Bunk or Roller trailer?

[blackhawkdc]

Hi all. I have a dilema. I have a 17 foot Chrysler Charger fiberglass ski boat. the trailer I acquired with it has some issues. First off, a tree landed on the boat, damaged the boat some, but also bent the axle. So I need a new axle. Plus I need to replace both bunks. Here's my question. I am trying to decide if its worth fixing this trailer or acquiring a different trailer in good condition. Would I be safe with a roller style trailer with this boat being its fiberglass, or do I need to stay with a bunk style. Here's are a couple links to pictures of the boat so you can see the existing trailer and the hull design. PLease, any and all advice appreciated! I need to address this issue before the snow flies. I don't trust the bunks to added weight from snow.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/blackhawkdc/Chrysler Charger/DSC_1034.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/blackhawkdc/Chrysler Charger/DSC_1033.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/blackhawkdc/Chrysler Charger/DSC_1032.jpg

Thanks!!!

Seth Petro

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Bunk or Roller trailer?

Seth, you can get an axle here: trialer parts pretty reasonable. or TSC carries them also.( if you have one in your area). Make sure you get the right load weight for your boat. Bunks are less expensive then rollers type. The arguement is still open which is best and/or easiest to use.
Eric H

 

[Frankhanhart]

Re: Bunk or Roller trailer?

Seems you have a pretty long and flat keel under that boat. So it will rest easy without distortion lenghtwise. As the walls are pretty much upright the only function sidesupports would have is to prevent left-right wobble, and much less vertical support. I'd choose bunks for that if it's a single shell hull. For ease of launching and retrieval.... about even I'd guess with maybe rollers slighly ahead for retrieval. Guess this didn't help you much, did it d ? Happy boating, Blackhawk!
Frank

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bunk or Roller trailer?

Although I'm a fan of "roller" trailers for deep "V" hulls, this hull looks like it would benefit most from staying with bunks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bunk or Roller trailer?

imho, i'd slide that boat off the trailer, and make the trailer a winter project. axles are fairly cheap, be sure you get the right distance between the spring indents. i would sand grind every bit of that trailer, and then a couple of good coats of Rustoleum. new bunks, and remount the boat. here's another excellant source. champion trailers. com

 

[blackhawkdc]

Re: Bunk or Roller trailer?

Thanks for all your thoughts and opinion guys. What I'm looking at on the current trailer is the fact that its already been reinforced around the axle and had the axle replaced at one time already. Now it needs another axle, plus two fenders, both bunks and brackets replaced. a new winch, a handful of new rollers. So quite a bit. My other option to fixing this trailer up is to find a used trailer in good condition that will work. I've seen 16-18 foot trailers from $300 and up used. What are your opinions? If you were in my situation, what would you do? Fix the trailer or get a different trailer?

Thanks again,

Seth

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bunk or Roller trailer?

You need to do the math on this one since we can't see the trailer in person. How much corrosion do you have in the main structural beams of the trailer?

What have you seen used trailers go for?

As Tasha said earlier, check out Champion Trailers on the net for axles and other parts.

 

[blackhawkdc]

Re: Bunk or Roller trailer?

Thanks for the words of advice everyone. I think I'm going to fix the bunks this fall still and then yank the axle out before winter and leave the trailer up on blocks for the winter while I try to straighten the axle or find a new one. Try to keep the trailer repair costs as low as possible. Besides, you really don't get any extra money when you sell the boat because of the trailer. Thanks again.

Seth Petro

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bunk or Roller trailer?

But a clean well cared for trailer will sell the boat faster than one that's rusty, has bald tires, bent axle and missing lights. Champion trailer can fix you up with an exact fit axle, as can Northern Tool and a host of other sources. Elbow grease is cheap. Buying a used trailer may result in you still having to do repairs.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Bunk or Roller trailer?

Many buyers will take the take the boat and not want the trailer. They will also want you to take some off the price because there he is not taking the trailer. How do I know this? I was that buyer. Went home and built my own.