bunk vs. roller trailers

Matt1121 · #1 10-02-2002, 03:48 PM

Hi gents-

I have a Load Rite bunk trailer under my 23 right now. However, up here in northern Massachusetts with the big tidal changes 8ft +....winching a 23 up on bunks (even with those plastic..teflon pads added to the bunks) is a real pain, especially at low tide.

If I switch over to a good quality roller trailer....say one with 48 rollers or more...due I risk damaging the hull? The boat is currently stored on the trailer year-round but does got a lot of use...almost every weekend during the season, weather permitting.

AlexT · #2 10-02-2002, 03:59 PM

One thing to try before spending that kind of money is keeping a gallon of cheap dishwashing soap in your truck and squirting it on the bunks before you winch up. Haven't done it myself, but have heard that it makes an incredible difference in terms of decreased friction, even with teflon.

squidrig · #3 10-02-2002, 04:49 PM

What about throwing a Rule Winch on there. Cheaper than a new trailer something like $300. I've been able to get in and out with my 23 on a float on trailer everytime, even with tides so low other where waiting for it to come in. Just a thought.

FELLOW-SHIP · #4 10-02-2002, 05:20 PM

I DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEMS YOU MIGHT HAVE UP NORTH WITH YOUR TIDES AND HOW FAR YOU CAN BACK YOUR TRAILER INTO THE WATER. I USE A BUNK TRAILER DOWN HERE I JUST SUBMERGE MY TRAILER DOWN TO THE CENTER OF THE WHEEL FENDERS AND DRIVE IT RIGHT ONTO THE TRAILER. I USUALLY GET WITH IN 3’ OF THE WINCH THAT WAY. THEN I HAVE MY BROTHER ATTACH THE WINCH TO THE I BOLT AND PUT THE MOTOR IN GEAR WHILE HE CRANKS THE REST OF THE BOAT ONTO THE TRAILER. HE USES ONLY ONE ARM NO BIG DEAL TO CRANK I DO MOST OF THE WORK WITH THE ENGINE. BEEN DOING THAT METHOD FOR 15 YEARS DOWN HERE AND WORKS EVERY TIME. I WASH THE TRAILER WITH FRESH WATER WHEN I GET HOME AND SPRAY THE BRAKES WITH WB-40.
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Matt1121 · #5 10-03-2002, 02:08 PM

Thanks for the feedback . I will look into adding an electric winch. Power loading is not an option.....they dont allow it on my ramp. Nor can I back my trailer down any further....the ramp is so steep that if I back way down, the end of the bunks are 3 feet under water and the transom just sways freely in the wind & current.

John R · #6 10-03-2002, 03:37 PM

Fellowship, the ramps up here are pretty steep as is the current of a tide that moves 8+ feet. Plus as Matt says, a lot of ramps up here are prohibitting powering on a trialer...

Matt - what shape is the trailer you have now? What about those roller/bunks? Anyone see or use those yet?