carpeting or slicks for bunk boards?

T

Tom Hruby

Member
What is the best covering for bunk boards on a trailer? Is it carpeting or HDPE slicks? My new trailer that came with my new C-Dory has carpeting, but I would like to know what other folks prefer.

The little research I did on the web suggests carpeting is better for fiberglass bottoms because there is less chance of scratching from dirt that gets entrained when launching or retrieving. But, that is generic and I would like to have the advice of experienced C-Brats! I can always put slicks on top of the carpeting.

I have also seen a spray product that is supposed to reduce friction on carpeting. Has any one used this with any success?

WATT NOW has made her second voyage last Friday. It was also a success and the power consumption seems to be about as expected. I estimate a range of 45-50 miles at 5mph for the battery pack I have (20kWhr). This is amazing when compared to gasoline. One gallon gas is about 33 - 34 kWhr of energy, so I can travel 50 miles on the equivalent of 10 cups (2.5 qts) of gasoline.
 
Liquid Rollers spray does lubricate the bunk carpet quite nicely! I have carpeting on my bunks, so can't speak to the HDPE slicks.
 
Hi Tom. Good to hear from you. Thank you for those numbers on electric travel economy. Was your calculations based on going with the tide? When we slow boat and go with the tide, I am amazed at the fuel economy of our C-Dory with a gas motor. Just want to compare apples to apples.

Thanks Colby. I must try that liquid rollers spray. Thanks. Gary.
 
Tom, on my 22, I had an ez-loader trailer with wobble rollers and it worked perfectly. My 26 came with bunks with carpet and you almost needed to sink my suburban to launch or recover. After the second launching, I ditched the carpet and installed King Starboard on the wood bunks. Now the boat launches and recovers, like it is on rollers. I was surprised to find that I swept up almost a quart can of sand/dirt, when I removed the carpet. You can see photos of the trailer in my photo album on this site.
 
Had slick covers on the two center bunks of our King, while two outer were carpeted. I’m going back to carpet on all four. The plastic was easier to launch & retrieve but I noted the hull getting scratched/marred as if someone used 1000 grit sandpaper where the hull rubbed. I’m considering doing a barrier coat & bottom paint. So the slick bunks have to go.
 
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