I have seen PVC pipe with sand u bolted to trailer frames to keep them in the water.
Trailer question?
So my Aluminum trailer had some rotted wood, so I went to replace it, wood is 3.25 wide 10inch tall bye 10ft. well I couldn't find that wood obviously, so instead of waiting to go to a local mill next week, I figured I could bolt 2 2x10x10 in place, WRONG got it all together went to try it and guess what the trailer FLOATED AWAY :angry1: now I took 1 board off both sides trailer doesnt float away anymore, and boat lines up perfect, however I'm not sure I can trust one peice what do you guys think? Ive seen it on many trailers but again I'm unsure, do you think there strong enough?
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Floating is a common occurance with aluminum trailers and wood bunks. My trailer builder told me that if I had steel wheels it would not float but if I went aluminum wheels it would float. I went with aluminum wheels and it floats. I don't have any loading issues. If any develope I will deal with it but not by removing the wood bunks.
As stated you can weight the trailer down in many different ways if floating is a problem. Also a roller at the rear can just let the boat roll up and push the trailer down. It doesn't take much to push most floaters down and load the boat.
I definately would not use one thin board in place of a thick bunk. Many possible problems and some could be costly if the boat gets damaged, if you know what I mean. :shocked:
As stated you can weight the trailer down in many different ways if floating is a problem. Also a roller at the rear can just let the boat roll up and push the trailer down. It doesn't take much to push most floaters down and load the boat.
I definately would not use one thin board in place of a thick bunk. Many possible problems and some could be costly if the boat gets damaged, if you know what I mean. :shocked:
f311fr1 said:I have seen PVC pipe with sand u bolted to trailer frames to keep them in the water.
No, do not trust one piece of wood that is less than 2" thick. Go back to the 2 - 2x10s.
This is an old reply of mine on OSO for my old trailer several years ago:
I would recommend Iron 50 lbs. dumbbells U-bolted to the inside of the I-beams over the filled PVC route. I tried the PVC route first and it did not work for me. I made 4 that were 80lbs each and it still floated. The PVC itself is bouyant, and if you trap air in them, that's bouyant too.
I U-bolted 4 50lbs. dumbbells inside of my I-beams and it worked like a champ. I placed two inside the I-beams at the very rear of the trailer. I placed two inside the beams just in front of the front axle. I was able to remove the front two. Make sure you coat the dumbbells with lots of paint as they are iron. I used 6 coats of black Rustoleum. Use SS U-Bolts and hardware, and find or buy a piece of rubber and cut it to strips to place between the dumbbells and the aluminum trailer. This will isolate vibration and keep dissimilar metal corrosion away. I thought I posted some pics of this a few years ago. This was on my POS Rocket Trailer. My current McClain Aluminum I-Beam trailer does NOT float at all.
ok then, thanks for the help guys this was my thought also, I'm gonna see if I cant order something on monday, I'd prefer 1 peice on each side also once I got my measuring stick out everything was outta alighnment, gotta be honest I'm fed up with this trailer and am considering a new/differant one, C~Hawk will build what I want for 4300 and loadmaster ohio for 4500 bucks, there was one listed on OSO Class but it disapearded b4 I could get the number, not sure if it sold or what
How about PVC pipe but fill it with shot from your local gun shop. Lead shot will weigh up much quicker then sand.
Does your trailer have brakes? Mine floated when I bought the boat becasue it had no brakes. Once I added the breaks, it no longer floated. You really want cypress for your bunks or they will rot again.
For 4500 you can do alot of work to the trailer you have. There are some very good suggestions try these first.
Good question and know it does not but it will be getting some, the only thing on there are the disc everything else has been taken off bye the prev ownerMr. Demeanor said:Does your trailer have brakes? Mine floated when I bought the boat becasue it had no brakes. Once I added the breaks, it no longer floated. You really want cypress for your bunks or they will rot again.
Hit a tire shop...LOTS of lead wheel balance weights, all around the rims 
(Sorry)
Hope it goes well, whatever you decide as a fix!!
Any composite or plastic bunk material that would be less bouyant??
(Sorry)
Hope it goes well, whatever you decide as a fix!!
Any composite or plastic bunk material that would be less bouyant??
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