak provide a more traditional and aesthetically pleasing choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and specific requirements, as each material has its own unique advantages and characteristics.

Plastic boat bunk covers can make loading and unloading an aluminium boat easier

Aluminium boats should not be placed on treated lumber as the chemicals in the treated lumber react with the aluminium hull. This can cause corrosion. One way to prevent this is to use plastic boat bunk covers.

One user on a boating forum said that they "spent many an hour buffing and wire wheeling the bottom of aluminium boats at the shop due to this very thing". They recommend McLain plastic bunk board covers. Another user said that they "can basically dry launch if needed" with PVC pipe over their wood bunks.

A third user said that they "relocated the bunks so they would sit on flat aluminium with no rivets" and then "threw the carpets and wood in the trash and installed full roller bunks".

A fourth user said that they "use the fenders as [their] guide" and that they "never get [their] feet wet" when launching. They also said that "there is no way a boat can fall off a trailer in a parking lot" if the winch and safety cable are only removed when the trailer is in the water.

A fifth user said that they "replaced the carpeted bunks on [their] trailer with plastic slides" and that they are "very hard" with "no way [for] sand or other abrasives [to] embed in it".

Plastic boat bunk covers can protect the hull from scratches

Plastic boat bunk covers can protect the hull of an aluminium boat from scratches. They also prevent the hull from sticking to the carpet, which can make it harder to launch and load the boat.

Aluminium and the chemicals in treated lumber do not react well together. The high concentration of copper in treated lumber can cause corrosion in aluminium hulls. Plastic bunk covers can act as a barrier between the wood and the hull, preventing corrosion.

There are a variety of plastic boat bunk covers available, including composite bunks, poly bunk covers, and PVC bunk glides. Some products, such as the Ultimate Bunk Boards, are made from high-density polyethylene and are designed to last a long time without rotting or breaking down. They also make it easier to launch and load the boat due to their smooth surface.

When choosing plastic bunk covers, it is important to consider the compatibility with painted boats. Some products may not be suitable for use with painted hulls, as they could potentially damage the paint. It is also important to ensure that the covers do not have any sharp corners or edges that could scratch the hull.

In addition to plastic bunk covers, there are other options for protecting the hull of an aluminium boat. For example, using untreated wood or a different type of wood such as white oak or cedar can help prevent corrosion. Another option is to use a barrier such as carpet or a special type of bunk carpet that dries quickly to separate the wood from the aluminium.

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