I have an open trailer that I can place two 5 foot bunks on. I'd like to put them in a location that provides the most amount of support and balance. Since a lot of people cartop and use a roof rack I thought that horizontal supports would be the standard. But I have room to have both bunks go lengthwise if that provides even better support. Which way is best? Where is the best place on the boat for support to be? Thanks!
Across the boat, with a lot of padding. Ideally, you want the bunks to be as close to/on top of the aft end of the cockpit and the mast step. That's where most of the structure is.
Have a look at some old Lasers with the deck bowed downward where you sit and you can see why you don't want the bunks as in your first photo. Supporting across the boat with contact at the gunwales is best.