Trailer Set Up and Design Question

[MuzzikMan]

I’m new to iboats, so let me first say hi and I really enjoy the site.

I recently took on a boat project that came on what looks like a keel style trailer. Keel rollers all the way down the center and a couple of roller bunks to keep it up right. However, you can definitely tell that it was a throw together and either way almost everything will need to be updated on the trailer. I was going to upgrade the hardware and make it a full roller trailer, but after reading some forums for input I'm not sure that’s the way to go. Even some boat manufactures seem to have something to say about using an “all roller” set up and how it can damage the hull over time. It's a 24ft fiberglass boat that will have a small pilothouse and V8 inboard when it's finished. I just want to spend my money wisely and put together a nice trailer that will carry the boat correctly. I read so much I’m confused, any input about which way to go would be much appreciated. Thank you!
P.S. The trailer did not come with the boat, I'm setting it up to be used with this boat.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

Welcome to the forums.

I also am a fair new boat trailer owner. The boat came with rollers and they worked fine with the semi-V. I sold the boat and kept the trailer and just have not been happy with rollers on a Jon. The bunk boys have convinced me. I am currently in the process of a full conversion to bunks. You mentioned spending wisely so I will add you can do a very sturdy bunk set up for a lot less money than rollers.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

Dad had a boat when I was a youngin, but it was kept at the cottage and we never used a trailer. When I bought my very first boat in the late '60's I did extensive research (you had to go to the library back then and acutally "read"....LOL). My conclusion was to buy a full roller trailer. All subsequent rigs were rollers as well. Some 45 years and many boats later I bought a new tinny and the only option from the selling dealer was a LoadRite bunk trailer, so I bought it. Just to give it a try......well because many here on IBoats say how wonderful they are.....yeah right.

Now, I'm used to not getting my feet wet and pushing the boat with one finger and off she goes. The first time out with the new rig and I actually had to ask for help. Even though she is only ~500# with motor my old weary back just couldn't budge it.

Anywhoot, the roller bunks and keel rollers were on order later that afternoon and now I'm back to the 1 finger approach again.

THAT's why you couldn't sell me a bunk trailer. Deformed hulls, dents, rusted rollers, etc. are all a function of bad setup and poor maintenance.

 

[MuzzikMan]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

You guys make some good points. I would like the easy launch without having to submerge the truck, because I do fish in smaller lakes that have shallow ramp areas. Plus, I have a bad back as well, so that right there is telling me go roller. But, the roller assemblies are expensive compared to the bunk set up.

I included a couple pictures of what I?m dealing with; not sure if seeing the application might change the opinions towards the recommended set up. And once again thanks for the input, much appreciated.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

If certain manufacturers say up front not to use rollers on their hulls then I'd have to listen to them. After all they built it and know how it is put together. They understand the stress points of their product. Yes a very few do just that. Most don't. I can only go by what brands I do know and they will sell either way and mostly it's dependant on what brand of trailers the dealer is franchising for.

Some would say there is no wisely way to spend money on a boat! We do it because we enjoy it not because it's a wise investment. Like golf, fishing or buying lottery tickets.

Instead of argueing all the same old points that you say you have read I will say this about bunks vs. rollers. Wise investment? I just sold my younger brother my 1984 Lund. It has been on rollers it's whole life, to look at the bottom of this boat you could not tell that by just looking. The trailer that went with it is a 1997 Spartan full roller trailer with wobble rollers. Every one of those rollers are still the original ones that came on the trailer and from the looks of it they will last another 15 years. How many bunk trailer owners do you think there are that can say their bunks have lasted 15 years. Next is the 1988 Alumacraft that I recenty purchased that is also on a Shoreland'r roller trailer. This boat also shows no signs of being on rollers. The only marks on the bottom of this boat are the scares of playing tag with stumps on the flowages.

I have nothing against bunk trailers, they just don't work well for me and the way I use a trailer.

 

[Don Hansen]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

Just to give you fabricators something to think about, I once saw a boat trailer made here in Wisconsin that was the best of both worlds. It had a second wench that raised rollers so the boat would roll on nice and easy. You then lowered the rollers so the boat sat on the bunkers. Sorry, I can't remember the name. I also did a search and no luck, if they still exist.

