Boat Trailers

[Toby]

I'm looking to switch from a roller trailer to a bunk trailer. I think the bunk will be easier since I launch alone a lot, or have my 4 year old with me. With the bigger boat I will probably only use decent ramps. Can anyone recommend a good trailer dealer down on Cape Cod?

I don't know if I should trade this trialer in, trade it to someone or outright sell it then buy a bunk.

[JennyB]

If the trailer is in good shape you might want to consider converting from roller to bunk, not a difficult process and probably will save you a fair amount.

Check out The Krew on this site, he is in the process of buying a new trailer and can probably provide a lot of feedback on prices and availability.

Good luck

[Dumpcast]

I'm curious why a bunk is easier for loading than a roller setup. I have a bunk trailer for my 16-foot Lund, and every time I launch, I wish it had rollers, especially when I'm alone. And on one shallow-pitched, tide-sensitive ramp that I occasionally use in Gloucester, it takes at least two people to get the boat afloat. When hauling out, don't rollers center the boat on the trailer? Bunks, at least the ones on my EZ Loader trailer, do not. What's your thinking?

[RMEZZY]

I purchased a new roller trailer last year and found several items key to that decision.

1) Hull type and strength - if the boat sits on the trailer for extended periods it may be best to go with bunk - my Grady White is rock solid and handles the rolleres just fine.

2) Many people with roller trailers launch and retrieve with too much trailer in the water. They are designed to be rolled off and winched on. If you try to drive on alone, the boat will roll off before you can get her cliped in. I just submerge the first set of rollers, nudge the bow on and clip in and winch.

3) The "power up" on the bunk trailer always leaves me uneasy. If you really have the feel for it, all is weel but one misjudgement and you can have serious damage.

Talk to Coastline in falmouth. Good prices and practical advice.

[Smcdermott]

[QUOTE=RMEZZY
2) Many people with roller trailers launch and retrieve with too much trailer in the water. They are designed to be rolled off and winched on. If you try to drive on alone, the boat will roll off before you can get her cliped in. I just submerge the first set of rollers, nudge the bow on and clip in and winch.
QUOTE]

I have a roller trailer. I power on when alone. I just leave the motor just barely in gear which keeps her from rolling back. Quickly hop over the bow to clip in. Jump back on the boat and turn off the motor and trim up. Get off the boat and a few turns of the winch and I am gone. A few ramps have signs against power loading but those I have used have good loading docks that you can walk the boat onto the trailer with a bow line. To launch alone with the roller I attach a bow line with the tag end attached to the boat and the spliced end on the winch bracket. I lower the boat into the water until the rope comes tight. Release the winch cable and hop on. Lower the motor and fire her up. Untie the bow line and motor over to the dock area. Get back to the truck and pull it off the ramp. I find this to be quick and safe.

Sean

[Bob Parsons]

Power loading ?? It is one thing to drive your boat on to the first set of rollars. And another to gun the engine untill the bow is all the way to the bow rollar. I use the hop off method or on a steep ramp where I can get the bow close to the winch post, I'll loop the bow line over the post and secure it on a bow cleat to keep the boat from rolling when I turn off the mortor. I find rollers much easier than bunks.

[Roop]

I believe unless everyone has the same hull you are comparing apples to oranges.

A cross wind + t-top + deep-v + roller = a good test of your retrieving skills.

I helped set up a buddy's new 25 CC with a bunk trailer, this is his first time trailering a boat & he nails the launch & retireve perfectly every time.

My next trailer will be a bunk, I believe they are much easier to use.

[Toby]

My last samller boat had a roller trailer and it wasn't bad. This Walkabout has a bow pulpit for the anchor. On my first launches I backed in until the top of the fenders were just out of the water. I had to wrap the bow line around the winch post so I could uncrank the winch to get the hook off. I was worried the the 1/2" line would snap in my face. A quick unwrap of the bow line and the boat would fly off the trailer. I talked to the guy at coast line. He said I was not in the water enough. So I backed down in further. Now I could un hook it and it wouldn't move. A hard shove and it would slowly roll off. But now the anchor comes soo close to the winch rolls I think it's a matter of time before something rips off. I used to power load, leave it in gear, and lean over and throw the chain on. I can't reach the chain with this boat because it is too high. So now I drive up to the trailer gently and shut it down. Jump off the side onto the fender, I haven't fallen in yet but it's bound to happen. Scurry up the trailer and start winching on. The boat is heavy and the chines are so steep the the front rollers really struggle to roll under the bow. It stinks having to winch it all the way up. (powerwinch?)

I've been at a ramp on the bay side where I had to help a guy get his boat off the bunks because there was not enough water to float the boat. My old boat came off easily with a rap on the brakes in reverse. But for deep ramps the bunk guys seem to have a much easier time.

I never considered removing the rollers and adding bunks. The trailer is a 05' load rite, dual axle, 4 disk brakes. I imagine I could try and sell the rollers and hardware.