Rollers vs Skids

[mayoh]

Hi All,<br /><br />I am about to purchase a 20ft bowrider fully loaded it weighs about 3,100 lbs exc trailer. <br />I will be doing alot of highway driving and will be using different boat ramps with varying depths and gradients.<br /><br />The trailer which comes with the boat as a package, is a dual axle galvanised Karavan with skids, to delete the skids and add rollers is approx $700. (Skids are not as common here in Australia) <br /><br />What would you guys do

 

[Bondo]

Re: Rollers vs Skids

Bunks give Better Hull Support,.........<br /><br />Rollers are Much Easier to Load,+ Unload.........<br /><br />I've used Both,+ Still Don't Really have a Preference...........<br /><br />Personally,.......... I could fine better places to Spend $700.00............

 

[Realgun]

Re: Rollers vs Skids

Save the 700 unless you need to launch a lot on shallow inclines. otherwiswe it floats off and loading is not really that much easier unless the incline is shallow.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rollers vs Skids

i would spend the money on side guide ons. i have both i trailer with slide bunks and one with roller bunks. i drive on both trailers. the slide bunk trailer all i have to do is drive the boat on and the driver in the car can pull me out. the roller trailer you HAVE to hook the bow before you can pull out, or the boat will slip back.

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Rollers vs Skids

I've had both and I agree that there are better ways to spend $700.oo. If you have difficulty you can add slides to the bunks (not sure what they're called) which reduce the friction between bunk and hull but I doubt you'll need them. When I rebuilt my roller trailer this winter I gave some serious thought to converting to a bunk trailer and would have if I couldn't reuse the rollers and specialty hardware.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Rollers vs Skids

If you launch where the ramps are shallow and there is a large depth change from low to high tide, rollers are easier. Here we get a 6-7 ft change from high to low so you really can't launch at a shallow ramp unless the boat sits really low on the trailer, most use rollers here. They are more maintenance esp in salt water.

 

[mayoh]

Re: Rollers vs Skids

Thanks All<br /><br />I am thinking that i will go with the skids and we can always change to rollers at a later date if the ramp we use poses a problem.<br /><br />Cheers

 

[woodduck17]

Re: Rollers vs Skids

I spray my bunks with "Liquid Rollers" and can push my 17'Tracker off the trailer at my shallow ramp with one hand. The ads for this stuff says "Don't unhook the boat until it is ready to launch" I was surprised at how well it works the first time I used it.

 

[Major Woods]

Re: Rollers vs Skids

I would not pay out $700 extra for rollers. <br /><br />I would get the bunk trailer and if not already installed get the teflon slicks. Either full covers as pictured or the add ons that you attach to the bunk carpet. <br />Slicker than sh*! so don't detach the winch cable untill the boat is ready to launch. No issues with the slicks when launching in real shallow areas. The boat does not need to float off, it will slide with little effort. I push off my 26'WA all by myself.<br />

 

[mayoh]

Re: Rollers vs Skids

Cheers,<br /><br />We will see how we go with the bunks / skids with carpet, if it is a problem the teflon sounds slicks or the slick spray sound the goods.