1st Gen GatorBaks Wearing

[krindgen]

MM bunks.jpg

Thought I'd ask, this sort of concerns me. I have this powdery residue on my bunks. It looks to me what pulverized gelcoat would look like. Fearing if I get under the hull I'm gonna find the profile of the Gatorbak worn into the hull.

[DREWTICK]

that version of the Gatorbaks would rub off a little like a pencil eraser and look a little chalky , normally it will just leave a residue on the hull the will rub off without harming the hull

[davidsa]

mine are similar age as yours and I see the same thing. i don't detect any damage but next year I may install some new models on my existing bunks. I went to the trouble to put cypress wood on my bunks and the screws would be an easy off for the old bunks.

[gaston13]

I changed from 1st to 2nd gen. a few years ago and they are still in very good shape. 1st. gen. did same as you described and you could peel the residue off hull with a fingernail. Didn't see any hull damage. I always back in deep enough to wet the bunks, pull up to where tips of triangle diamond plate are starting to come out of water then load.

[DREWTICK]

there were actually a few generations before the XPs, I ran 4 sets on my 919, I think they were all great but had improvements each time but the XPs are the best formula yet and probably will be the final version
they are smoother when wet, firmer and not as grippy as before
I was very happy to install them on my new Elite the first time in the water

[Scott AU]

When were the XP released

[DREWTICK]

When were the XP released

around June 2019 for some and by September 2019 they were all XPs

[kingfisher42]

you guys recommend these? i got some carpet starting to wear on my bunks.

[davidsa]

yes, I would never go back to carpet

[DREWTICK]

you guys recommend these? i got some carpet starting to wear on my bunks.

100% yes and not because I sell them, they are Great

https://drewcraft.com/gatorbak/

[TopgunZ521C]

I had the first gens on my boat now I have the xp version thank you Andy they are far superior to the carpet and blisters.

[krindgen]

you guys recommend these? i got some carpet starting to wear on my bunks.

Absolutely.

[kingfisher42]

thanks drew! looks like they will be here tomorrow.

any tips or tricks you guys found while installing? replace hardware?

im reading about them right they arent slick. they just like carpet?

[davidsa]

a few thoughts

1- you need to get a rounding bit for a drill to create the proper edges on your new bunks
2- most people use treated wood and I think that requires HW that won't interact with the chemicals. I picked up cypress wood in florida so I re-used my hardware but this wood is very rare outside of south GA and FL

3- you will need large c-clamps and a helper to install the new bunks. Don't be surprised if you have to twist the new bunks some because your trailer arms are not uniform
4- finally when you are done, expect to see air in spots between hull and bunk. Over time the weight of the boat will warp the bunk to form. I think with Carpet this happens but we can't see it.

[kingfisher42]

a few thoughts

1- you need to get a rounding bit for a drill to create the proper edges on your new bunks
2- most people use treated wood and I think that requires HW that won't interact with the chemicals. I picked up cypress wood in florida so I re-used my hardware but this wood is very rare outside of south GA and FL

3- you will need large c-clamps and a helper to install the new bunks. Don't be surprised if you have to twist the new bunks some because your trailer arms are not uniform
4- finally when you are done, expect to see air in spots between hull and bunk. Over time the weight of the boat will warp the bunk to form. I think with Carpet this happens but we can't see it.

THANKS. i knew about the rounding bit. I got a carpenter buddy who is gonna help so i dont screw it up lol.

[kingfisher42]

so treated wood then? thanks