How many bunks on the lift

[Bamaman]

I'm using 2x8's on my new lift as bunks mounted flat. I'm using plain old pine since I cannot be assured that pressure treated lumber won't have some copper content. It was only $50 to do two 18' double bunks. They should last a few years in fresh water if kept high and dry when the boat's out of the water. If not, I'll just replace them when they rot.

I would have preferred to use V style commercial bunk brackets, but the front end of my boat is in 2 1/2 feet water. During the late Fall and early Spring, they drop our lake as much as 3 feet, and the V style brackets might keep me from being able to pull out. Luckily my stern is in 6 1/2 feet of water dropping off quickly to 50'.

The only problem I can see with a metal frame under the boat is that if you pickup a bunch of people while you're on the lake, someone might have to get off on the dock and lower the winch down somewhat to allow for additional weight.

[bassn386]

Pammy, I'm out of town so I can't take photos of mine, but I have what is called a Drive-On lift with three bunks. This lift is kind of like driving onto a trailer in that the lift doesn't drop straight down. When down, the bunks are angled just like they would be on a trailer backed into the water from a ramp. My Bennington has a 32" eliptical center toon, so they had to widen the center bunk to accommodate the wider log.
I drive into the slip slowly until I'm on the bunks. Then I make sure I'm squared up and drive to my mark on the starboard side and then I have a remote control to raise (and lower) the lift and make sure I'm squared away. It's usually a one person operation.
I would strongly suggest three bunks to support the weight.
Good luck!

[GregF]

I'm using 2x8's on my new lift as bunks mounted flat. I'm using plain old pine since I cannot be assured that pressure treated lumber won't have some copper content. It was only $50 to do two 18' double bunks. They should last a few years in fresh water if kept high and dry when the boat's out of the water. If not, I'll just replace them when they rot.

I would have preferred to use V style commercial bunk brackets, but the front end of my boat is in 2 1/2 feet water. During the late Fall and early Spring, they drop our lake as much as 3 feet, and the V style brackets might keep me from being able to pull out. Luckily my stern is in 6 1/2 feet of water dropping off quickly to 50'.

The only problem I can see with a metal frame under the boat is that if you pickup a bunch of people while you're on the lake, someone might have to get off on the dock and lower the winch down somewhat to allow for additional weight.

You really should get everyone off the boat before you lift or lower it. This is a boat lift, not a ride.

[Ron Burgundy]

Not if you have a 10,000 lb lift.

The extra weight isn't an issue on the boat lift's I have seen. One just down the block is a 32' cat with twin 250's. I don't think a few hundred extra lbs. makes a difference.

[GregF]

It is simply the safety rating of the lift. It is not "man (er ... person) rated".
If something did go wrong you want to be at a safe distance away.
Cables do break. A ragged cable end whipping by at the speed of an M-16 bullet could make a mark.

[Ron Burgundy]

Better safe than sorry I guess.