slides vs carpet

[delmarvaed]

I am rebuilding the bunks on my trailer to haul my 175.  does anyone have experience with slides?  i have seen some talk that they can damage the gelcoat. 
thanks

[RickK]

Welcome aboard Ed !! 
Bunks are fine for boats, its the rollers that seem to be bad.
Bunk type trailers are better used on launch sites that have gentle slopes that allow the boat to float off the trailer.
The use of rollers is usually for steep non - concrete ramps, and large tide swings - maybe like the kind you have in your neck of the woods.

So if the bunks are located under the stringers in the boat, you're golden.

[Capt. Bob]

I'm thinking the concern was geared toward a product like a PVC/Starboard runner (think "Slick Sticks") mounted to the bunk top. 

https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Bunk-Glides-48/dp/B00CXADP34/ref=asc_df_B00CXADP34/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312062016371&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9746791218511103143&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011578&hvtargid=pla-597858805566&psc=1

Of course I may be a bit outside on my thought.

[delmarvaed]

The question is about the plastic slides/ slicks/ glides that many are using.  Ezloader sells them to put over the carpet but it was a distributor that mentioned they may damage gelcoat.

[Capt. Bob]

I would think they could if they became sun damaged as in rough surfaced.

[wingtime]

Depends on the type of slides.  The thick one that screw on top of the bunks have the chance of damage due to fasteners  that get bent or stick up.  I have the extruded PVC type that are a ribed C shape that are installed on top of the bunk and are attached to the sides of the bunk using stainless nails or staples.  The are easy to put on and can even be put on over existing old carpet.  I put mine on with the boat still on the trailer using a high lift jack.  I simply jacked up one side of the hull maybe an inch.  Slid the plastic slide over the bunk and lowered the boat back down.  Then nailed the slides in place.  The definitely let the boat slide easier.  so mush so you don't want to unhook your winch strap/safety chain until you have backed the boat partially down the ramp and the stern is at least over the water...  The boat can and will slide back on you and onto the ramp if you don't!