Should Bow Rollers actually roll?

[BrianS.]

This is pretty close to what my bow roller looks like on my trailer, but it doesn't actually roll and when I winch up the boat, it rubs pretty good.<br /><br />Should these rollers actually roll or are they made to be stationary?<br /><br /> http://www4.shopping.com/xPF-Stoltz_Ultimate_Bow_Stop_4

 

[ufm82]

Re: Should Bow Rollers actually roll?

I would have to say it depends- does your boat move over the roller once it contacts it or does it just hit the roller and sit there? I replaced my bow rollers the day after I bought my boat. The old black rubber rollers left nasty black stripes on the hull. I replaced them with the poly rollers and my boat actually rolls on the bow roller for a good foot before it is secured to the trailer. If your boat simply snugs up against the roller when it is properly loaded, I don't think it needs to move. <br /><br /> However, there are two types of stops out there. Bow "rollers" and Bow "stops". The name is self-explanatory so I would have to say they are made to roll. <br /><br /><br />UFM82

 

[BrianS.]

Re: Should Bow Rollers actually roll?

Ya, I do have to winch it up about a foot as well.

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Should Bow Rollers actually roll?

Have a look at the photo in your link. The winch strap runs under the bow roller and you know it's loaded when the bow eye contacts the roller. In most cases the keel contacts the roller just as the bow eye does. If this is the case it makes no difference if the roller actually turns or not. I suppose there could be some reason - the shape of your particular hull and the placement of the bow roller - that the keel would contact and roll on it, in which case it would be helpful if it actually turned. <br /><br />I think this is unlikely though isn't it?<br /><br />I agree with UFM82 - black rollers were never a good idea, especially along the bow. They always leave a black mark. Replace them with rollers like the one in the link you included and that problem is solved.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: Should Bow Rollers actually roll?

I dont have black rollers unless you were referring to UFM's rollers. Mine is just as shown in the pic, but as stated, my keel hits about 12-15 inches below and I do have to winch it up.

 

[ColdFire]

Re: Should Bow Rollers actually roll?

I have the same roller on mine and it does roll when I winch it up. you can over tighten it when you put it on and that will cause what you are seeing.