Twin Step bunks....
 

I have a four post lift and it was set up for my 94 Non stepped Top Gun, now that I have the Gladiator I am wondering if this will have any ill effects on the steps sitting on the lift like this??? What do you think???

another shot...

Check into a Myco boat cradle. Cheap insurance for the long run! I'm sure you could modify yours also.

I wouldn't leave it that way. You have two options, either get a Myco cradle for it but it's expenzive or build up the bunks using 5/4" treated wood. Just rip it to the right width. Cut the first piece to it runs from the back end of the bunk back to 6" before the first step. Then run the second piece from the back of the bunk back to 6" before the second step. The bunk should also be square cut and be right under the lifting strakes. You need to slide your's wider.
I've done the wood additions on several lifts including quad step OLs and have also installed the Myco cradle. If you have $4k to part with the Myco cradle is the ONLY way to do. Opt for the service platform on it too.

I have seen the Myco cradles...they are very nice no doubt about it...however I have an issue with water depth...and a myco cradle just wont work for me there....I can certainly modify the bunks but I would think it would be a little difficult to get the boat in the same position all the time.....any other thoughts??

i did exactly what mr_v suggested to my lift for Speed Racer. works nicely and very inexpensive.

chad

Do not leave it like that bro. It is very stressfull on the steps. Sitting on a lift or trailer not properly fitted will eventually damage your new boat. Just have your lift reconfigured. Shouldn't be a big deal.

Anyone in the Ft. Lauderdale area that has done this before??? Or can recommend anyone???

What about Tim G., doesn't he do this stuff for a living? Shoot him a PM.

Who built the lift?

Measure from the transom forward to the first step, subtract 6". Then measure from the transom to the second step, subtract 6". Just go to home depot and have them rip 5/4" #1 pine down to 3" wide and cut to the lengths above. You need 2 each. It's real easy to do and can be done for under $20.

I felt my ears burning so I logged on...

Wood in particular will really put a lot of weight on the step edge... bad news.
You do need to fix this.

For example:
We just did a Floatlift for the OSO Gladiator. The lift has aluminum/rubber bunks that have some flex. They won't put as much weight on the step edge as straight lumber. We are in the process of building wedges for the boat that put some of the weight from the void back on the bunk/hull to take weight off of the step edge.
Pic is shown to illustrate why we want to fill the gap.

Now-
First- Step boats are a PITA in the lift business. Fit/operation will never be perfect.
The operator MUST remember to have the lift in it's lowest position before backing off the rack, or the step mods will catch on the back side of the bunk and likely gouge or upset the gel on the back of the step.
This is the operator's responsibility.

As far as loading goes... yes this is tough with step boats.
Take a specific reference when the boat is properly positioned. You must stop there before really raising the lift, or again, you can chip a step.
Generally, a guide on will line up with a part of your boat to give you a ref, or take a piece of tape and stick it to the boat where it lines up with a fixed point... get it?? Let me know if you need more clarification.

With regard to your particular lift....
Myco makes a wonderful cradle for the old school cable lifts. Pricy but good. But then again you spent a load on that boat anyway...
If you don't want to go Myco.. I can help you out with aluminum bunks and wedges, just like the OSO boat. Or get you in touch with someone locally to cut and chop your wood....

Don't hesitate to give me a call.
Tim G.
Sunstream Boat Lifts
954-647-5131
Ft.Laud.

Sounds like Mr. V has the easiest solution for your existing wood...

Point loading those steps is a big no no...... Bill at Myco set me straight. I am going to put a MYCO cradle under my boat this spring, until then it stays on the trailer..

Mr V...can you PM me your phone number...would like to ask you a question about this.....thanx...Rich

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Tim G,
Do you know if anyone builds just the cradle with bunks for Stepped Hulls? I'm going to have to scrap my whole existing cradle and start from scratch.
Thanks,
Dean

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

I have a hightide cradle lift for my 388 Hustler.I just added a treated 4x4 the the 4x thats allready on the lift and cut it to match the bottom of the boat . Like mr_velocity said start by mesuring from the transom.
I have some pictures at the house if want?

Rob

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Dean,
Myco makes a very nice cradle for piling type boat lifts...
And, they're over in Bradenton...so you could pick it up yourself...

I have seen some skilled craftsmen make up wooden bunks as previously stated. However I have seen plenty of people that thought they could do it themselves as well... :rolleyes:

The Myco cradle will be the right length for the boat.
Have you seen these long 38+' boats on cradles that have bunks that are only 12-15' long??? that's friggin nuts. Look at the supportt on a good boat trailer. That's the support that should be on a lift.
TIM

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

See the OSO News Section for information on the Myco Cradle with pictures. Frind has one, very nice piece.

