bunks vs rollers 18' GM

[fishdog4449]

the trailer for my 18' glassmaster needs some work. two of the roller brackets rusted through and broke, so there is basically two rollers and a keel roller holding up the boat. with a boat this size would it be ok to redo the trailer and put bunks on in stead of rollers? i have done this before with smaller boats, but the glassmaster probably weights at least 1000lbs. bunk trailers are more of a "float on" job than a "use the winch and pull it on" type of thing, but bunks are so much cheaper to install.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: bunks vs rollers 18' GM

I'll be interested in the replies on this one because I have a Glassmaster too. It is 17.5 feet and now rests on a trailer with five keel rollers and two short bunks to level/support the boat. I need a new trailer and have bee thinking of going to just bunks because it seems like the boat would be supported better, without having the points of contact all on the keel.

 

[tommays]

Re: bunks vs rollers 18' GM

I would say it depends on how your ramps are

I have seen places were you need a tilt trailer with rollers to launch because it is so shallow


Up on Long Island we are blessed with deep ramps and while a lot of people do use rollers there is really no reason other than they do not seem to like to submerge the trailer brakes

 

[kadesdad07]

Re: bunks vs rollers 18' GM

My 18' sits on two bunks. This is the only pick I have that kinda shows it. If you want I can take some additional pics for you.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: bunks vs rollers 18' GM

I like bunks for all size of boat. They provide much greater support and are far lower maintenance. Astro Turf over the boards, wet down with a bucket of water provides enough slip to load the hull. One time I needed a little more board lubrication and a quick wiping with a bar of soap did the trick.

The Astro Turf also prevents marking the hull from the boards and lasts much longer than carpet.

 

[fishdog4449]

Re: bunks vs rollers 18' GM

ok great thanks!
i think im gonna put two large bunks to support the stern and midsection, and two smaller bunks about 3" from the middle of the keel towards the front
keel rollers on the two rear i beams of course
JAY - ill let ya know how it works
Is yours a v hull? mine is in my avatar.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: bunks vs rollers 18' GM

i have had, both roller and bunk, will not go back to rollers. i use 6 to 8 foot bunks, with supports at each cross member of the trailer. i also allow atleast 6 inches behind the transom. for adjusting tongue weight. if you get in a really bad loading situation spary WD 40 on your bunks, it will slide right on up. this particular trailer was a roller trailer in a previous life.

my 23 footer is on bunks.