Best brand of keel rollers

[sprintst]

I'm looking to see what you guys think are the best brand of keel rollers.

Just spend ton of time and money and don't want the rollers to bind, deform, mark the hull, etc.

Looking to see what you guys have used. I have these rubber ones that have deformed over time.

I think there are some out there that have inserts so they will not bind against the shaft keeping them rolling.

I've posted some from Iboats and am kind of partial to the blue ones that are polyurethane. I also see some that are poly vinyl.

http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Trailer-Keel-Rollers/dm/*******.904878248--**********.221331121--view_id.238442

Also wondering if these guide rollers should be mounted flush to the hull.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Best brand of keel rollers

You have heard it before...... you get what you pay for. The poly rollers are great. You will notice the difference right away. The boat will actually roll better on them. They do not give like the rubber and if you can match your rubber ones in size you will never look back

 

[JimS123]

Re: Best brand of keel rollers

Stoltz poly are the ONLY rollers to buy.

 

[sprintst]

Re: Best brand of keel rollers

The Stoltz stuff looks like it has a metal insert that would keep it from deforming to the point of binding.

Let me know if that is the case if you can...

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Best brand of keel rollers

Ditto on the Stoltz...A little expensive but will last forever.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Best brand of keel rollers

The Stoltz stuff looks like it has a metal insert that would keep it from deforming to the point of binding.

Let me know if that is the case if you can...

The old fashioned spool rollers and bow stops are solid polyurethane. The Deep V Keel rollers RP7 and up have a metal sleeve that surounds the shaft.

I don't back in till the car's exhaust is under water and I don't ruin the ramp by power loading. I don't get my feet wet and I barely wet the trailer's wheels. These rollers let the boat roll off with only a finger push, and the boat winches up with little effort.

Rubber rollers are too soft, cause friction on the hull and wear at the stress points.. The Stoltz are hard as a rock and last almost forever.

 

[sprintst]

Re: Best brand of keel rollers

Looks like the RP-8 are the way to go for me as I can just swap out my garbage for the good stuff. I see people cranking on their winches to get the boat up 'cause the rollers are more like marshmallows.

I like the made in USA quality as well. Goes back to the old days when everything was built to last. Our dollar being back at par is a bonus as well.

Just wondering about those guide rollers on the stern that are on each side of the keel roller. Should that be in contact with the hull or is it there if I almost miss the whole trailer.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Best brand of keel rollers

Just wondering about those guide rollers on the stern that are on each side of the keel roller. Should that be in contact with the hull or is it there if I almost miss the whole trailer.

Don't know what you are referring to. Can you provide a pic?

 

[sprintst]

Re: Best brand of keel rollers

It's the roller on the right in the first pic that does not have the indentation.

 

[DJ]

Re: Best brand of keel rollers

I always liked/used Stoltz. They are expensive but they do not mar the hull and they seem to stand up well to UV (important in AZ).

 

[JimS123]

Re: Best brand of keel rollers

It's the roller on the right in the first pic that does not have the indentation.

That's an odd setup. I never personally saw that before.

IMHO, if the keel is supported at the transom, then those rollers are not needed. Actually, they serve no purpose because if you miss the keel roller and ride up on them you will never get the boat centered.

I would just leave them alone and replace the others.

 

[sprintst]

Re: Best brand of keel rollers

True. I'll concentrate on the keel rollers and bow stop with the Stoltz stuff.