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

What about rack stored boats,do they have the same lack of support?

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

if it doesn't take into account the steps, then i would say yes.....

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

this is the way to go if you have already dropped 200k+ on a TS.....

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

To build on what Tim G offered, I'm usually alone when I use my Hydro Hoist to lift the boat out of the water. My controller is in front of the bow. To get the boat in the same spot, I have a length of rope with two hooks on it. I attach one to a cleat by the windscreen and the other end to the hoist upright at the stern. I just pull the boat forward as I'm bringing the bow up and it puts it in the same location every time. My hoist is an older unit I bought used. I completely re-engineered the rear crossmember and bunks to fit my stepped hull (SlingShot) . Lots of work 4-5 years ago, but well worth it. Lou

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Sure do!

Some storage guys will cut the bunks to fit your step boat... But you have to ask, and pay for it... They'll just keep tearing it up....

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Point loading a step bottom boat is a big no-no, unless you like going to the shop for blueprinting on an annual basis!!

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

As a follow up....I did what Mr. V described....very easy to do and took less than two hours to complete.......as well as the cheapest fix also....I will try and get pics of the fix later....

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Guys,
Thanks for all the input. The Myco cradle looks very SWEEET, but I have water depth issues to consider, (~5.5 Feet of water under my lift). PLUS the BOSS,(Wife) would have a BIG COW if I went spent that kind of coin on a cradle, just after buying a new boat! :eek:
I think I can design build my own cradle, with some help from my OSO brothers. :D
Strip and Spitfire,
Any Pics would be great.
Thanks,
Mean Dean

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

What did you use to secure the new wood to the existing bunks?

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

I used counter sunk screws and then covered them with thick carpeting....worked like a champ.......I PM"d you concerning your other issue....good luck....Rich

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Spitfire,
Did you PM the pics or PM203? Would like to see your bunks mods.
Thx,
Dean

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Ttt

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

I will get them today.....

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Spitfire1
Thx,
MD

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Dean...these pics really don't show you much....but you can see that basically I did exactly what Mr. V suggested...the angle is not exactly right as it doesn't fit exactly flush...... I may redo that in the future...but for now it is serving its purpose just fine....Keeping the weight off the steps.....And after reading Mr V's initial post...I have gone out and spread the bunks out a couple of inches...so maybe that will do the trick...

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

do you need a stepped lift for a rigid inflatable? :D

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Spitfire1,
Thanks for the photos, that's kinda what I'm thinking of doing to my lift also. Where's the Cig?
Thanks again,
Dean

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

At Cigarette having some warranty work done...Good luck with it...Rich

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

I don't know the bottom of the cig that well. I always had the bunks cut square to they would be under the lifting strakes. In some boats like Sonics is meant blocking the bunks where they sat on the beam so the bottom of the V would clear, this is a different issue. If the lifting strakes run all the way to the transom put the lumber on square and get them under the strakes. You may need to play with the lumber a little to get the correct support. For example a 42 OL quad step needed 5/4 and 1 1/2" material since it was a big step followed by a small step. At the transom I had built up almost 6" above the bunk. Just make sure you support the boat all the way to the transom.
From the pictures you have the right idea, I just like to support under the strakes. Someone asked how they are attached, being flat you don't need a strong fastener since all the force is down. I used 3/8 Stainless lags that were counter sunk into the top.

Here's a pic of one I put together a few years ago for an OL. Now just lag it to the top of the existing bunk. Notice from the bow the first step is huge, then a tiny step than another large step followed by another small step.

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Thats close to what mine looks like on My 388 Hustler.I added the top board and cut it to match the steps in the hull. also used the stainless lags and the stainless staples on the carpet. Remember the more wood you put on it the more it wants to float with out the boat on it.

I have also added some 2x12 x24ft long boards on the side I beams for walking on and for washing the boat. Made it very convenient :drink:

Here are some picks. Maybe you can see the steps?

Re: Twin Step bunks....
 

Here are the picks with out the boat . You can see the bunks and the side planks,They are treated . I rip a 2x2 and screwd it to the bottom of the plank to give it suport whin I walked on it. I had to add weight :( 2 pvc pipes with concreat in them 75lbs each to get it to sink.When I did the lift I made it where the boat tilted to the rear so if it got or had water in the bildge it would run to the back . Really :eek: it just looks better with the nose up higher than the rear. Like I hate seeing people pulling there boats on a trailer with the nose of the boat down :(

Since these picks the area in the back corners of the slip is dead space because the slip is 14 ft wide , So I cornered up the corner over the water and made a box and put a frige and microvave in it. Full of BEER and popcorn . I'll never run out :drink: :D

On the Myco boat lift cradels they make I heard there about 2500.00. Does any body know $$ ?

Rob