self centering roller

[andrewsailor]

Hi All
Any sugestions on how close or far from the back of my boat should I install a self centering roller.
I have an Allumacraft 165cs and an EZ Loader Trailer with bunks

Thanks

 

[jeeperman]

Re: self centering roller

I would install a regular keel roller on each cross members of the trailer starting from the stern.
Depending on my favorite, most often used ramp would determine where the first centering roller would go.
The boat is not likely to make contact with the rear most roller positions until after the bow is secured to the winch stand in the pullout position.
Depending on how steep the ramp is of course.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: self centering roller

....my personal choice for locating the centering roller is at the roller location that is closest to the waterline when loading.....in other words, the roller that is 'just' getting wet. To my thinking and practice, when the keel meets this roller, the stern is still floating [above the rearmost roller(s)] and the centering roller will align the hull as it enters the bunks.
Works for me!!!!
FWIW....Ed in 'ol Virginny

 

[jeeperman]

Re: self centering roller

yep, you said it better, LOL

 

[andrewsailor]

Re: self centering roller

Thanks Guys
I generally launch at the same ramp 90% of the time and the ramp tilts off a little to one side,so centering the boat can sometimes be a pain ,but pretty sure I must be backing into the water a bit too far when I go to retrieve,I guess it just takes time to find the sweet spot.
Thanks again for the help

 

[Texasmark]

Re: self centering roller

I use the widest I can get (10" as I recall) and mount one on every trailer crossmember, on the aft side of that member that the hull can touch. I have one on every one as some shallow ramps will cause you to need one on the last crossmember.

On height, since I have bunks also, I mount them so that they just touch the keel with a slight additional pressure; not enough to "kink" the hull.

Side bunks would help your problem on tilted ramps.

Mark

 

[rbh]

Re: self centering roller

I use the widest I can get (10" as I recall) and mount one on every trailer crossmember, on the aft side of that member that the hull can touch. I have one on every one as some shallow ramps will cause you to need one on the last crossmember.

On height, since I have bunks also, I mount them so that they just touch the keel with a slight additional pressure; not enough to "kink" the hull.

Side bunks would help your problem on tilted ramps.

Mark

Usually we never know what angle the ramps going to be so side bunks would be better for us.
rob