Keel and Bunk Weight Distribution.

[lmannyr]

I came across this thread which prompted me to creating this new thread.

My 24ft 5k lb (empty) boat sits on bunks and nothing else. On the crossmembers, there is a plastic pad, that the keel never touches.

Should I be adding self-centering rollers with brackets to take more of the weight? How much of the weight should the rollers take?

I have no problems loading and unloading with the present setup.
thanks!!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Keel and Bunk Weight Distribution.

my chris craft sits on bunks only, no rollers, no problem loading. guide on are a must though.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Keel and Bunk Weight Distribution.

My 20' Chap. sits on bunks only too but... there are 4 bunks and 2 outer ones span from transom to 3/4 up the hull..
My 16' MFG sits keel directly on the rollers and 2 short bunks (about 3') are in contact with hull transom to about 3' forward they just stabilize the boat from rocking, the keel supports alot of the weight.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Keel and Bunk Weight Distribution.

Those plastic pads are to protect the keel when loading, good to have but not always needed on every shape hull.
Like TD said above, a set of guide on's would be most valuable when centering the boat. That as well as finding the right depth in which you need to back the trailer. (I've watched guys go in so deep that they end up either on top of or next to the bow stop).

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Keel and Bunk Weight Distribution.

[/URL][/IMG]mine also sets on the bunks with one roller on the very back frame member to keep from running the bow into said cross member

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Keel and Bunk Weight Distribution.

Thanks for the prompt responses. In the last 6 months or so of owning this boat, I had to redunk once because it wasn't centered. Don't have or like the guid ons.

If I put the guide ons, I don't i'll fit through my fence any more. As it is, I have about an inch clearance on each side when backing into my back yard.

Thanks!!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Keel and Bunk Weight Distribution.

i know about space at the gate, i have a total of 4 inches of clearance with the pontoon with guides, and i have a front hitch on the van.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Keel and Bunk Weight Distribution.

Tashasdaddy,

...and wanna upgrade to 10' beam in a year or so.

Love boating life so far and this was a good starter boat.

 

[marquette]

Re: Keel and Bunk Weight Distribution.

between the 2 threads it seems as if we have 2 differant practices about keel rollers touching or not touching. but 2 differant classes of boats. should there be weight on the keel rollers on lighter boats ( 2000lbs or less) and not on heavier boats (2000lbs or more)?