Trailer bunk bracket help

DomJuanKanobi

New member
Joined
Jun 25, 2026
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Location
SF bay
C Dory Year
1988
C Dory Model
22 Angler
Hey all,
Recently picked up an 1988 22’ angler and first thing I have to attack are the rotten bunks and brackets on my Pacific trailer. Frame is galvanized and in good shape but hardware is another story.
The only replacement brackets (also galvanized), I can find are U-bolt post with a swivel head. Figuring the boat is just under two tons, the concern is the single 1/2” bolt that connects the swivel head. I will have a total of (8) brackets for the two center boards and (6) brackets for the outside runners. Question is, are the (14) 1/2” connecting bolts enough to support the weight. Seems like a week spot
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
 
Is there a rating on the bolt? Linear equal distribution 2tons divided by 14= 315lbs each, static load, which a trailer is not always. Are all boards in contact with the hull? Some are often guidance bunks / rollers that don’t support the boat but protect the hull during loading. The weight won’t be much in shear, either, but primarily compression. Sounds more than reasonable but I have no experience in trailer design or safety factors… or insurance lawsuits.
 
The 1/2" bolts are strong enough--as DaveinRI notes they are in shear. The shear load rating for a single joint SAE grade 2 1/2" bolt is 8,718lbs, for the threaded (13 threads per inch) area it drops to only 6,300lbs.

There are two pocket guides which go with me on a boat or RV (actualy any road trip): Pocket Ref: by Thomas Glover and covers air & gases, Automotive, caprentry and construction, Chemistry, computers to survey and Weights and welding. Almost any specification you may need for physical and navigation etc.

The second pocket guide is "Boater's Pocket Reference by Thomas McEwen. and covers much of what the pocket reference covers, plus boating related such as specific to boating. From Anchors to Celestial Navigation. Both of these publications are over 750 pages. The strength of bolts is one of the subjects covered.
 
Back
Top