Convert roller to roller/bunk?

[JasonB]

As I start on my trailer to get it refurbed, I'm beginning to wonder about it. I'll attach a picture and explain my concerns.<br /><br />

<br /><br />This trailer has 16 rollers arranged in groups of 4. All 16 need replacement. I am concerned that they do not provide enough support to the hull. The boat weighs 2400lbs empty + 36 gal fuel and maybe 200lbs misc gear. The trailer is rated to carry 3200lbs, so I am within its range. The hull by itself is 1400lbs witha 1000lb engine/outdrive combo (V8+#1R). The rollers do not support the last 6" of the hull. <br /><br />To me, 16 rollers is not enough for this weight. Converting to straight bunk would be difficult due to the lack of a crossbrace in the middle of the trailer. What I am considering is to replace the front 8 4" wobbles with new 3x5" ribbed tire type rollers and replace the back 8 with 4 lengths of 2x6 bunks to support the back of the boat. I would be attaching the 2x6's to the existing roller platform with some u-bolts and blocking or by making a T shaped bunk and hanging it by the roller shafts with some bracing or blocking so it could still adjust as the boat settles.<br /><br />Does this sound feasable or worth the effort? Am I wrong about there not being enough support? If my idea doesn't work, I could always go back to the original setup as I wouldn't be modifying the original supports, gust building on them. Anyone try this before?

 

[DJ]

Re: Convert roller to roller/bunk?

Your plan sounds reasonable to me.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Convert roller to roller/bunk?

Sounds ok to me as well. My brother had the exact same boat (loved it) and had to redo the trailer, but he simply replaced the existing rollers. I don't see any big problems with going to bunks, but do you think that loading might be a little more difficult with that set-up?<br /><br />Just some thoughts...

 

[JasonB]

Re: Convert roller to roller/bunk?

I think loading will be ok since the bunks will pivot like the rollers did. That way, they should tip out of the way until the boat settles as it clears the water. Keep in mind, I will only be replacing the back 8 rollers and leaving the front 8.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Convert roller to roller/bunk?

JasonB<br />Boat looks very nice and well cared for but it does not look like a 2004 model. My point being if it has made it all these years with out hull damage then it is probably ok. Can not tell from the picture but if you have the old 4 inch hard rollers then converting to the 5 1/2 inch softer ribbed rollers will add a lot of extra support. Your back set of rollers should be under the transom I feel 6 inches is too much. They need to be as far back as posible but where there is no chance of the back set going beond the transom. Easy way to correct that is just to move your winch stand and bow stop foward a few inches. This will add more tongue weight so if it gets too heavy may also have to move your axel foward to take some weight back off the tongue. If you really want to give it more hull support and like the rollers there is a pretty easy upgrade to double the numbers of rollers. I did this with my trailer when I bought it at the boat show in 1980. They keep the single rollers and added double rollers and the difference in price was $80 but then this was in 1980. Also the new style rollers do not have the metal insides that rust but instead a hard plastic or teflon.<br /><br />I have a roller trailer also and love it. I have pulled my 21 foot Boat out with no problem where 14 and 16 foot boats had to wait for the tide to rise.<br /><br />There is no question that bunks do a better job of hull support and also give you place to strap the back down without a strap going over the boat.<br /><br />Once again your boat looks great and well cared for. What Year is it?

 

[JasonB]

Re: Convert roller to roller/bunk?

Good thoughts Boatist. The rest of the story is that this boat has only been on this trailer 3-4 years. Before that is was kept in a dry storage rack since new in '76. I have also studied adding more rollers, but I'm not sure that would be cost effective. Rollers are ok, but not required for the ramps I launch at. I guess I'm trying to get the best of both worlds. The support of bunks for the majority of the weight and the convenience of the rollers for the front.