Polyethylene Boat Bunks: A Comprehensive Guide

Boat bunks can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, galvanized steel, and different types of poly. Poly bunk covers are designed to fit over existing carpeted bunks, providing a slippery surface that makes it easier to load and unload boats, especially in shallow water. Polyethylene is a popular choice for boat bunks as it is lightweight, strong, and resistant to damage from sliding wear and saltwater. It is also a good option for protecting hulls, as it does not corrode aluminum hulls like carpeted bunks can.

HDPE Trailer Bunk Glides

HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, is a lightweight, strong plastic with low friction and good resistance to damage from sliding wear and saltwater. It is a popular material for boat trailer bunks, as it provides a smooth, durable surface that makes it easier to load and unload boats.

When installing HDPE trailer bunk glides, it is important to follow the correct procedure. This includes examining the bunks for any signs of wear and tear and replacing them if necessary, as well as drilling pilot holes and using the appropriate screws to secure the glides to the trailer.

Bunk Board Replacement

Boat trailer bunks are an essential component of your boat trailer, helping to protect your boat from damage during towing and storage. It is important to inspect them regularly and replace them when necessary.

Types of Bunk Boards

There are a few different types of bunk boards available:

• Wooden Boards: These are typically made from pressure-treated lumber and are often covered with marine-grade carpet to protect your boat's hull. They come in various lengths, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 feet.
• Plastic Boards: These are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, which is lightweight, strong, and resistant to saltwater damage. They are designed to last longer than wooden boards and provide an ultra-smooth surface that makes launching and loading your boat easier.
• Roller Bunks: Roller bunks are galvanized steel assemblies that feature sets of non-marking poly rollers. They are available in 4-foot and 5-foot lengths and have a weight capacity of 1,500 lbs. per pair.

Installation and Maintenance

When installing new bunk boards, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines. Some boards can be mounted flat or upright, and you may need additional hardware such as brackets, screws, or bolts.

To maintain your bunk boards, regular inspections are crucial. Check for any wear and tear, and replace the boards or carpeting as needed. For wooden boards, consider adding HDPE plastic bunk glides to protect your hull and prevent corrosion, especially if you have an aluminum hull.

Where to Buy

You can find replacement bunk boards and accessories at various marine supply stores, such as Wholesale Marine, Eastern Marine, and Ultimate Bunk Boards. These retailers offer a range of options, including carpeted wooden boards, HDPE plastic boards, and roller bunks, as well as necessary hardware and accessories.

Self-Centering Poly Bunk Glide-On's

Self-Centering Poly Bunk Glide-Ons

Self-Centering Poly Bunk Glide-Ons are an innovative product designed to revolutionize the process of launching and loading boats onto trailers. These glide-ons are crafted with enhanced poly vinyl material, offering exceptional durability and performance. They are engineered for effortless boat handling, thanks to their self-centering design that provides a smooth surface to guide boats smoothly and efficiently.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Superior Material and Durability: Crafted with Tie Down's enhanced poly vinyl material, these glide-ons offer exceptional durability and performance, ensuring a long-lasting solution for boat owners.
• Effortless Boat Launching and Loading: The self-centering design makes guiding your boat onto the trailer a breeze, providing a smooth surface that makes the entire process easier and more efficient.
• Secure and Snug Fit: Designed to fit perfectly on 2x4 or 2x6 boards, these glide-ons ensure a secure and snug fit for your boat, providing stability and peace of mind.
• Ample Coverage: Each Bunk Glide-On measures 4 ft. in length, providing ample coverage to support your boat's hull during both launching and loading. This means you'll have a reliable and consistent surface to work with.
• Convenient Packaging: Sold in packs of 4 pieces, these glide-ons offer a complete solution for outfitting your boat trailer with reliable bunk support, making them a convenient and attractive choice.
• Easy Installation: With interlocking modular sections, these glide-ons are easy to install and can be combined for longer-length bunk boards. They are ideal for painted, fiberglass, or aluminum boats, ensuring a versatile solution for boat owners.

Product Specifications:

• Color Options: Self-Centering Poly Bunk Glide-Ons are available in black or white, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your boat and trailer setup.
• Compatibility: These glide-ons are designed to fit Two 2" x 4" x 8' Bunk Boards or Two 2" x 6" x 8' Bunk Boards, ensuring a secure fit for your trailer setup.
• Mounting Hardware: The product includes stainless steel screws for easy and secure mounting onto your trailer's bunk boards.

With their superior material, convenient design, and effortless functionality, Self-Centering Poly Bunk Glide-Ons are an excellent choice for boat owners looking to enhance their boat launching and loading experience. Say goodbye to the hassles of traditional methods and upgrade to a smoother, more efficient system with these glide-ons.

Bunk Carpet

Boat trailer bunk carpet is an essential purchase to protect your boat from damage and general wear and tear. The right carpet will also make loading and launching easier.

Material

Boat trailer bunk carpet is typically made from recycled plastic and designed to withstand years of use and exposure to the elements. It is also resistant to saltwater, mould, mildew and fading. The carpet is abrasion-resistant and has a specialty fibre-locking backing that is designed to be stapled, not glued.

Installation

Boat trailer bunk carpet is easy to install. Simply use a screwdriver to remove the original staples, then wrap the new carpet around your boards and staple on the underside using a staple gun and stainless steel staples.

Size

Boat trailer bunk carpet comes in a variety of widths, including 8", 11", 12", 18" and 24". It is sold by the foot, so you can order the exact amount you need without any waste.

Colour

Boat trailer bunk carpet is available in a range of colours, including black, blue, charcoal/grey, purple and red.

Plastic Bunk Covers

There are a variety of materials used for plastic bunk covers, but one of the most popular options is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a lightweight, strong plastic that offers excellent sliding performance and good resistance to damage from wear and saltwater. It is also a good choice for protecting your hull, as it does not corrode aluminum like carpeted bunks can.

When choosing plastic bunk covers, it is important to consider the size and type of your bunk boards. Covers are typically sold by the foot and are available in standard sizes such as 2x4 and 2x6. You will also need to purchase end caps separately, which are used to secure the covers in place.

In terms of colour, plastic bunk covers are commonly available in black or grey. Black bunk covers are often preferred as they can help hide dirt and scuffs, keeping your trailer looking neat and tidy.

Some plastic bunk covers also come with additional features, such as UV inhibitors to help resist fading over time. This can be especially useful if you store your boat in an area with high sun exposure.

Overall, plastic bunk covers are a great investment for boat owners, offering a long-lasting and low-maintenance solution for protecting your trailer and making the loading and unloading process easier.

Frequently asked questions