Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by CaptWilly on 05/10/16 - 6:11 AM

I have the use of my father's 20,000 lb boat lift for my 17' Montauk. My dad has sold his boat so the lift is setting unused behind his house. The idea is to keep it there for the season out of the water. It's far easier than trailering or letting the bottom get dirty from setting in the slip.

Anyway, my plan is to modify the bunks by cutting them at an angle to match the deadrise of the hull. The only thing that bothers me is the lack of center keel support. I have read that straps may be a better alternate which I could do by spreading the bunks apart (I have a 15' width to play with) and installing the straps between the bunks and bolting into place.

I'm not sure which idea is better. To place any lumber or such as a center keel support would require me finding something at least 18' long which is the distance between the forward and aft "I" beams.

Suggestion?

Posted by Phil T on 05/10/16 - 6:59 AM

You do not need keel support. Two 6' long bunks will work.

2"x6" work.

Rather than have them on the vertical, place them the flat with a bit of angle.

You want to mimic what a bunk trailer looks like.

Posted by mtnsherpa on 05/10/16 - 9:37 AM

As Phil said, keel support is not necessary. My 1997 Montauk 17 spent at least 13 years on bunks on a lift. That was everyday, all year long in Maryland Chesapeake weather, without issue.

The bunks were tilted off vertical to match the deadrise as best they could. Cutting would work just as well, if not better.