Changing trailer types

[SweeperForce]

I have a 1989 v bottom ski fish 18 foot fiberglass boat. It came on a bunk style trailer. After it broke I was forced to consider a newer one. The only thing is it is a roller trailer. Will I have any problems with it.

 

[mrchev]

Re: Changing trailer types

shouldn't have any problems, make sure it fits boat proper and the rear rollers are at the transom.

 

[w2much]

Re: Changing trailer types

IMHO yes. Rollers are a pain in the butt , expensive to repair and often hard to find parts for. I have 2006 and the rollers are starting to break, come off ect. Looking forward to replacing with bunks this winter.

 

[zopperman]

Re: Changing trailer types

I'm not going to disagree with anything previously stated. But you will not have an issue getting the boat onto the trailer. Personally, I like rollers. I currently have bunks and keel rollers and would prefer full rollers.

 

[SweeperForce]

Re: Changing trailer types

I think my biggest concern is dimpling or de-lamination of the hull for sitting in storage. I get her out on the water about twice a monthin the summer, and she sits all winter. After all the boat is 22 years old.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Changing trailer types

I am a fan of rollers. You will have no problem with parts because most manufactures use a generic roller assemblies. I can get the same parts for my venture from 4 other dealers. That being said, if you store your boat alot, just make sure the trailer has very good wide roller setups to spread the load evenly. Do you have issues with the bottom of the boat now? Any soft spots or blisters?

All trailers are not created equal, get a good trailer, wether it bunk or roller and you should have no issues.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Changing trailer types

I like bunks, my Dad always liked rollers.. he loved to tinker and messed with it for ever to make it tow just perfect. It was fully adjustable. Anyway the one thing i can say is make damn sure you dont ever forget to hook up the bow hook and/or or your safety chain because they come off the tailer VERY EASY.

 

[mrchev]

Re: Changing trailer types

out of the four boats ive had 3 where roller and one bunk. i prefer roller, the last one was a 89 24 foot and i striped: and redid the underisde over the winter and it was perfect. the other one is a 82 and it sits a lot but i was just getting it ready for storage and checking it over and the hull is perfect on it, that one has no anti foul on it as it always gets trailered. agree with the bow hook always being hooked up, learned that with the first roller one. almost became the guy shaking his head cause the boat came off onto the ramp.

 

[duped]

Re: Changing trailer types

Love love love roller trailers. EZ Loaders are well made if you can grab one. I've never had anything break.

 

[John_S]

Re: Changing trailer types

Many of today's trailers are custom made to a particular boat/hull. Make sure you have the adjustability to change it to your hull. Key will be getting it set-up right so you don't have any excessive pressure points. Expect to spent some time at the ramp doing the final adjustments.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Changing trailer types

Rollers are preferred for salt water boating b/c you don't have to sink the axles in salt water--which used to be unheard of. Now they sell everyone "float-ons" and then sell them lots of maintenance and repairs when the parts rust out. And you keep your feet dry!

I have a load rite roller trailer for a boat like yours (since 1988) and it is the best. add a power winch--well worth it.

I'd get someone at a boat shop to rig it for you so you have the right placement. And you don't have to have the last rollers sit directly under the transom--the risk is that if you pull up to far (winch posts move with age) you come off the stern roller.

There are some hulls that won't take rollers--Carolina Skiff is one--and whalers want all the weight on the keel. The side rollers are more for tability than weight.

retrieving takes some getting used to but the boats right themselves; you seldom need guide boards and posts, especially if there is a dock next to the ramp. One helper with a stern line and a boat hook is all you need in strong wind or current.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Changing trailer types

I have used all 3 types of trailer, rollers, keel rollers with bunks and a bunk trailer with no rollers. All have advantages and disadvantages any in my experiences with them none is any better than the other. One of the trailers I currantly have is a 1998 Spartan roller that still has all the original rollers on it and all are still in very good condition after being 13 years old. Just sold a keel roller bunk trailer in favor of a roller trailer because it was getting to difficult to winch up at my shallow ramp. Also have a brother with a 16' Bayliner on a Karavan bunk trailer that is the biggest pain in the rear that I've ever tried to load.

Best advise is to find a trailer that correctly fits the boat and also suites your style of use.