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I find over the course of the winter my Expedition Wherry sticks to the carpet on the trailer bunks of the Trailex trailer and this makes it difficult to launch. I read somewhere that some people have used wax or silcone right on the carpet to make the boat slide off more easily. I am reluctant to do this because I fear it will cause adhesion troubles when it comes time to refresh the varnish.
I'm hoping someone has a suggestion as to something to replace the carpet, please and thanks. Right now I am thinking of using neoprene tablet cases zipped over the bunk but it will look a tad ignorant. It is a little thing but really interferes with my fun.
Judy
6 replies:
RE: trailer bunks
I wasn't impressed with the quality of carpeting on the bunks that came with my SUT-220-S I bought to haul my Waterlust expedition canoe to launch sites either.
Or the bunks themselves for that matter, given the shape of my hull compared to how the supplied bunks would have (not) supported it.
So I used the supplied aluminum bunk hardware bits to support a custom bunk I contrived from treated 2x dimensional stock (carefully designed to support the hull under two of its frames as well as along the flat bottom between those frames) that I then covered in bunk carpet sourced from E-Trailer.com.
Stapled on with monel or stainless steel staples that I made certain were set deeply into the carpet, I've had no 'sticking' issues in the two shortish seasons since first launch in August of 2021. Over winter the trailer sits outside, uncovered next to my garage; the carpet shows no signs of degradation... so far.
RE: trailer bunks
I owned a very heavy trailer sailor that had five full length bunks. I found that occasionally putting a bit of dish soap on the bunk carpet significantly reduced the friction and made the boat much easier to retrieve.
RE: trailer bunks
I looked up the bunk carpet. I am assuming that it is not the same as the original carpet on the trailex trailers. It seems a bit pricy but far less expensive than a chiropractor. I'll give it a try.
Dish soap sounds reasonable for a quick fix once the boat is not stored on the trailer.
Thanks for the ideas.
RE: trailer bunks
I can relate to your struggle with the Expedition Wherry sticking to the trailer bunks! Instead of wax or silicone, have you considered using a marine-grade vinyl or Teflon sheets? These materials can provide a slick surface without the adhesion issues. Also, while waiting for a solution, you might enjoy the Slope Game to take your mind off the launch troubles—it's a fun way to unwind!
RE: trailer bunks
I totally understand your concern about the Expedition Wherry sticking to the carpet! While using wax or silicone could help with launching, it might indeed complicate future maintenance. Have you considered using a different type of non-stick mat? Also, if you're looking for a fun distraction while you work on your boat, check out the Monkey Mart game; it's a great way to unwind after a tough day!
RE: trailer bunks
» Submitted by JackJ - Wed, 5/31/23 » 2:09 PM
Just tagging along here to say I'm also wondering what alternatives to indoor/outdoor carpet folks have had success with. I just put together my Trailex and I'm not happy with the bunks--one is pretty warped, and the carpet was poorly attached--a bunch of loose staples.
I'm planning to make new bunks out of treated 2x6 stock I have and figure I might want something better than cheap carpet that will hold grit. Did a quick search and there are lots of products out there, some quite expensive (e.g., Gatorbak).
Any tips?