Adding Poly Trailer Rubbing Strips to trailer bunks

[greebo]

I launch my Element XL on some very shallow boat ramps on occasion. This means that when my car's rear wheels are on the waterline I am sometimes unable to push the boat off into the water as it is still supported on the trailer bunks and it has not enough floatation to come off the trailer (I am often boating solo).
Sometimes I have to reverse quickly and brake sharply before my car's rear wheels hit in the water in order to have the boat move off the trailer into the water. All my previous boats had tilt trailers with rollers, while the Eagle brand trailer I have has bunks only. The bunks are covered with blue carper type material which seems to have a pretty high friction coefficient. I am wondering whether the blue poly material rubbings strips attached over the carpet (or instead of the carpet) on the trailer bunks would assist.
https://www.whitworths.com.au/traile...ing-strip-1-5m
I'm also curious as to whether this material is likely to damage the gelcoat under the boat.
Can anyone advise whether this is a worthwhile improvement or is there a better way?
As always, I know there is a guru on this forum to assist.
Thanks in advance.
Peter

[Jeffw]

It's OK to back in farther, and get your car tires wet. Just don't submerge the rear differential. You should be able to back in far enough to float the boat off the trailer.

[oakplank]

Just watch out not to lower your exhaust pipe(s) below the water. The gasses from the engine must be able to escape.

[builderdude]

Assuming lake water? Occasionally dunking the rear wheels in lake water won't hurt anything but it sounds like the trailer tongue could be a bit longer.
Cant speak for the poly glides in your link, mine are different and install over the carpeted bunk.
Also, not sure how thick those glides are but keep in mind that adding any additional height to the bunks means backing in a bit further to float the boat off.

[boatworkfl]

If you add poly strips be sure you have enough tie downs to keep the boat from coming off the trailer unexpectedly.

[Alaskanmutt]

If you add poly strips be sure you have enough tie downs to keep the boat from coming off the trailer unexpectedly.

No crap. When I swapped trailers the new one had the glide strip things on the bunks. I didn't get the boat all the way on the trailer and have to move it forward a few inches. I hooked up the trailer and started to head to the ramp (the bunks were dry as it had been a few weeks, the front strap was really tight) I was doing 10 mph, touched the brakes to slow for a speed bump and the boat slid forward to where it belonged. I just backed it right back into the yard.

[wgander]

I added those strips to my previous trailer and the one I have now. My boat does not slide off the trailer. I always have to board it and use engine power to get off the trailer.

[TX H210 SS]

I always worried those narrow strips really put a lot of force on narrow area of hull. You can try silicone spray on carpeted bunks to make them slicker, but it will be something that you will have to do over and over again.

It may just be nature of dealing with a shallow angle ramp....too sharp of angle then it's hell getting boat to settle on trailer bunks correctly.

[green650]

Is it possible to lower the bunks on your trailer, or lower your trailer (lowering blocks, leaf springs, etc)?
Or try one of these?
https://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts...tch/80232.html
It theoretically moves your trailer at least a foot further back. I’ve seen custom made ones much longer, obviously not for using on the highway, just at shady launch ramps.