Converting a roller trailer to bunks

bonz_d

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Apr 22, 2008
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5,276
Re: Converting a roller trailer to bunks

Ah gotcha!

Yah know, his looks a lot like my first shot in #11. He may be able to get it lower with bunks but the rollers with the swivel rear cross member (pretty sure that's what he's got) might very well easier to launch/land for shallow water eh?

I think so also and is kinda what I'm looking to do as nice tilt trailers in the 16' to 17' range are getting hard to find, either bunk or roller.
 

smokeonthewater

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Dec 3, 2009
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9,838
Re: Converting a roller trailer to bunks

Ah gotcha!

Yah know, his looks a lot like my first shot in #11. He may be able to get it lower with bunks but the rollers with the swivel rear cross member (pretty sure that's what he's got) might very well easier to launch/land for shallow water eh?

Yep, I'm thinking he's set up a lot better than he thinks
 

smokeonthewater

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Re: Converting a roller trailer to bunks

Yup. Well, except for that fiberglass boat he's got on there. But yah, everything else looks great!


Reeevits!


BAW HAHAHAHA

Tinny strikes again.... Someone needs to dig up the old tinny vs glasser thread and sticky it..... mebbe I'll add a link to my sig
 

64osby

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Jul 28, 2009
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6,825
Re: Converting a roller trailer to bunks

I have had two roller trailers and yes they are better for shallow water.

Before you get to excited and go changing your setup, it looks like you need to look at the rust issue on your trailer.

The rear roller support needs to be replaced or repaired. If your pics show one spot you most likely have other issues.

My current roller works great on the big Tinny.
 

Grea5eM0nkey

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May 19, 2012
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Re: Converting a roller trailer to bunks

to the best of my knowledge the rear section does not pivot. I have to go right through and do alot of repair to the trailer which is why im trying to determine if i will convert it or not. Luckily i have the fab skills necessary to basically rebuild this trailer and have it cost less than replacing. i appreciate everyones input and since the shallowest ramps i have to launch into we regularly launch my father in-laws bass boat from which has bunks and we have no problems i think thats the way im going to go. thanks alot for the pics.
 

Grea5eM0nkey

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Re: Converting a roller trailer to bunks

Ok two more questions 1. Upside or downside to painting this galvanized trailer after i do all the repair work on it. 2. My father-in-law's Skeeter bass boat has a transom saver. It goes from the rear roller to the motor. Do y'all think i would need to extend the length of the trailer or get the boat more forward on the trailer?
 

smokeonthewater

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Dec 3, 2009
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Re: Converting a roller trailer to bunks

I think you need to repair the rusted parts, adjust the rollers wider and otherwise leave the trailer as it is....
Heck at LEAST adjust it and launch the boat once or twice as instructed earlier with only the rear rollers in the water... you may find that you LOVE it.
 

Home Cookin'

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May 26, 2009
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Re: Converting a roller trailer to bunks

If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.

Keep what you got; far superior to bunks and especially in salt water. if you don't like cranking get a power winch.

In real shallow water to launch you can even tie the boat off to the dock and pull the trailer out from under it--careful about the bottom. Works great on a muddy ramp. And with a roller at the last cross piece to catch the keel at the bow, you can pull up dry, too (with a power winch I once dragged the boat across a couple feet of mud and up onto the trailer).

do not set the last roller directly under the transom. You don't need to, and you risk pulling up too far and having it come off the roller. Give it at least 4" and even more.

transom savers are a total waste.

moving the roller bunks out toward the frame is a good idea. Also I'd take that front roller and move it back so it is under the keel, not against the rise. I can't really see but another keel roller amidships may help, too.
 
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