Can Bunk Boards Longer Than 69-1/2" be Installed on a Boat Trailer

Published 10/25/2024

Products Featured in This Question

CE Smith Bolster and Swivel Bracket Assemblies - Galvanized Steel - 9" - Qty 4

(640)

$57.31

CE Smith Deluxe Marine-Grade Carpeting for Bunk Boards - Black - 18' Long x 18" Wide

(836)

$60.66

CE Smith Carpeted Bunk Boards for Boat Trailers - 4' Long - 1 Pair

(784)

$73.08

Question:

Hi, I see you answered a question in regards to bunk board length. I need new bunk boards/carpeting and Im wondering if I can extend the reach of the forward most bolster/swivel bracket and to what extent past the swivel mount on the top of the bolster bracket. There are currently 2 bunks, with 2 bolsters/swivel bracket on each one. They are approximately 69.5inch in total length and at the forward most mounting location the bunks extend approximately 5.5inch past the swivel on the bolster bracket. The boat is a Lowe/Sea Nymph 165 SC deep V aluminum boat. I believe its listed as 16foot 5inch in total length. I can obtain a measurement of how far apart the two cross members are that the bunk mounting brackets are fastened to if needed. There arent many experts on this topic in our immediate area so I am researching this topic to obtain the needed information. Pictures can be provided as well if needed.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

Hey Dave, thanks for reaching out again!

To be honest, boat trailers are a DIYers best friend because each one is different and people will swap things out to fit different needs, just like you're doing now. Basically, as long as it fits on your trailer and all of the weight ratings are being observed you'll be good to go.

Bolster brackets like the CE Smith # CE10000G-4 are industry standard, and while there are likely some unique brackets with different mounting pieces out there in the world, we just have the simple/standard ones here at etrailer.

For the bunk boards, we don't really have anything up to 8' long like what it sounds like you're looking for so you can either use 2 sets of shorter carpeted bunks, like the 4' Long # CE27810, or you can get the 18' Long x 18" Wide Carpet # CE11349 and install it on your own set of boards.

expert reply by: Jon G

Dave

10/25/2024

Jon, If I was to cut boards to fit or purchased them they would be close to 6' length. A 6' board would extend from 2.5-3.5" past the forward swivel bracket. I feel I could use a longer board but I needed to know how much of the length a board can extend past the brackets. For example: Can you say if it can extend up to... 6, 8, 12" past the swivel brackets? In the forward most bracket locations the existing boards extend 5.5" past the swivel part of the bracket and in the rear they extend around 8-8.5" past the swivel on the bracket. I expect the weight is supported fine with current distance past the swivel but if could help with launching or retrieving if the bunk extended forward more but I don't know what if any the maximum extended distance past the swivel bracket is generally recommended.

Jon G.

10/25/2024

@Dave I'm not aware of a max extension, but what I can say is that I wouldn't extend the boards past what they already are unless you're able to move the brackets closer to the ends of the bunks.