Major Keel Roller Issues

[Rattletrap]

The mounting holes for my Keel Roller split brackets have 15 inch on center 7/16" mounting holes on my Galvanized boat trailer. My original Keel Rollers measure exactly 12 inches. The 12 in Keel Rollers on the market now measure in at 11 1/2 inches. The split brackets on the market now are not as wide as the originals. When they are installed I have a measurement of 13 inches in between the brackets. Well, that is way too wide for my 12 inch Keel Roller. And they do not make a 13 inch Keel Roller. They do make a solid Keel Roller Bracket, but it's mounting holes are 10 inches on center. There is nothing out there that I can find that is larger. It is for my old 16 foot fiberglass Monark boat that I inherited from my stepfather when he passed away. Two pictures are loaded up of one of the original Keel Roller and bracket. So, what is the fix here.

 

[sphelps]

Maybe get the new solid bracket and drill new holes ...

 

[jbcurt00]

Rattletrap, please dont start multiple topics in multiple forums about the same subject. Other topic deleted.

 

[Rattletrap]

I was not sure where to post it. Do you have an answer JB?

 

[GA_Boater]

Maybe get the new solid bracket and drill new holes ...

sphelps has the answer. Toss the old brackets and get new brackets, shaft and roller.

BTW - 11.5" rollers will work OK, worst case is add a couple of spacer washers to the shaft. The rollers should be a little loose so they don't hang up on the brackets.

 

[Rattletrap]

I have thought about drilling it. But, drill through a thick galvanized trailer? It is a heavy duty trailer. You will have to be pretty accurate I would think also. And then you have exposed metal that will rust. I just can't believe I can't find the brackets for it though? But I will look into doing that. Maybe buy the one where the Keel Roller is already mounted on a mounting bracket. Thanks for the suggestions so far.

 

[Rattletrap]

I am looking at getting them welded on. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[JimS123]

Use the existing brackets. Put fender washers next to the rollers and brackets. Align the roller in the center. Fill the gaps with pieces of PVC pipe. That has worked for me several times.

 

[sphelps]

Use the existing brackets. Put fender washers next to the rollers and brackets. Align the roller in the center. Fill the gaps with pieces of PVC pipe. That has worked for me several times.

That's a good option also ... If you weld the galvanized that gunna do the same damage as drilling a hole to the galvanize ...

 

[Rattletrap]

Do you all recommend drilling or welding the brackets on? It would be easier to swap out damaged brackets in the future if it were bolted on.

 

[sphelps]

How about U bolts around the frame ..
No drilling or welding ..

 

[Rattletrap]

I never could find 5" wide U-Bolts that would fit my wide trailer frame. Most are 4 to 4 1/2 inches wide max.

 

[hemi rt]

I never could find 5" wide U-Bolts that would fit my wide trailer frame. Most are 4 to 4 1/2 inches wide max.

Go to a shop that does suspension work and they should be able to make you some as wide and as long as you need and they should not be that expensive.

 

[Powerstroke in a Prius]

I would use the new brackets in the existing holes on the trailer, and I would run down to my local hardware store to find something to use as a spacer bushing to fill the void. It's not like the added 1.5" gap will drop the boat on the road, it's just a matter of appearance. Whatever you find at the hardware store that fits, make sure it looks nice - be it pretty, masculine, or steam punk.