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  1. #1
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    "Bunk Wrap" vs. Gatorbak

    Testify Guys!!
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  2. Member ifishinxs's Avatar
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    Jul 2015
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    #2
    I’m gettng close on the recarpet myself. I’m not sold on Gatorbacks yet. Maybe someone can change my mind.
    2024 Phoenix 818, Mercury 175 (3B414035) Trick Steps, 3 Garmin 106 SV,s, LVS 34. BoatEFX dual bow mount. Ionic 12V 125AH, 2 12V 100 ah LiTime’s for the TM. Minn Kota 345 PCL charger,

  3. Member Melton Jason's Avatar
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    May 2009
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    Knoxville TN
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    #3
    I've had the Gator Bunks for a few years now with no issues..
    Stroker DC21 Mercury 250 XB

  4. Member
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    Jun 2005
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    Hendersonville TN
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    #4
    I have Gatorbak’s for 3 years now, no issues.

  5. Member
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    Oct 2007
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    ponca city
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    2,039
    #5
    I had gatorbaks installed on mine before I took delivery of my new boat back in July. I don’t see why anyone dislikes em. I can’t tell any difference between them and carpet as far as launching and loading goes. I doubt I’ll ever go back with carpet again.

  6. Electrical/Wiring/Trolling Motors Moderator CatFan's Avatar
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    SW Indiana
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    #6
    Quote Originally Posted by ch View Post
    I had gatorbaks installed on mine before I took delivery of my new boat back in July. I don’t see why anyone dislikes em. I can’t tell any difference between them and carpet as far as launching and loading goes. I doubt I’ll ever go back with carpet again.
    Not being able to power load would be a good reason to dislike them.
    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity,
    nothing else matters.​

  7. mikesxpress
    Guest
    #7
    1st one on here to have Gatorbak bunks (Feb 2013).
    I power loaded my rigs since the 80's and just don't do it anymore. Back in a bit further and it's not a problem. That easy.... Being retired I fish 3-4 days a week when it's not deer season so I have allot of launch/load time on these bunks. If you do a search under my login and Gatorbak you will find most everything about the bunks.
    Let me know if you have any questions.

  8. Banned
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    Dec 2011
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    chgo hts Il
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    #8
    You can use 4x4" vinyl fence post and save a bunch of money.

  9. mikesxpress
    Guest
    #9
    Hard vinyl will scratch your hull. This has been tried before by a few folks.

  10. Member
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    Jan 2014
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    Cincinnati Metro
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    #10
    I like my gatorbaks. Every trailer is different and you may need to tune your trailer. Mine was difficult to load and I was needing to do excessive power loading on my carpet. Then my carpet started to fail with fewer then 30 loads on it. Studying the problem, I determined bunks improperly installed and I needed a lift kit. I made these changes before the gatobaks; else I might be badmouthing new bunks that were not root cause.

    With gatorbaks installed, I could see further issues with fit of my trailer. To further improve, I changed my bow roller to one that turns properly and I put some Dupont Teflon coating on my gatorbaks. Now I put my trailer in deeper. I idle up. When I stop, I cut the motor. Using the left hand, I lift my nose over the roller and crank it up with right hand. seems the 60 seconds to do this is minor in a 6 hour fishing trip.
    2024 Phoenix 818
    2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947

  11. Member
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    Apr 2010
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    Indiana
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    #11
    I have Gatorbaks and the only complaint I have is you have to back in a little deeper to not power load which means you have to get in the water at a lot of ramps because your vehicle is right at the water.

  12. Member
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    Cincinnati Metro
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    #12
    Quote Originally Posted by red186 View Post
    I have Gatorbaks and the only complaint I have is you have to back in a little deeper to not power load which means you have to get in the water at a lot of ramps because your vehicle is right at the water.
    yes!

    I had to do this on some ramps anyway because I have a SUV but now I do it more.
    2024 Phoenix 818
    2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947

  13. Member wmitch2's Avatar
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    Fresno, Ca
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    #13
    Why can't you power load ? Arn't they supposed to be "slicker" than the carpet ?
    Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
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  14. Electrical/Wiring/Trolling Motors Moderator CatFan's Avatar
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    SW Indiana
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    #14
    Quote Originally Posted by wmitch2 View Post
    Why can't you power load ? Arn't they supposed to be "slicker" than the carpet ?
    The Gatorbaks specifically tell you not to power load, and the bunk wraps tell you “If you are worried about scratching the gelcoat, don’t use them.”
    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity,
    nothing else matters.​

  15. mikesxpress
    Guest
    #15
    Quote Originally Posted by wmitch2 View Post
    Why can't you power load ? Arn't they supposed to be "slicker" than the carpet ?
    Do a search on here. This has been explained in great detail.

  16. Member fishnfireman's Avatar
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    Apr 2005
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    Amarillo
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    #16
    Not being able to power load can be a deal killer. Some ramps it's inevitable..

  17. Member wmitch2's Avatar
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    Fresno, Ca
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    #17
    Quote Originally Posted by CatFan View Post
    The Gatorbaks specifically tell you not to power load, and the bunk wraps tell you “If you are worried about scratching the gelcoat, don’t use them.”

    What about Calipers ?
    Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
    G Loomis Rods / Shimano Reels
    Raymarine / MinnKota Ultrex
    Garmin / Live Scope Plus
    Pepper Jigs / Robo Worms
    Troll Bridge / V-T2 Vents


  18. Member
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    Aug 2016
    Location
    Sardis Lake, S.E. Oklahoma
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    #18
    SO....basically the bottom line seems to be whether you want scratches or bubbles in your hull's gelcoat!!!
    When the boat's on the trailer you don't see either and the fish don't seem to care.
    Those who have it seem to like it and personally I'd take scratches over the bubbling hand's down as my boat sets on a wet bunk almost every day of the year!
    20XDC Bullet/Modified Merc 260
    295TF Charger/Merc 225X-Sold
    20' Contender Pickle Fork/Merc EFI Bridgeport-Sold
    18' Stratus with Sommerford Tunnel Vee Hull/2.4 EFI Merc High Perf-Sold
    Freedom 240DLX Toon/Merc 115
    10' Cougar Cub/Merc 25 on the Bottle
    18" Homebuilt Tunnel/.021 OS Max Outboard on 50% Nitro with a Pipe

  19. Member
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    Jan 2014
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    Cincinnati Metro
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    #19
    Quote Originally Posted by QuickBullet View Post
    SO....basically the bottom line seems to be whether you want scratches or bubbles in your hull's gelcoat!!!
    When the boat's on the trailer you don't see either and the fish don't seem to care.
    Those who have it seem to like it and personally I'd take scratches over the bubbling hand's down as my boat sets on a wet bunk almost every day of the year!
    I think you have it right. If the gatorbacks are putting any scratches on my boat, they are very minor in depth and hidden by my bunks mostly. When you own the gatorbak you realize literally that after a 5 mile tow home the hull is completely dry.
    2024 Phoenix 818
    2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947

  20. Banned
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    Feb 2017
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    Greensboro, NC
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    550
    #20
    Main concern I would have is Gator back bunk covering effect on the gel-coat of the bottom of a fiber glass boat.

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