Bunk Bolts

[Jeff S]

Does anyone know the size of the bolts that connect the bunks to the frame on the standard 26X trailer? I had a bunk come off on pulling out, I was able to rock the boat up enough to wedge the bunk in temporarily to make it home but next time I launch I want to have the parts ready in hand to reattach the bunk to the frame.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Jeff S]

Well Macgregor doesn't seem to know either. They just get the bolts that come in and put them on, no one there seems to know the size. Oh well, I bought several different sizes of SS bolts and nylon lock nuts that I will try when the boat comes off the trailer- hopefully my SWAG will be correct.

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

Jeff - I think 1/4" x 2 1/2" ss carriage bolts would work.

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

Hi Jeff - I found a bunk in inventory. It has 1/4" x 2" ss flat head machine screws, with lock nuts.

[Jeff S]

Thanks Bill. I think that is one of the several sizes I purchased. I eyeballed them and bought several a size up and down from what I thought. Good info though since I think I will eventually have to replace more of them. I think the trailer is probably the weakest link in the Mac "system". I like the ladder on the tongue however, I just think the trailer should have been galvanized and have 2 axles. This would drive the cost up no doubt, but I would gladly pay extra up front. At some point I will have to do some rework on the trailer (maybe this winter).

Even though Macgregor didn't know the bolt size or get back to me (I called them twice), they were very friendly and tried to help (asked other guys in the shop if they knew). I am sure someone there knows or has a reference to it, whoever purchases the things must have reference to the size, but may not work on the boats or trailers.

Jeff S

[bachmann]

Had this same problem- used 1/4 20 s/s screws and nuts - But improved on arrangement. Home depot sells in the electric dept large nylon wire ties. aprrox 3/8 inch- I used 3 per board to hold board in place if the bolt were to break an added benny is that the boat slides easier on the nylon. The originial bolts appears to be cheap steal.

[mgg4]

You might want to have some bunk material (2x4) and carpet handy too. I had a similar problem until I started backing the trailer farther in. I had to replace a bunk completely, as I had completly shattered the board.

You may find that you have a bunk to replace too.

--Mark

[bachmann]

After seeing a bunk board hanging 1/2 off while towing an empty trailer I discovered the bolts appear to be steel. Replacing the bolts with S/S if possible . I have had good results with adding from Home Depot's electricial dept the large nylon wire ties they sell (3 per bunk board) approx 1/2 wide . They secure the board to the trailer and act as a slide easing the famous MAC bump needed to snug up the boat to the "V" Can send a picture if there are questions