Trailer Bunk Slides for Easier Loading and Unloading

Choose bunk slide widths so they don’t extend beyond the edge of the existing bunks. Choose thicker slides for larger boats. Courtesy Boat Outfitters

This is the sixth of a seven-part story on Boating Magazine editors’ favorite boat trailer accessories. We chose these Trailer Bunk Slides as a simple way to cover rough carpet on bunks and reduce friction for easier loading and unloading of the boat.

Friction between your boat hull and carpeted trailer bunks can make launching and loading unnecessarily difficult, especially on a shallow ramp. Carpeted bunks are abrasive, too, and soft polymer bunks get sticky from UV damage and rub off on the gelcoat. Trailer Bunk Slides from Boat Outfitters bolt onto the bunks, creating a durable, slick surface that dramatically reduces the effort required to launch and load. With them in place, your boat glides on and off the trailer with minimal resistance. This reduces the strain on your winch, back and hull during loading and minimizes the depth needed for successful launching.

Installation generally takes 1 to 2 hours and requires basic hand tools including a drill driver, screwdriver, and a saw for custom fitting. The slides attach directly to your existing bunks, over the carpet or bare wood using provided hardware. They can be customized to fit any trailer.

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The reduced friction eases launching and loading and minimizes damage to the hull finish by eliminating abrasion from carpet or bare wood. Fastener holes are predrilled and counter sunk to keep screw heads away from the hull. A word to the wise, though, keep your boat’s bow eye securely connected to the trailer until the boat is submerged to launch level. From $24 per 2-foot planks; boatoutfitters.com, basspro.com.

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