Bow Roller Below Bow Eye & Replace Bow Roller/Stop?

[dtappeiner]

Hi:
I get nervous trailering my boat as I am pretty new at it. I just replaced my old rusted EZ loader roller trailer for a galvanized bunk trailer. I know squat about trailers. The galvanized trailer is in great shape with new tires, bearing, and no rust so that puts me more at ease. But there are some fit issues ( I think)

Right now the one of the bunks sits on the strake on the underside of the boat so I know I will need to move that. Also, the bow roller currently sits below the bow eyes and I know from other posts the bow eye is supposed to be below the bow roller. Is this a must? Until I can get the winch post or bow roller modified, is there a way to tow this boat safely by just attaching the safety chain to the bow eye?

Lastly, the boat is an older Crestliner that I have been restoring. I noticed the u-bolts int he transom for tie downs and for towing were pretty rusted out so I replaced them with a new aluminum backing plate and they are now super solid. It looks to me like the bow eye is also an original and while not as rusted I am sure it has had a lot of strain in that area. It has two bolts going through the bow with a piece of wood behind and then nuts and washers. Would it be advisable to replace this also? I am always leery of replacing things that are not broken as sometimes it creates more problems.

THANKS!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Bow Roller Below Bow Eye & Replace Bow Roller/Stop?

bow stop should be above the eye, hopefully you can adjust the winch post to accommodate.
This in itself, would not stop me from towing the trailer.
A safety chain, and perhaps a bow hold down strap would add some additional security.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Bow Roller Below Bow Eye & Replace Bow Roller/Stop?

Ideally, the bow eye should be below the roller, but its not absolutely necessary. Some trailers just cannot be adjusted that way.

So, put a bow tie down on. That will solve the problem. In fact, you should use one no matter where the roller is.

 

[dtappeiner]

Re: Bow Roller Below Bow Eye & Replace Bow Roller/Stop?

Great, thank you both. I always use a separate tie down on the bow to trailer.

If it was you, would you replace the bow eye and try to make it more structurally sound? It seems ok but I always think that area is under a lot of strain so might be good to shore it up a bit.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Bow Roller Below Bow Eye & Replace Bow Roller/Stop?

Great, thank you both. I always use a separate tie down on the bow to trailer.

If it was you, would you replace the bow eye and try to make it more structurally sound? It seems ok but I always think that area is under a lot of strain so might be good to shore it up a bit.

I have seen some older boats with cast chrome plated bow eyes. If that is the case I would personally replace it with SS. Buy one with backer plates for both sides.