Cold temps and bunk trailers

[cdeffner]

Just had a first happen to me the other day. The weather here in Central WI has been pretty cold for the last week or so, with highs to the 20s and lows in the single digits. Been fishing hard, catching some eyes but Saturday morning was when it happened. Met some buddies at the launch, got everything ready but for some reason didn't take the winch strap off as usual. i backed the trailer down to the edge of the water stopped the truck so i could get out and get in the boat so one of my friends could back me and the boat in the water. I unhooked the winch strap and took 3 steps in to the boat when it happened. I heard a crack and could feel the boat start moving, I just held on for the ride. The bunks must have been frozen from the night before and the boat was froze to the bunks. The steep ramp and me getting into the boat must have broke the ice that had the boat froze to the trailer. Boat splashed down into the water and didn't end up on the ramp. I don't think there is any damaged, as we fished the rest of the day with no issues. So when fishing in extended cold periods be careful if the trailer bunks are froze so your boat doesn't end up on the ramp.

[bloodman]

Been there done that. Once. Almost like a roller trailer when that happens. At least you had it in the water. Some dont....

[williep99]

Ouch!! Up until this year I would always keep my winch strap hooked up until the trailer was at waters edge. I may go back to that philosophy. Glad to hear there wasn't any apparent damage though.

[fireboat]

Winch strap and safety chain for me. I've seen too many on the ramp. Murphy's law.

[rebs]

I have seen instances where the boat was froze to the bunks and they had a heck of a time getting it off the trailer.

[REW]

Rebs,
Whenever launching a boat, back the trailer fully into the water so that all of the bunks are completly wetted. If you are talking about a boat that is frozen to the bunks, just leave the boat sitting in the water for a while for a few minutes with the bunks fully submerged and the boat will be free.

Take care
REW