Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

[HOLYSMOKES]

I purchased a 1973 Reniell Classic Hardtop. The previous owner had a fishfinder that he decided to remove. Thats fine. The only problem is that the screws used to guide the wire down the back of the transom were removed...and yes...THROUGH the transom. I floated the boat and it was taking on water. ( I didnt know there was a leak prior to launching the boat)

SO, I decided to pull the boat and find out where the water was comming in at. Sure enough, three lil holes had water comming out of the transom. NOW, I have loaded many boats on trailers. They have all been bunk style trailers. This is my first roller type. I cant get the thing to line up on the rollers correctly. I am not a believer in "power loading" a boat so I just use the winch in the front and dock line in the back. I know there was a GOOD amount of water in the back corner of the boat driver side. ( Im sure to insert port / starbord here as my experience increases). BUT the boat sits cockeyed in the trailer...and low on the water logged side. (Right rear corner)

Do you have any advice for me as far as getting it loaded and seated on the rollers correctly? ANY help would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

Walk the boat to the trailer if the water conditions and depth permit it, otherwise attach a bow line at the dock and guide the boat to the trailer. Most people new to roller trailers tend to back them way too far into the water. Try just so the rear lower edge of fenders touch the water. Now guide the bow into the rollers. Don't worry about straightness at this point. Now attach the winch strap and apply some tension. The boat will straighten out as you begin to pull it up. Let the stern swing straight and then winch it up.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

I back mine in till the first row of rollers is just barely submerged and the rear rocker bars tilted slightly. (Wheel bearings rarely get wet). I have walking planks on two of my trailers, so on those, hook up is a bit easier.
I normally just dock my boat, back the trailer in place, guide the boat to the trailer via the lead rope, I then pull the boat tight to the first rollers with the rope, and I often secure the rope to the bow stop while it hook up the winch cable. As the boat comes onto the trailer I toss the lead rope into the boat. The whole process takes only a minute or two at best.

I did have one really old trailer years ago which used an open ended winch spool. All I had to do was lead the boat to the trailer, wrap the lead rope a few times around the winch spool and crank the boat on using the same rope.
It made loading really easy, but I've not seen another winch set up like that in years, (That trailer was probably from the early 60's or older).

 

[Tomb77]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

My wife and I have a 21 foot proline cuddy that we got a few months ago and also have problems loading. My motor does not want to idle so i do not drive it on and would not even if it did. What we did the last time was i pulled the boat on with the fron rope and my wife pulled the back rope to the side because the boat want to ride up one side and then hits the fender when being pulled. This worked ok but is hard for the wife. I have been looking at the tailer it is not orginal and might make some adjustment. But for now will keep pullling the boat on while guiding the rear. The ramp we like to use get rough at times and is very crowed but is the shotes distance to the deep water that is still a 30 mile run.

 

[P 0 P E Y E]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

Check the u-bolts and hardware that connects the bunks or rollers to the trailer.

They should be the same on either side of the "keel" If one or more is off, It could cause difficulty getting the boat on straight.

Are you you using the same ramp each time? Is the surface of the ramp on a slant side to side?

If the boat has a list, you should look into correcting the cause.

 

[coastalcruiser]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

What I like to do is use the dock, I park the trailer close to it, that way getting in and out of the boat/truck are easy. another tip are guide ons, I made mine myself and if im off center they gently guide me in. nice thing about the dock is you can bring the boat to the trailer that way you dont need the guide ons at all. I launch alone all the time and never get wet.

 

[P 0 P E Y E]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

You can also invest some time at the ramp watching other folks succeed with style and grace, adjust and Taylor to your own situation.

Try you tubing how to section.

 

[WTR4FUN]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

You can also invest some time at the ramp watching other folks succeed with style and grace, adjust and Taylor to your own situation.

Try you tubing how to section.

That's good advise. I always try to learn from someone with more experience than myself.

 

[HOLYSMOKES]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

Thx guys. I will try these this weekend,

 

[ken_23434]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

I had similar problems last summer when I first started to take my boat out.

The problem was that I was backing the trailer too deep when recovering the boat. Someone posted on here "launch deep, recover shallow". I back my trailer till the rear rollers are just a couple inches below water. This way, as you drive or pull the boat onto the trailer, they will automatically start aligning the boat.

Until the last time out, I had used a line and pulled the boat onto the trailer until I could reach it and attach the winch. The last time, I gave a shot at just driving the boat onto the trailer. I was pretty un-sure of that method, but it really seemed a lot easier than my previous recoveries. The ramp where I launch is fairly steep, so I was not worried (too much) about the prop dragging. I just put it in gear with the drive trimmed up a little and it went on with ease.

On days with any wind or current, I have really had issues getting the boat straight and pulling it onto the trailer. The rear end would tend to drift in it's own direction. A second person on the dock with a second line would solve that problem, but I am usually out solo. If it was calm out, I have been able to just pull the rope and get it on the trailer with ease.

 

[djvan]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

Maybe try a self centering center roller or guide ons really made a difference for me,

DougV>

 

[HOLYSMOKES]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

thats not a bad idea. thx for the replies

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

thats not a bad idea. thx for the replies

Here's an easy way to help you remember port and starboard

Port & Left both have four letters
Starboard & Right have more

Your bow light is two colors, red & green. Red has less letters and is on the Port ( left ) side. Green has more letters and is on the right.

PORT,Red=left --------- Starboard,Green=right​

Hope that helps
Jeff

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

I also have had some problems with my boat not sitting right on the trailer. I will have to remember the launch deep recover shallow method. maybe if it ever stops raining here in the northeast i might be able to try that.

The way i remember port and starbord is "the boat left port"

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Need Loading Advice Roller Trailer

I have a roller trailer and practiced with depths in my first few launches / recoveries. I have the depth thing figured out so I now winch the last 12 to 18 inches to the bow stop. Comes on dead center each time for me. Other option is to use some side guides and make sure you bring the boat between them each time. The side guides can be made removable if you so choose.