Setting bunk height on Escort Trailer with '71 Glasply?

[cheburashka]

I just bought a '97 "Escort" bunk-type trailer with surge brake for my old Glasply I/O. The original trailer had rollers, so I'm unsure how to set this one up. It was originally used for a Bayliner Capri with a fairly shallow "Vee" in the hull. The Glasply has a sharp "Vee". This trailer has no keel rollers. Instead, there are two plastic slides at the centers of the cross-beams. I'm wondering if these slides are supposed to support the keel, or if they're just to help in loading the boat. Could it be that the boat is supposed to sit entirely on the bunks? Does anyone know whether it would be a good idea to retrofit hull rollers to make loading easier? <br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[cheburashka]

Re: Setting bunk height on Escort Trailer with '71 Glasply?

I searched around and found this picture of a Capri on a similar trailer.<br /><br />

<br /><br />My boat on its trailer looks like this:<br /><br />

<br /><br />Right now, it's almost impossible to launch due to siezed hull rollers. Would using just the bunks with glyde slicks work well enough, or should I invest in the hull rollers?<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[gdburch]

Re: Setting bunk height on Escort Trailer with '71 Glasply?

cheburashka<br />Apparently I'm the one you bought the trailer from. I looked at a couple of other boats on that same trailer and neither had the keel sitting on the black plastic slides. The 2 bunks were the only thing supporting the hull. I think the 2 slides are just there to protect the hull from the crossmember. If you wanted to add keel rollers it wouldn't be a problem. I found several that would work once the slides were removed.<br /><br />As far as converting it to rollers I would try it with bunks first and see how it works. I originally bought it to get away from a roller trailer that didn't fit right and was damaging the hull.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Setting bunk height on Escort Trailer with '71 Glasply?

keel rollers are a good idea to help with loading, on mine the the two rear rollers are the self centering type that really helps in loading.. when the bunks are adjusted right there should be no problems.

 

[cheburashka]

Re: Setting bunk height on Escort Trailer with '71 Glasply?

Thanks for the help. I hadn't planned to swap out the actual bunks. I just ordered the glyde slicks for them. I was just wondering about the keel rollers. I think I'll give it a try without any keel rollers first. As I look at it, the Glasply hull shape isn't that far from the hull shape of the Capri.