Boat trailer setup help

[Camlee98]

Hi everyone! I'm rebuilding a trailer that was setup for a different boat. The boat I have now is a 1958 15' Starcraft Jet. Aluminum. The previous boat was fiberglass. I ordered new keel rollers, bow roller and stop. I also purchased bolster brackets and now I'm looking for bunks. You can see from the pics why I need the new bracket and bunks.
Questions
1. Should I use roller bunks with a aluminum boat?
2. What length bunk should I get and is that length different using normal bunks vs roller bunks?
3. Should this boat be sitting further up on the trailer.
4. With this type of trailer should it be equal weight on the keel rollers and bunks?
5. Should my bunks be even with back of the boat?
I'm sure I'll have more questions lol but for now here are the pics.

 

[JB]

Re: Boat trailer setup help

That trailer is far too short for a 15' boat. Trade it for a trailer suitable.

 

[Camlee98]

Re: Boat trailer setup help

It seems like the front bow post is pretty close to the back. Would I not be able to move that forward enough to fit that boat?

 

[briangcc]

Re: Boat trailer setup help

It might just be my eyes or a bad camera angle but does that trailer have a twist to it? The rear frame member in relation to the center cross beam seem to be out of alignment (going off first photo). If that's indeed the case, I think I'd spend some time tracking down a replacement trailer.

If it's twist free, then yes you can move the post forward more to get the boat more onto the trailer. I have a sneaky suspicion though that the trailer you're using is too short for that boat as you may not be able to move that post far enough to get the boat fully supported on the trailer.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Boat trailer setup help

Also as noted, is that trailer straight?

I would say that the winch post could be moved very far forward and when you add the new bunks they could extend well past the end of the trailer. By well past I would guess 8-10" and also long enough that they attach to the middle crossmember. It also looks as if the second from the front roller is mounted wrong and should be the same as the two behind it. Also looks to be another tilt bed type trailer.

 

[Camlee98]

Re: Boat trailer setup help

Thanks for the replies!
No there is no twist in the frame...I thought the same when I was looking at those photos. I think I had the back corner jacked up to bead the tire back on and fill with air. Here is an updated photo...I moved the front post forward.
I did buy new rollers and brackets so I will position that last one just like the rest.
If I put the bunks at the end of the boat how far up the boat should they be. (Trying to figure out the length of the bunks.)

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Boat trailer setup help

Looks much better now! The bunks too look ok for length maybe just a little longer to the transom.