New England Trailer Advice

jongolds · #1 07-25-2006, 11:06 AM

I finally sold my old trailer and was hoping to get some advice on replacing it. I'm trying to make the decision between rollers and bunks. I know bunks support the boat better are cheaper and easier to maintain but the one I just sold had carpeted bunks and was useless at anything less than high tide. I was planning to go back to rollers but, I keep hearing about bunks made out of various materials that are more slick than the carpet. Has anyone ever tried them up hear. I don't like to power on or off the trailer. I use the winch.

Bottom line, should I go with rollers or bunks? Any suggestions for dealers in the area? Right now my ideal would be aluminum with rollers and disc brakes. I'm worried about finding a brand that uses enough rollers though.

oldfielder · #2 07-25-2006, 11:24 AM

I'm using a venture-I think it's rated to 6600- caries 5400 and has 48 rollers. Handles my 23 cc beautifully.got it from Riverhead trailer out here on the island-great guy to deal with-services the trailer for 3 years no charge and is definitely the best-priced dealer on Long Island. I bet he would be worth the trip for you.

cSickNick · #3 07-25-2006, 11:56 AM

Then why not rollers and bunks?

My friend and I set up my trailer with short bunks to the rear and rollers in the front. I feel it really works great, the short bunks support the real weight and the front rollers make for an easy on/off alignment.

Mine is a 20' boat if it makes any diff.

Just a thought ....

rockdoc · #4 07-25-2006, 01:24 PM

cSickNick- I'd love to see a photo of how you set that up. Sounds like the best of both worlds!

rockdoc

cSickNick · #5 07-25-2006, 01:52 PM

Here is an old pic;

I have a short run to the ramp and need to launch in a puddle. Longer runs i would feel better with a beefier bunk or bunks and more rollers. I also moved the bunks under the stringer area after this pic.

Not sure why trailer manuf don't offer a style on these lines. I recall one having the rollers to the rear and bunks in the front though? Maybe they do, just did not look too hard.

I asked a few dealers at the boat show, they liked the idea and then looked at me funny .... i am getting used to that look with most of my ideas!!

- Nick

jongolds · #6 07-25-2006, 02:15 PM

I do like that hybrid idea. I haven't seen any manufacturer's doing it though and I'm not going to start modifying something that I buy new. Maybe as parts wear out but not something brand new.

Has anyone had an issue with a roller trailer dimpling their hull. I've always suspected that this was much ado about nothing but I'd like to hear from people who've had their SeaCrafts on rollers for a while. I've never had a problem with them on other boats and I beleive the SeaCraft has a thicker hull than either previous boat.