Roller Trailer?

[TommyD11730]

Guys

Just wanted some people to weigh in on the use of a roller <full roller not bunk roller> trailer on an aluminum hull boat.

My way of thinking is any time you want to bend a sheet of aluminum you do just that, you roll it. I can't see how a roller trailer wouldn't over time cause dmg/pop rivets... ect.

When I bought my 89 Mariner (used) I called Starcraft and inquired about roller trailers. The fellow I got on the phone said he saw no problem using them? Being the trailer was pretty beat from the salt, I replaced it with a bunk style tat extended to just about the transom. Harder to launch.... you bet! More support... I think so.

Thoughts?

Tommy D

 

[GLG fishing]

Re: Roller Trailer?

I think the term is oil canning. Over time the rollers may damage the hull but who knows. I guess it depends on the roads you drive on. Where I take my boat the roads are logging roads, read potholes and gravel with large rock sticking out. My buddies boat is in the shop getting the cracks fixed in his fiberglass hull. It?s from years of abuse on those same logging roads. His is a roller type. My original trailer was a roller / bunk. My new trailer is a bunk style with the bunks all the way back to the transom. Not sure if it is the same on a tin boat but you put the transom all the way onto the bunks so you don?t put a hook into the hull. What I really need is some of those plastic sliders that you put on the bunks to make it easier to get the boat off the trailer. It always seems to work out that the best places to go fishing have the worst ramps. My most favorite fishing spot has a ramp that I can only launch when there is a ten foot tide. I have tried to launch in less water but it takes three guys to push the boat off the trailer. The angle of the ramp is not steep enough to float the boat. I do see some guys putting their truck into the water to launch but for me that?s not an option as saltwater and trucks should never meet. Last year I saw one guy put his truck so far into the saltwater that when he opened his door water came rushing into the cab. Must have been a company truck.

Anyone have any creative (cheap) ideas as to making sliders for bunks?

GLG

 

[fshngho]

Re: Roller Trailer?

The Starchief I had was on rollers and when I pushed it off the trailer to paint it had indentions from the rollers. I would guess launching is a bit harder but I like the better support of bunks. I think it distributes the weight better. I remember seeing a roller bunk that was pretty cool, (I think in EZ's thread) that would give the best of both worlds. Someone here will remember I'm sure.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Roller Trailer?

My trailer, which I believe to be original to the boat, was equipped with short roller bunks and keel rollers.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2138.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2140.jpg

The roller bunks were in poor shape so I replaced them with bunks.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2353.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2355.jpg

If you want a nice compromise you can go with new roller bunks like these:

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0001917.shtml
http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/T-D-86145/

Also, my trailer came with these awesome guide bunks
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2727-1.jpg and they are FANTASTIC. I haven't managed to load my boat crooked yet.

 

[TommyD11730]

Re: Roller Trailer?

Last year I saw one guy put his truck so far into the saltwater that when he opened his door water came rushing into the cab. Must have been a company truck.


GLG

You would love our ramps then! On high storm surges <like last night> or full moons your going to sink the tuck till you hear <glug glug glug> from your exhaust under water!

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Roller Trailer?

My 16' SS sits on the original trailer that is 100% rollers and I don't have any damage on the hull. I am going to add side guide bunks since my only issue is getting it crooked once in a while.

The rollers make it very easy to launch and retrieve in shallow water. If my boat were any heavier I would probably consider bunks w/ rollers.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: Roller Trailer?

My 16 SS is on a roller trailer too. No problems and I go on loooooong bumpy trips. Sure is handy launching and retrieving in 18" of water. Just wish it tilted also.

Mike

 

[barato]

Re: Roller Trailer?

GLG, what about an extending tongue for launching? a good welding shop can add one for prolly <$200, less if you buy cut and prep the steel yourself.

and on the bunks, have you tried your local plastics company? might be they have the same material sold by marine dealers without the marine markup

 

[airshot]

Re: Roller Trailer?

My 22' Islander has been on a full roller trailer since 1983. No problems, but I do have a lot of rollers on the trailer.

Airshot

 

[chuckndiscs]

Re: Roller Trailer?

I have rollers on my ez loader trailer for my 18 ft ss. I have some rub spots and depressions, if you will, where the rollers typically hit. Ill take some pics tomorrow (and post the pics of my new 18' tomorrow that I owe the masses) and post them up. Currently my trailer is off a bit so I can see where the usual spots are. I like bunks as well but launching and landing your boat by yourself or in shallow water, as previously stated, is easier with rollers. I have had both this year.

ChuckNDiscs

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Roller Trailer?

I have four long bunks on my trailer.
2 back ones I replaced the rollers with bunks because the boat always floats on the back part of the trailer.
The trailer had center kel rollers which caused damage to the keel. I installed two long bunks. The Keel rollers loaded like crap, boat always wanted to roll off those thinks and with a cheiftain the front of the boat is heavy.
The bunks work ok, but I still have to pull the boat the last 5 or so feet onto the trailer and slid the boat on the bunks. Load ok, I an thinking of putting rollers on the front portion of the bunks.
The boat centers good on all ramps and I can load it with one person if I have too. I also have some tall guides on the back to keep the boat centered.