Bow stop vs bow roller

[freerider8]

So right now my trailer has a rubber bow stop which doesn't stay put when putting the boat in and out of the water. I was looking at changing the stop to a roller so that the boat slides up a little better when loading and doesn't get all marked up with the marks from the rubber stop. Has anyone else made this switch?

 

[Drcoffee]

Interesting. I have the rubber roller on mine and it cracked and banged up my bow from hitting the through bolt. I am going to install a poly stop which wont leave black scuffs like the rubber does.

 

[alldodge]

I've had both and prefer the roller, that is unless its a light boat which doesn't have the weight to roll the stop. Everything wears out and have replaced rollers when they start to crack. I do like the yellow non-marking ones better

 

[freerider8]

Interesting. I have the rubber roller on mine and it cracked and banged up my bow from hitting the through bolt. I am going to install a poly stop which wont leave black scuffs like the rubber does.

I have looked at the Poly ones as well. I may go with something like that. I just don't like how the rubber one marks up the boat.

 

[freerider8]

I've had both and prefer the roller, that is unless its a light boat which doesn't have the weight to roll the stop. Everything wears out and have replaced rollers when they start to crack. I do like the yellow non-marking ones better

It isn't that this one appears worn out, it marks up the front of my boat something terrible so that is why I want to replace it. I was also wondering if I can use either one in that area for the boat? I just feel that the roller style would help the boat slide into place a little better.

 

[dingbat]

It isn't that this one appears worn out, it marks up the front of my boat something terrible so that is why I want to replace it.

If a "rubber" roller is marking the boat the material is UV compromised and needs to be replaced. Replace with urethane or thermal plastic that don't mark.

 

[freerider8]

If a "rubber" roller is marking the boat the material is UV compromised and needs to be replaced. Replace with urethane or thermal plastic that don't mark.

I ordered a roller one that is made of poly instead of rubber so hopefully it works much better.

 

[Stinnett21]

I've been through 3 or 4 of the orange poly rollers and eventually they will mark the bow also after repeated sun exposure.

 

[freerider8]

I've been through 3 or 4 of the orange poly rollers and eventually they will mark the bow also after repeated sun exposure.

Good to know, thanks.

 

[JimS123]

I've had "orange poly rollers" and had them mark the boat and need to be replaced after only a few years. Then, I bought a STOLTZ poly roller and have been using it for many years. I think they last longer.

I have used a bow roller and a V-roller. Makes no difference to me. If the V form rotates, then the trailer isn't adjusted right. My boats come up to and mate with the rubber, they don't slide along it.

 

[freerider8]

Got the new roller today for the bow on my boat. Fits perfectly and the boat sits up against it just fine. No more black marks on my boat.

 

[444]

Got the new roller today for the bow on my boat. Fits perfectly and the boat sits up against it just fine. No more black marks on my boat.

You'll be happy with it. I had a V on mine and it wouldn't stay in the correct orientation. The roller is to much nicer in that respect.

 

[freerider8]

You'll be happy with it. I had a V on mine and it wouldn't stay in the correct orientation. The roller is to much nicer in that respect.

Yes I know, the V one on mine did the same thing. Very annoying when trying to load the boat onto the trailer. So far since changing it out to the roller one it has been much easier. Very pleased with the outcome.

 

[Drcoffee]

Just a suggestion regarding the V bow stop, you could drill a hole thru the bolt and bow stop to lock it in the right position with a cotter pin or roll pin, or just tighten the nut so it cant move

 

[freerider8]

Just a suggestion regarding the V bow stop, you could drill a hole thru the bolt and bow stop to lock it in the right position with a cotter pin or roll pin, or just tighten the nut so it cant move

May be true tightening the bolt, but with it marking up my boat I was wanting to change it out anyway.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Installing one of these helps, too.

BowShield Bow Guard Protects Boat Bows By Gator Guards

Guaranteed bow protection from docks, trailer stops and bow rollers.

www.gator-guards.com

 

[Drcoffee]

Okay I see what you mean about the V not staying put. Took the boat out on Sunday and even when the bow contacted the V, as soon as I cranked the bow strap, the V flipped. I just ordered a new non-marring Roller. Its not worth risking my fingers each time I pull out, trying to hold the bow stop in place.

 

[JimS123]

Okay I see what you mean about the V not staying put. Took the boat out on Sunday and even when the bow contacted the V, as soon as I cranked the bow strap, the V flipped. I just ordered a new non-marring Roller. Its not worth risking my fingers each time I pull out, trying to hold the bow stop in place.

Just a suggestion regarding the V bow stop, you could drill a hole thru the bolt and bow stop to lock it in the right position with a cotter pin or roll pin, or just tighten the nut so it cant move

You load too deep. V stops dont flip. The stem touches them and then you're done. The problem is that your transom is floating.

 

[alldodge]

Might be, but the stops work fine on light boats, not so good for heavy ones

 

[Drcoffee]

The ramp was at a steep angle so, yes the whole boat was floating, otherwise the bow was a foot below the bow stop.