New bunks for my shorestation? (pics)

Jack,
I was going to post proper links for you but find that none of your 3 links work for me!

jackkloepfer wrote: http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k288/jackkloepfer/2012-04-30193740.jpg http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k288/jackkloepfer/2012-04-30193903.jpg these better? I'm not sure why the other ones didn't copy correct! Thanks for helping out.

proper link # 1

proper link #2

Jack,
I used aluminum "I" beams to mimic the typical wishbone style trailer bunks.

quinner wrote: If you only have 1 set of the "swivels" they should be at the stern and the bow keel would rest on the ibeam blocking.

Chris,
I took another look at the pictures. It sure looks like the lift is installed in the lake backwards!

Jack,
The aluminum I beams are 6 x .230" purchased from Central Steel and Wire. Any steel supplier/distribution center should have them.

They are fastened to the cross members with stainless rods threaded at both ends. One end through the I beam web and the bottom side through a plate with holes. This was done since square type U bolts aren't available that long.

Is the lift installed backwards?

jackkloepfer wrote: You know, I'm not sure if it's backwards or not. Honestly, I wasn't aware there was a "backwards"! how would I tell?

Jack,
Chris (quinner) told you the V bunks (swivels) go to the aft end of the boat and your wheel would be easier to use if you could stand on the dock!

I have to ask you, is this lift new to you or have you been trying to use it as pictured?

couple more for you guys...what kind of wood and carpet do you use when making your own bunks or replacing the "feet" of the current ones?

I'm thinking about picking up another pair of the seperate "V" bunks for the stern side I beam, and then joining the V bunks with a long carpeted board as a conversion.

also, how high does the boat need to sit above the main I beams to ensure that the center fins wont hit?

thanks, guys!

Pete,
That lift sure looks familiar...

If I do try to "convert" a set of four V style bunks into two longitudinal bunks, how far apart should I space them for a 96 super sport? is it something that's ok to just eyball?

I think I am going to go with this design...I've had issues with the V style bunks flipping the wrong way and jabbing the hull on other boats.

the previous homeowner had them that way. I have NOT used the lift yet. at my parents old place, they had the same V bunks...set up in the front as well, and sure enough, they would often flip the wrong way and jab the hull.

apprently these guys http://www.boathoistdirect.com/?view=shipping     have a conversion kit. I'm thinking I'd still be good with my orignal plan of having a pair of them joined with boards, though.

jackkloepfer wrote: the previous homeowner had them that way. I have NOT used the lift yet. at my parents old place, they had the same V bunks...set up in the front as well, and sure enough, they would often flip the wrong way and jab the hull.

Jab your boat or your parents? Maybe they had the same people install their lift backwards too??? Why are the V bunks on the FRONT of the lift?

I just bought this kit for my shore station lift with I-beams:

Link

8122pbrainard wrote: P71_CrownVic wrote: I just bought this kit for my shore station lift with I-beams: Link Matt, I don't see any I beams. Did you by chance link the wrong site or page?

It's one of the options. You select kit number 1 through 4. Mine is 4 as I have a ShoreStation 36108a with I Beams.

Here are some pictures of my recent install:

The white Bayliner will primarily be on the hoist...but I'm thinking of having my trailer sandblasted and repainted so that's why I bought the kit.

I had a shore station with the elevated bunks like Matt posted above (raise your rear legs a couple notches Matt) and they work quite well.

The setup you have will work if you simply swap your swivel bunks to the back of the hoist and not the front like they are now (hint: which wheels and motors at front of lifts, typically, but is all in the bunk location). And as mentioned, maybe strap a block or two to the front beam to raise the bow slightly when the boat is in the lift.

Some pro's and con's now:

Raised bunks are good as they elevate the boat a bit more, have some adjustments and such and if you're in deeper water, reduces the need to raise the legs on the lift. And if you have a canopy, you're able to lift the boat into the canopy, reducing the need to cover the boat. And lastly, you have MUCH more clearance between the prop shaft/prop and the rear beam, mitigating the chance of damaging either.

Fixed swivel bunks on the rear will work and I have done that before when I had my small Skier on a Hewitt lift. The biggest disadvantage is the chance of pulling the boat too far into the lift, and risk hitting the prop on the rear beam and/or risk raising the lift up against the shaft. At the time, I simply put a piece of wide black tape on top of the gunnel showing me the point NOT to go past the rear canopy post when pulling into the lift. Worked fine.

Ultra

Good thinking Matt. And yes, I was wondering about those chains. Looks like you lower the front a notch and raise the back a notch and you're perfect...