Posted on July 8, 2021
What are Boat Lift Bunks?
What are Bunks on a Boat Lift?
Written by ShoreMaster Marketing
Bunks are probably one of the essential parts of your boat lift. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to lift your boat out of the water—that’s because the bunk is the part of the lift that the watercraft sits on when being loaded and lifted. They’re not sold with the lift, but this is a good thing because there are many options out on the market depending on what kind of boat you have. After all, each type of boat has unique needs.
Vinyl Aluminum Bunks
Your bunks should provide safe, non-damaging protection of your boat’s hull or pontoons, so materials matter. Whether you use a vertical, hydraulic, or PWC lift, ShoreMaster uses highly durable aluminum for our 8’, 11’, and 14’ bunks to ensure that your boat will stay protected season after season. The full support “C” channel bunks are covered with high-quality marine-grade vinyl for additional protection and durability. The vinyl keeps the aluminum from marrying the bottom of your boat: sand and debris don’t adhere to the bunks easily, and it rinses clean.
Adjusting Your Bunks
Your bunks will need to be adjusted to fit your boat. While the bunks are pivoted to adjust to the boat as it’s being loaded, you’ll need to adjust the bunks for the size of your boat. If you have a trailer for your boat, it will give you a good idea of how to set your bunks (your guides and rails can be adjusted similarly).
The process is simple and can be done in a few minutes with a 9/16ths wrench and socket and a friend. You’ll have two bolts that need to be loosened for side-to-side adjustment and one for vertical adjustment. Once the bolts are loose, the bunk will slide where you need it to. Make sure that you’re doing both sides simultaneously, so nothing binds up on you. You’ll know that your vertical adjustment is right, and your bunk is taking the weight of your boat if your boat isn’t resting on the keel.
If you feel better having a professional work on your bunks, you can call a service company or your local dealer. You can find instructions for all ShoreMaster boat lift accessories and parts on our website, and our Customer Support Team can answer your installation questions as well.
ShoreMaster Boat Lift Accessories & Parts
ShoreMaster has been in the waterfront business for decades and has the expertise to match. We know what makes a boat lift work and have engineered superior quality lifts from the bolts to the bunks. We can answer your product questions, provide installation advice, and help you decide on a unique setup that works for your waterfront. Contact a local ShoreMaster dealer to get started.
