Should Bunk Boards Tilt While Loading the Boat on the Trailer

Question:

I just bought this boat and we took it out for the first time last week. The boat trailers boards floated up when we launched it. I bought the nuts and washers needed to reattach the boards. I replaced the missing hardware before reloading the boat. When I got home I noticed that the center boards were not touching the center pontoon. They are attached to the trailer with 2 each 3/8-16 bolts. washers and nuts through a 90° L bracket and the bracket is attached to the trailer with one 5/8inch Bolt washer and nut. Using one bolt allows the bracket to pivot to match the angle to best match the pontoon tubes. All the hardware was loose of which I tightened the 3/8-16 hardware that holds the bracket to the board. The 5/8inch bolt that attaches the bracket to the frame which allows the board and brackets to pivot to match the boat tubes. Should these bolts remain loose to allow them to pivot or tighten them while holding them in the place I want them to be? The boards are in two sections and the center aft pair only contact the shorter center tube by about 6 inches with the aft end of the tube sitting on the forward front of the boards. Should these two center boards be tightened in a level position to allow them to touch the center tube when loading the boat on the trailer? And the real question that I need answered is should the boards be allowed to pivot or tighten everything up once in position?

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

The swivel brackets like part # CE10200G that you are referencing will allow you to adjust the angle of the bunk boards so that they can effectively contour to the shape of the pontoons on your boat. Once they are in the correct position you will then want to tighten them so that they do not move when the boat is loaded. You may also need to adjust the height of the brackets that attach the bunk boards so that they are making contact with the pontoons.

If you are having problems with the nuts loosening then I would add lock washers as the vibrations on the road when towing the boat is likely causing them to back out.

expert reply by: Conner L