Slings
One of the simplest bunking solutions is the sling. Boat lift slings are designed to form fit around the hull of the boat as the lift raises the cables to pick the boat out of the water.
Catamarans
Because of their multi-hull shape, catamarans require different bunking solutions. Usually, flat bunks are used to support the catamaran hulls.
Sailboats
Sailboats also require different types of bunks. The elongated keels of sailboats create problems for standard bunks. A typical solution is to add a V-shaped drop down to the cradle beams. A keel beam pad is engineered to support the weight of the sailboat on the keel and stanchion pads are used to keep the sailboat from tipping over.
The photo above shows a relatively new method of bunking sailboats. Support blocks are designed with a curve to perfectly match the sailboats hull. This design works very well when the keel cannot support the weight of the boat.
Keel Beam and Stanchion Pads
The keel beam and stanchion pad design also work well with larger boats.
Working with Boat Manufacturers
There are so many different designs of boats that it can become quite challenging to design bunk systems to safely lift some boats. Our engineers need to design around various steps, chines, thru-hull fittings, transducer housings, and drives to make sure that the bunks coincide with structural bulkheads and other safe lift points. In these difficult situations, our engineers are able to work with the boat manufacturer to obtain schematics and recommendations so that a safe and secure bunk system is designed for the boat. Example 1
In this design, we were able to design a flat bunk that flexed to conform to the shape of the hull. The flat bunk brackets were designed with screw-jacks to allow the flex and fit to be fined tuned in the field. Furthermore, the stanchion pad and flat bunk brackets were designed to allow both height and angle adjustments because factory drawings do not always perfectly match the boat in the real world. This adjustability allows the marine contractor to get a perfect match to the boats’ hull.
Example 2
It was critical to this customer to have the boat perfectly centered on the bunks every time the boat was lifted. Our engineers designed guide rollers to make sure that this would happen. The guide roller brackets had screw jacks to set the best height. The guide rollers were also spring-loaded to cushion the force as the boat settled onto the bunks.
Example 3
For this boat, our engineers designed V-shaped cradle beams with keel support pads and adjustable hull stanchion pads. To give it a really elegant look, the cradles were framed for a platform and decked with Thru-Flow. This was a great way to provide walk-around access to the boat.
Example 4
This homeowner wanted the ability to bunk two different boats on the same lift. Our engineers designed custom bunks for his handmade wooden boat. This delicate boat was supported by the keel and by stanchion pads. The stanchion pads could be moved out of the way to use standard aluminum bunks with his modern powerboat.
Example 5
There was a lot going on with the hull of this speed boat. Our engineers designed many smaller aluminum bunks to pick up the hull steps at their height while simultaneously missing the chines, fittings, and drives. In the end, the bunk system fits like a glove.
Example 6
How about a cradle system that can simultaneously bunk two boats of very different sizes? Then carry the weight of a deck system to create a platform lift. And the bunks for the smaller Zodiac boat have to be removable. So that the homeowner can lift off the Zodiac by the bunks using a forklift. We never know what our customers will want, but our engineers can handle it.
Conclusion
In addition to building the finest, most reliable boat lifts, our full-service engineering department is unique to the industry. No matter the tidal variation, water depth at the slip and especially no matter the type or size of your watercraft, the IMM Quality Boat Lift engineers excel at designing lift solutions for your home.Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) on Custom Bunks for Boat Lift
Custom bunks are specialized support structures designed to perfectly match the specific shape and size of a boat. They are essential for boat owners with unique vessel designs or those who require specific support features that standard bunks cannot provide. Custom bunks ensure that your boat is lifted and stored safely without stress to any particular part of the hull.
Different boats have specific needs based on their hull design. For instance, catamarans often require flat bunks that support each hull individually due to their multi-hull shape. Sailboats, with their elongated keels, might need V-shaped bunks or specialized keel pads to accommodate their structure and ensure stability.
Yes, custom bunks are designed to accommodate various boat features such as steps, chines, thru-hull fittings, and transducer housings. Engineers work closely with boat manufacturers to obtain precise schematics and ensure that the bunks align with structural bulkheads and other safe lifting points, making them highly adaptable to a boat’s specific needs.
Some custom bunk designs include features like screw-jacks for fine-tuning the fit in the field, adjustable stanchion pads for height and angle adjustments, and guide rollers to ensure the boat is perfectly centered every time it is lifted. These options provide flexibility and precision in handling various boat shapes and sizes effectively.
Engineers can design versatile bunk systems that can support different boats on the same lift. For example, a system might include removable bunks for a delicate wooden boat while also being able to accommodate a modern powerboat with standard aluminum bunks. This flexibility is ideal for boat owners who have multiple vessels or frequently change their boating preferences.