DLH

 

[JimS123]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

Just to give you fabricators something to think about, I once saw a boat trailer made here in Wisconsin that was the best of both worlds. It had a second wench that raised rollers so the boat would roll on nice and easy. You then lowered the rollers so the boat sat on the bunkers. Sorry, I can't remember the name. I also did a search and no luck, if they still exist.

DLH

That's a very dangerous proposition. When my buddy's old lady found out about his second wench she divorced him and she ended up not only getting the house but the boat as well.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

You guys make some good points. I would like the easy launch without having to submerge the truck, because I do fish in smaller lakes that have shallow ramp areas. Plus, I have a bad back as well, so that right there is telling me go roller. But, the roller assemblies are expensive compared to the bunk set up.I included a couple pictures of what I’m dealing with; not sure if seeing the application might change the opinions towards the recommended set up. And once again thanks for the input, much appreciated.



View attachment 193792View attachment 193793

You just hit the nail on the head. That's one reason why bunks are so popular. Like everything else, its all about money. You go to the dealer and he quotes you a price for a storage trailer, but then when you ask for a launching trailer and find out it costs a lot more and takes more maintenance, you opt for the cheaper way out.

Personally, I don't mind paying extra, and for me the extra work maintaining is amounts to almost nothing. I've replaced keel rollers twice in 29 years and all the wobblers are originals.

Even if it costs $500 or ?600 more, its still a bargain since my back is worth $millions!

 

[MuzzikMan]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

I agree with spending a little more to get a little more. Plus I don't want to make launching a chore. I think I'd rather spend the money on a better product and save my back. I was also looking at roller bunks to use along with keel rollers, but the small wheels worry me and they don't look very forgiving if there is any hardware failure. Would you guys recommend an all wobble roller set up or keel rollers along with wobble roller assemblies?

And as for the wench; idea sounds interesting?.But, the one I have already cost?s me too much, thus looking for the cheaper way to do this?. Lol
Thanks again

 

[JimS123]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

One of my larger trailers has keel rollers with wobble roller side units. One of the smaller ones has keel rollers with roller bunks (small rollers). Both work fine for me. The former is 29 years old and has only had the keel rollers replaced once. The latter is 8 years old and all the rollers are original.

Those "small rollers" are quite hard and they look like they might last quite a long time. Since the keel roll;ers carry most of the weight the roller bunks don't have much pressure on them.

 

[MuzzikMan]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

I have priced out a few differrent options and I think I will fall somewhere in the middle. I'd like to replace the bad keel rollers and then use either a wobble roller or a roller bunk set up in addition, instead of using any type of nonmoving bunk. I like the idea of saving my back and the less maintenance the better. I really appreciate the input guys, thanks again.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

When replacing the keel rollers I would recommend these if can find them locally.

5" Heavy Duty Keel Roller - Black Rubber, 5/8" I.D. #5244-105EC

 

[colbyt]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

Our local Walmart stocks some and if you are buying more than 2 or three the iboats site is competitive (3 lowers the shipping per unit).

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

Our local Walmart stocks some and if you are buying more than 2 or three the iboats site is competitive (3 lowers the shipping per unit).

If you look closely at the one I linked to you will see that it has a steel bushing in it and believe me it does make a difference! I've used the cheaper ones and they only lasted a year before they were deformed badly.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

Rollers are the way to go, especially in salt water where it's better not to dunk the trailer. Add a power winch and it is pure heaven!

Bunks may be OK for fresh water and they are cheap to make so the sellers don't care that they don't last and you have to get wet to use them (tow vehicles should never get wet except some too-flat ramps).

For old whalers they said not to put the hull weight on a roller but keel rollers were prefered. Small bunks were for balance more than support. Carolina skiff requires bunks--at least the old ones did.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Trailer Set Up and Design Question

Rollers are the way to go, especially in salt water where it's better not to dunk the trailer. Add a power winch and it is pure heaven!

Bunks may be OK for fresh water and they are cheap to make so the sellers don't care that they don't last and you have to get wet to use them (tow vehicles should never get wet except some too-flat ramps).

For old whalers they said not to put the hull weight on a roller but keel rollers were prefered. Small bunks were for balance more than support. Carolina skiff requires bunks--at least the old ones did.