I know the trailer that sits under the Phoenix has a lot of controversy, most of which is related to getting the boat on and off the trailer.
Gatorback bunk boards are supposed to ease that process so I wonder if anyone has used them?
I know the trailer that sits under the Phoenix has a lot of controversy, most of which is related to getting the boat on and off the trailer.
Gatorback bunk boards are supposed to ease that process so I wonder if anyone has used them?
A bunch of us use them. I don't think there have been any real negatives of them. Mine seem to scuff the bottom kind of like carpet but I played with some shims under the bunks to even out the load and I don't think it does anymore. It loads crazy easy now
I have some. If you got steep ramps it's hit or miss. I finally hit mine with silicone and loads up perfect now.
Phoenix 919 pro xp
i dont have a phoenix but i do have gatorbacks. only neg in my mind is no power loading
How do you load without driving the boat on? Im confused.
I have 'em on a Phoenix. I've never had a problem getting the boat on the trailer with or without Gatorbaks. And I do power load and don't know if I've done any gel damage in one season with them. I have more of an issue maneuvering the boat around the dock. Seems to handle like a pig at low speed. Way different in that respect than my old 461.
2017 Phoenix 819
2016 200ProXS, s/n 2B359849, Mod 1200P73BD
I have them on my 721 if you power load you will wear them down the rubber peals off on to the boat just wipe the boat it comes off no damage I’ve used them for a year no scratches yet
mine is crazy easy too. Pull up until I make contact. Cut motor, winch last 18 inches. So easy someone has actually come up to me and ask me how I do it.
Real answer- gatorback, small tweeks to bunk position, and Dupont Teflon dry coating on the gatorbaks. The removable rub marks from gatorbaks almost don't exist any more.
and of course, hull is totally dry in 10 min after loading
2024 Phoenix 818
2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947
Got em, do power load, little bit of peeling, acts like carpet, Love em.
My gatorbacks are on a 2016 Basscat Puma, no issues.
12 to 18 inches is roughly the point where the boat stops unless I were to rev up the RPM's from idle to something more. Further, my trailer is in the water a few inches deeper such that if I were to hit the gas I am not certain I would come in over the roller. I've found it of no material impact to just cut the engine and crank up the boat. Since I started doing this I no longer see the snakeskin like marks on my boat nor any material wear on the gatorback.
Before I learned this approach I had the trailer in a bit shallower, I came in faster, and gave it 2 to 3k of rpm bump to fully load. This will work fine but will wear the bunks more. They are not very expensive so this could be a valid option for those that think 30 seconds of easy winching is a pain.
2024 Phoenix 818
2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947
I've got them and I have to power load. It wears on the gatorbak not the boat!! So they won't last as long power loading.
2024 Phoenix 818
2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947
That would be my guess. But then Ive never asked or cared about the warranty.
I use a half inch piece of wood to wedge in the pedal stop to keep it up on the pin while I run up and hook up the winch. Its just a few rpm over idle I would say, I havent really paid attention, on the steeper ramps without it it will fall back off the pin.
now that you mention it, the boat coming back off the roller is one small reason I just cut it and crank it. Seems to vary greatly by ramp.
2024 Phoenix 818
2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947