safe way to replace bow roller

[JAL51974]

I need to replace the bow roller on my rig- is it safe to do it on land by just loosening up the winch strap enough to work on the roller? I could tie a rope from the front eye bracket and tie it off to further insure the boat doesn't move while I work. any other ideas?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: safe way to replace bow roller

Sure is safe enough as long as you leeve the strap connected. <br />The alternative is to jack the boat up off the roller.<br />OR <br />Do it when the boat is in the water and off the trailer. The rollers replace in about 2 minutes!<br /><br /><br />Bob

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: safe way to replace bow roller

If your boat would move when you take the strap loose, try going some place LEVEL. No way does a boat move if the trailer is level - with or without a strap.

 

[travism]

Re: safe way to replace bow roller

My boat rocks backwards off the bow stop a little if I loosen the winch strap, even on level ground. I think different boat/trailer setups yield different results as far as this goes.<br /><br />That being said, for such a short project, I'd just loosen the bow strap if that gets it off the roller and replace the roller. I don't see the boat going anywhere while you work with the strap still connected.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: safe way to replace bow roller

I see a second problem with the replacement. the supporting spindle and bracket are so rusted through I may never get them off to replace the roller. I may have to go with a new bracket assembly with roller to fit and cut the old one off. So this may require that I launch the boat and work on this thing in the parking lot- I wanted to avoid that.

 

[nboater]

Re: safe way to replace bow roller

Take the boat to a nearby lake (assuming you have one) with a family member or friend. Launch the boat and have them go boating. Return to your house, replace the roller and bracket assembly, then return to the lake and enjoy.

 

[kayak99]

Re: safe way to replace bow roller

Originally posted by travism:<br /> My boat rocks backwards off the bow stop a little if I loosen the winch strap, even on level ground.

That shouldn't happen. Something's not right. Unless some are set this way, and I can't think why they would be, your boat should be at rest when it meets the bow stop.<br /><br />Maybe your bunks are too far forward or your roller mount is too far back. Did your trailer come with the boat (from the dealer)?