changing from rollers to bunks

I have a 1987 shorelander trailer that has the rubber rollers on it and they are always marking the boat up. I have 32 rollers so I figured what it will cost to replace all them I could convert to it to a bunk trailer. I have plenty of steal and welder and all the other tools that would be needed to do the job. I would really like to do it with the boat on the trailer. I am thinking they need to two boards on each side and run them were the rollers are at and run them all the way from the transom up to were the front rollers stop. You can see in the picture looking for ideas how people have done this and pictures. I am thinking this weekend while I don't have the motor back in the boat may be the time to get it all built and done. Also I included a picture that you can see the back rollers. I also remeber reading one time of a guy that took the rollers off and just replaced them with there own bunks that mounted to the roller brackets but can't find any pics.

Re: changing from rollers to bunks

Hey bud, I'll reply in the next day or two with pics of my conversion I just finished the other day. Haven't driven yet, but seems solid. Used bolt on bunk brackets mounted to new crossmembers and plan on getting those welded when I have time to drive it to my buddy's house. Also used 2x6's and made my own bunk stiffeners with some angle iron for the middle ones. I'll get some pics up soon to show you how I did mine. I'm just praying it's good!

Re: changing from rollers to bunks

If I was to do it, I would look at removing just the roller wheel and replacing it with an angle tab so that the 2x6 would have a flat place to sit and you could use your existing structure.

I don't think you are going to see quite the cost savings that you hope for though. Going to bunks you'll have to add keel rollers (4 or 5) panel brackets and shafts to hold them, and then the cost of carpet and bunk wood. I'm betting that the cost will be the same unless you have an extra trailer to strip from (and a days work). Replacement rollers run from $5 to $7, so thats around $250 and it will probably last the life of the trailer with the new roller material.

Re: changing from rollers to bunks

I'd like to add also if you're going to try and weld with the boat still on the trailer you need to protect the hull very well. If the rollers are marking up your hull you can imagine what the weld spatter will do. I know you'll have to jack up the side you're working on and I'd slide a piece of ply-wood over the work area.