Should bow roller roll?

[Tyme2fish]

I just installed a new bow roller on my trailer that holds an 18 foot Stratos. The "fork" is tight on the 3" bow roller I installed. Is this normal? In other words, my bow roller doesn't roll, it's "tight" between the forks. Did I need to go with a 2 & 1/2 inch roller?<br /><br />The roller I replaced was a 3 inch roller which is why I re-installed a 3 inch roller.Thinking now that I might have used a 2.5 inch roller.

 

[EZLoader]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

If waxing the edges of the roller doesn't help then try spreading the forks just a little by tapping them with a hammer to take the pressure off? Maybe that will allow it to roll.

 

[youmansjason]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

I had the same problem when I replaced the bow roller on my trailer. I couldn't get it to turn by hand (or it was very difficult), but when I am winching the boat onto the trailer and the bow of the boat rubs up against the roller, it turns so easily. I think it just takes a little more pressure than I can put on it by hand.

 

[imported_rusty]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

i dont think so on both of my boats they dont turn and i replaced both of them and they still wont turn so thats the way i am leaving them. i think its so the bow of the boat doesnt slide back and forth when trailering it.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

If this is what you mean by a bow roller, it is actually called a keel roller and should turn: <br /><br />

<br /><br />If you mean the roller that is up by the winch, that is called a bow roller, and generally does not roll because it is just a bumper to tighten the boat up against. I replaced the black rubber bow roller with this bow stop because it was leaving a black mark on the bow:<br /><br />

<br /><br /><br />So, keel roller should roll. Bow rollers do not have to roll and are often replaced with the one above. <br /><br />Many of the roller brackets are just flat iron with a bolt going through for an axle (see top picture). If the bolt is tightened up, the roller is squeezed and won't turn. Check to see that the nut is a locking nut and back it off until the roller can be turned by hand.<br /><br />If it's not a locking nut, then you can make it one by putting a chisel across one open end of the nut, striking hard enough with a hammer to crush the first thread, do it again so there is an X pattern on it. When reinstalling it will be tight. Only screw it on far enough to take the slack out of the bolt.

 

[ST]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

Talking about this subject, please allow me to ask:<br />Mark42,<br />Can you (or anyone else) tell me where to get that bracket?<br /><br /> My keel roller (the one up front at the bow section) are not really supporting the keel at all at rest; I thought I would like to use it to help support the weight of the boat by raising the bracket up a little (maybe by about 2"). <br /><br />Here's what mine looks like:<br /><br />

<br /><br />Please click here instead:<br /> http://us.a1.yahoofs.com/users/430ab453z38096dbe/e666/__sr_/df38.jpg?phIknmDBJ1zO7dJw <br /><br />You notice that I use stacks of large washers to raise it (and the roller barely touches the bow -still), but any higher that that would probably make it unstable. I think that bracket-like the one above- might work for me. Thanks for the input!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

ST,<br /><br />Both of those items above are from the iBoats Mega Mall. Click the Mega Mall tab at the top of this page, then use the search on that page. Search for Rollers, you'll get about 5 pages of stuff, but they will be there.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

Keel roller, bow roller, whatever...it's called a roller because it's suppose to roll.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

Originally posted by Mark42:<br /> If this is what you mean by a bow roller, it is actually called a keel roller and should turn: <br /><br /> <br />If you mean the roller that is up by the winch, that is called a bow roller, and generally does not roll because it is just a bumper to tighten the boat up against. <br /><br />So, keel roller should roll. Bow rollers do not have to roll .........<br />

Mark42 is correct.

 

[ST]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

Iboat's Mega Mall call that yellow piece Bow stop, sometimes it's called Bow guard. You've seen this before I'm sure, as in pic below: (this one I don't like, it smears on the gelcoat) <br /><br />

 

[Mark42]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

St, still can't see that pic that you link to. Did you get the roller sorted out?

 

[ST]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

mark42,<br />Thanks for your attention! I've been having problem linking/posting my pic from Yahoo-photo, I can see it, but others can't; even though I designated the album as "public". I initiated a tread of this, it's in the "Others, non boating topics". Let me do it from the Photobucket:<br />

<br /><br />Mark42,<br />I found out that my trailer is a "tilt-trailer" (for more discussion on this, please read it's tread on this trailer forum). But, the previous owner had locked it tight with 2 bolts; so it won't tilt. Also, I've not been in need of using this feature so far this past 1.5 years.<br /><br />So, I'll most likely go ahead and order that bow roller like the one you posted above. Thanks a lot, Mark! By the way, you did a very good job with your oldie but goodie<br />65 NIAGARA! Mine is old too (1982 BW), so you beat me to it!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

ST,<br /><br />I can see it now! Make sure you measure the frame stock before ordering a roller assembly so you don't end up with more washer, etc.<br /><br />Tilt trailers are neat. Wish mine was a tilt. Next time....

 

[paulie0735]

Re: Should bow roller roll?

Mark, just looked through your build up and must say its a great job. Seeing the family enjoy the sport with you is to me what boating is all about. <br /><br />Cheers.