keel roller question

[cedarjunki]

since there were 30 views without a response ill ask one simple question........is it ok to have the weight of the boat on these rollers since they are all 12" rollers and only make contact about 2" in the center? im guessing the boat should weigh in around 2200-2500 pounds loaded. will it be too much stress in the center over the span? or are these wide rollers meant for just guiding and the use of bunks for support?

 

[motorpsykler]

Re: keel roller question

The answer to this can vary depending on hull design. But for the most part, the majority of the weight should be supported by the bunks, with a minority of the weight supported by the rollers. Your keel to roller contact is normal, it wouldn't be much different with 6" rollers. The larger rollers are nice, because there is a smaller chance of loading the boat crooked and damaging the keel on the roller brackets.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: keel roller question

It's best to distribute the weight evenly between the bunks and keel, the keel is very strong and can handle the load, those rollers are pretty tough it's the bushings that give up under stress.