I just bought a 1995 Calkin's project trailer for a project boat. :shocked: It's a bunk trailer with an unusual set up. The cross members are tied to the siderails with one bolt which allows them to pivot front to back on an elliptical path. At the top of the bunk support brackets, there is another bracket which also allows it to pivot. Unfortunately these upper brackets were rusted out and I'm not sure exactly how the system operates, but here's what I think happens. The cross member's pivot is off center and when loading the boat, the boat keel runs up on the cross member keel rollers, which are slightly higher than the bunks due to the offset. Once more weight is on the keel rollers, the cross member pivots on the offset bringing the bunks in contact with the hull. The previous owner said if worked really well, but he was unable to get the parts he needed to repair it as Calkins is out of business now. The parts needed are easily made, just angle brackets and spacers. I'm just wondering if anybody here has used a trailer like this, and would recommend repairing it as original. Or should I just fix the cross members permanently to the frame and make it a conventional bunk trailer. The trailer is in excellent condition, just those top swivel brackets at the bunks rusted out. Probably due the carpeted bunks retaining water.

I had a Calkins trailer once....if you buy one, you'll need to have a good welder on retainer.:smirk:...

Well I didn't need a welder on the Calkins I had a few years back, so I don't expect to need one now.