Bunk vs. Roller

[zacros2020]

I have a 1988 17' Key West and am looking to replace the trailer (or least completely redo the trailer that I have). I found a roller style trailer that is in good shape. However, I do not know what Key West recommends for this boat. Anyone have any experience with one versus the other, or know what is suggested for a key west?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Bunk vs. Roller

Can you contact key west and ask?<br /><br />With my boat (Johnstone) they told me that it was designed for keel support with side bunks for anti-rocking only, all the weight has to be on the keel. They said that side roller support would damage the hull. Its worth checking.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[zacros2020]

Re: Bunk vs. Roller

I had heard that with another boat. That's one reason why I was asking. I can try to call the manufacturer tomorrow.

 

[Elk Chaser]

Re: Bunk vs. Roller

Some boats are designed to be on keel rollers, some are designed to be on just bunks and some are designed to be on (side) rollers. Depends on the hull design. You need to match the original trailer type to the boat, it's that simple.

 

[swist]

Re: Bunk vs. Roller

Given that you have no info about what the boat prefers, the common wisdom is that bunks give better support. With a roller there is a likelyhood that a lot of the weight will get concentrated at a few points which depending on the hull layup could stress the boat.<br /><br />Having said that however, I'd be hosed with a bunk - my boat is near maximum trailerable size - it needs engine help to come off the trailer - and well-oiled rollers!

 

[JasonB]

Re: Bunk vs. Roller

I have had both trailers under my ~2400lb (dry weight) bowrider. I started with a roller and migrated to bunk. The roller madel launch easier, but loading could be challenging if you had to come in to fast. The rollers wouldn't le the boat settle the way I wanted it. I'cve loaded and pulled out only to back in again to get the boat the way I wanted more than once. The roller trailer also had the center of gravity much higher when traveling. <br /><br />The bunk seems to be easier on the hull. Loading isn't any harder, and I set the bunks up to better center the hull. Launching is a bit stickier, but nothing major. On the bunk trailer, it feels that the boat sits more in the frame of the trailer and I can feel it has a lower overall center of gravity. Tows much better.