Roller trailer boat will not sit straight ???

fishon71

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 21, 2002
Messages
575
Seems my boat almost never will sit straight on the trailer when I pull it. Its a Karavan roller trailer with 18' Sea OX with vee hull. Even when I have it centered perfect it always leans to one side or the other. I moved the rollors out further but this did not help. Any ideas on trailer roller adjustments? Should the rears be further out or in?
 

jtexas

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 13, 2003
Messages
8,646
Re: Roller trailer boat will not sit straight ???

we need pics.
 

Gary H NC

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
8,972
Re: Roller trailer boat will not sit straight ???

Could be you are loading it with the trailer too deep in the water.
Try shallow one time and use the winch the last 5 feet..
Or maybe a strake in the hull is in line with the rollers..
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: Roller trailer boat will not sit straight ???

Could be you are loading it with the trailer too deep in the water.
Try shallow one time and use the winch the last 5 feet..
Or maybe a strake in the hull is in line with the rollers..

I will second this motion. winching the last few feet is what I do. Works great.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Roller trailer boat will not sit straight ???

I have the same problem with my boat. I know its not the trailer because I had another hull on it and it went on straight every time. No fuss no muss no bother.
With this hull, I have tried every concievable combination of roller position and tried every depth of trailer in water. Every weekend I try something new. Nothing helps. It always goes on crooked and always to the same side. This hull has a flat riding pad and the other had the keel running all the way to the transom. I think that's the problem. At least, now I have it down to where it is only about two inches in height different on each side, and thats with the hull centered on the trailer. I can live with that.

Very annoying--makes me look like I don't know what I'm doing. (of course, according to my wife and kids, I don't)
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: Roller trailer boat will not sit straight ???

I have the same problem with my boat. I know its not the trailer because I had another hull on it and it went on straight every time. No fuss no muss no bother.
With this hull, I have tried every concievable combination of roller position and tried every depth of trailer in water. Every weekend I try something new. Nothing helps. It always goes on crooked and always to the same side. This hull has a flat riding pad and the other had the keel running all the way to the transom. I think that's the problem. At least, now I have it down to where it is only about two inches in height different on each side, and thats with the hull centered on the trailer. I can live with that.

Very annoying--makes me look like I don't know what I'm doing. (of course, according to my wife and kids, I don't)

Within 2 inches would be paradise found for some of the folk I see at my local ramp. A few of them are closer to within 2 feet !!! LOL
 

MikDee

Banned
Joined
Jun 6, 2007
Messages
4,745
Re: Roller trailer boat will not sit straight ???

I have the same problem with my boat. I know its not the trailer because I had another hull on it and it went on straight every time. No fuss no muss no bother.
With this hull, I have tried every concievable combination of roller position and tried every depth of trailer in water. Every weekend I try something new. Nothing helps. It always goes on crooked and always to the same side. This hull has a flat riding pad and the other had the keel running all the way to the transom. I think that's the problem. At least, now I have it down to where it is only about two inches in height different on each side, and thats with the hull centered on the trailer. I can live with that.

Very annoying--makes me look like I don't know what I'm doing. (of course, according to my wife and kids, I don't)

Frank, & fishon, I know where you're coming from, I have the same issues with my boat! Recently new to me, when I bought the boat, I said "Oh Good it has a newer galv. roller trailer", But, that and having a hi-lift lap style hull design on my 19' Bayliner ski boat, has been frustrating to say the least, every time I put it on the trailer, the laps get stuck on the rollers, and though they're supposed to wobble, they don't once the lap is misaligned, and the weight gets on them. Each time is a struggle, and always ends up off center, no matter what I try. Embarassing as it is, I am not exactly a rookie at this, but it sure makes me look like it. I recently put a good set of 4' upright guides on the rear of the trailer, and it helps some, at least at the back, the front is another story. Sometimes I wish it had the original Bayliner low slung, float on, bunk trailer. I may even try to change to bunks after this season. Good Luck, Mike
 
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