Longitudinal Bunks: evaluation, please

[Relackson]

Hi All

I am an Aussie researching buying a new trailer. I have been reading all of your valuable information on this topic. Thanks.

A number of you have purchased new trailers; and nearly all of you who have, have longitudinal bunks.

Many of you will have had your new trailers for some time now.

Can you please tell me if you have noticed any wear / weakness / whatever in the boat hull due to the change in the support structure that was provided with the horizontal bunks on the original trailer? Any advantages / disadvantages with longitudinal bunks?

From my readings on this excellent forum, most of you seem to have purchased either a LoadRite or a Venture trailer. I am interested in these, and also a locally made one.

My concerns with the two named ones being from the USA is that I am buying sight-unseen, difficulty of follow up service if there is an issue, and the hassle of getting spare parts.

Any information, suggestions, recommendations, comments welcome - and much appreciated.

Thanks

Stan

[Tomfoolery]

From my readings on this excellent forum, most of you seem to have purchased either a LoadRite or a Venture trailer. I am interested in these, and also a locally made one.

I would also be concerned about the different standards used in lighting and couplers. European trailers, I believe, have amber turn signals, therefore the wiring and light units are different, as it takes more conductors and a different tow beast connection. I don't know what the Australian requirements are, but they could be different. I do know that Australia requires a different style of coupler, with manual parking brake, from what's allowed and common in the States. Of course, Load Rite and others may build them differently depending on the country they're intended for.

I have no experience with bunks other than what's on my original trailer (transverse, but it's also an , not an ). My Aquarius had longitudinal bunks, but that thing had a hull like an inverted tank turret.

[mastreb]

I would definitely buy a locally-made trailer. You'll be dealing with SAE vs. Metric wrenches and a lack of parts availability in AUS.

As for bunks, the bottom hulls of Macs are exceptionally strong and they don't require any specific location for the bunks. As long as the bunks are sufficient for the weight and adjusted such that the boat weight is distributed correctly amongst them, you won't have any issues with hull deformation.

[kadet]

You can get an original factory aluminium trailer modified to OZ specs from Blue Reef on the Gold Coast plus spares.

http://www.bluereefyachts.com.au/26mspares.htm

[Relackson]

Thanks for your info, kadet.

But my Mac trailer is OK - it's just not legal. My boat, pretty much emptied, is over the 1900 kgs.

I'm looking to upgrade to around 3000 kgs, and tandem.

If any Aussies have done this - apart from Oscar - I'd like to know where you got your's from.

Does it have to be aluminium?

Thanks

Stan

[Tom Root]

Stan, I am glad you have found a local company, as your standards are different. I have the Venture Tandem and love it, and put Longitudinal bunks on it! I suggest Aluminum if using around salt water for obvious reasons = Less maintenance!

Good luck!

[Phil M]

My Loadrite trailer has longitudinal bunks which required serious adjusting to perfectly fit the 26m. The older V shaped Mac trailer was easier to perfectly load the boat in the centre than the new trailer. Longitudinal bunks support the boat better, IMHO.
An inner seal on one of the four wheels gave out in the first year of use, and Loadrite is giving me the run around, so while I do like the trailer, their service is not the best.
Also, take note, an aluminum trailer is not completely aluminum. Use a magnet to see for yourself.

[kadet]

OK Stan,

IMHO you have a few options if you don't want to pay some stupid price for a huge local stink boat trailer like Mackay.

1. Modify your current trailer to 2 axle and get it recertified for the extra weight. (auto engineer may cost more than a new trailer)

2. Get an import through a reputable firm that does the OZ Cert for you. e.g. http://www.duralum.com.au/html/trailers.html

3. Get a small local manufacture to mod one of their designs for you. e.g. http://www.transtyletrailers.com.au

Trailers over 2000kg have a bunch of really strict state and federal regs that have to be followed. Mackay have quoted over 20k for 26M trailers but they are grossly over designed for heavy stink boats and are rated for 3500kg plus.

[Boblee]

Thanks for that link cadet but presume the trailers are still rated the same?

I did add an extra bunk between the two originals due to the roads we travel but would be wary of longitudinal bunks without checking as Stan is trying to find out as for maintenance I prefer the steel trailers, might gal dip the frame but not likely as it is a great design and after 7 years there is no sign of rust but we live inland with limited dips into salt.

[Oskar 26M]

My new trailer has longitudinal bunks. Launching and retrieval is definitely easier than it was with the original trailer. The bunks self centre the load during retrieval and they seem to support the boat very well - no signs of wear on the hull and no evidence of stress fractures. I do make sure the boat is strapped to the trailer fore and aft to reduce the risk of trailer bounce.