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How big is the boat? Length, weight (aprox.), width.
What is the hull material? Looks like fiberglass to me.
How often is the boat trailed, and on what kinds of roads (mostly blacktop, or gravel)?
I agree that a full refurb appears to be in order, but the above questions should also be taken in consideration before converting to all rollers. Just my opinion.
Thanks Bitterboater for understanding what advise I`m looking for.The trailer needs a complete over haul,that much I do know. What I was hoping was for advise and ideas on what was the best things to do. The boat is 19` in lenght Beam 7`9 and weight 1200 lb it is made of fibreglass. The trailer will only travel on blacktop,mostly motorway and only during the summer months.
keep in mind that the box beams can rust from the inside out and the galvanizing hide it from view until it breaks of course things only break while being used. so add up your parts list vs a new trailer.
One more question, how old is the boat (approx)?
From what you have described all rollers may be feasible for that boat if spaced close enough and have enough quantity on the trailer. Being from here in the mid-west, and having a great many very bumpy gravel and blacktop roads rollers are best suited to tinnys, not fiberglass. I say this as I have seen a few glass boats dimpled by roller trailers here.
Another thing to consider is what the water quality will mostly consist of (fresh or salt water).
Personally, with a glass boat that large and heavy (plus motor, fuel, and tackle) I would stay with the bunks. I think that they will provide better support to the boat and be safer in the long run (my opinion only).
The boat will be used for salt water and the age of the boat is aprox 25 to 30 years old. So probably the best maybe to keep the bunks but to replace rubbers. Add new rollers on the keel,would you put flat rollers or Vee rollers in ? I`m going to put new hitch on,change all the wheel bearings and paint it up. Probably change all corroded bolts. Anything else ? Thanks for advise Bitter.
Paul
I took the boat off the trailer for a better look as you can see from the pics. I`ve ordered the rollers plus brackets. The trailer needs a fair bit of work
If this was my trailer, before I replaced rollers and hardware, I'd blow/clean off the loose galvanizing with a pressure washer. Use a ball peen hammer to gently tap along the steel tubes looking for weak spots and replace as necessary. Prep and cold galvanize the "good" steel.
Then I would reconfigure/rebuild the bunks to prevent the trailer from beating up the boat.
I was going to redo the bunks in the same position as they`re in now. The traile is metal and not galvinised,its painted with galvinised paint. I was going to give it a good clean and fix where needed then paint it all again. Thanks for your imput its all welcome.
That trailer will clean up nice, wire wheel, sand, prime, paint, change out rusted hardware if needed, replace bunks & rollers. You can do it in a weekend. I used rustoleum primer for heavly rusted metal & rustoleum oil based topcoat. Came out great, pics are on page 3 of my thread below.