bunk conversion to rollers?

[capt sunshine]

I have a 23 ft chris craft deck boat with a bunk type trailer. I have had trouble loading the boat and am interested in converting my trailer to a roller type to make loading the boat easier and avoid possibly damaging my boat. any suggestions? Should I sell/trade my trailer for a roller trailer or are there other options I should consider?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: bunk conversion to rollers?

For a smaller boat I would think you could pretty easily convert to roller bunks. However for that size boat you may be better off swapping trailers.

 

[109jb]

Re: bunk conversion to rollers?

Why not describe what the troubles you are having are? Most of the time launching and loading problems are technique related and a slight change in technique can solve the problem. It may be worth a try before going to all of the trouble to switch to a roller trailer.

 

[robert graham]

Re: bunk conversion to rollers?

Maybe consider adding those "bunk glides", plastic strips you screw to the top of each bunk making them much slicker for easier launching and loading. They sell them in most marine supply stores and boating catalogs like Cabela's and Overtons. Sounds like your rig could benefit from these without the expense and issues with roller bunks. Good luck1

 

[capt sunshine]

Re: bunk conversion to rollers?

Thanks to all who replied. My problem is with loading. Sometimes is goes well and other times not as good. I'm relatively new to boating with only 1 1/2 yr experience with my boat. A friend of mine has rollers on his trailer which he explains that the process is so easy to load. I don't want to damage my boat or trailer loading. I recently sustained some damage to the front support where the front of the boat secures and the hand winch is located due to too bringing in the boat to strong. I like the suggestion of putting glide strips on the bunks. I also appreciate the suggestion that I need to understand the problem before going to so much trouble and expense when the issue may be mainly technique with loading. I'm sure that is most of my problem.
Would the glide strips enable me to "hand" load the boat onto the trailer. Another words could I pull the boat up onto the trailer most of the way and then use the hand crank to pull it up the rest of the way so I'm not risking damage to the boat or trailer when attempting to drive the boat all the way up where it should be when secured for trailering?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: bunk conversion to rollers?

Its sounds like you're backing the trailer too far into the water and then power loading, this often results in damage to the post or bow.

Don't back the trailer in as deep and then just idle up on the trailer, winch it the rest of the way if needed.

This will be slightly different for every ramp, so the technique and depth will change a little, but the rules still apply.

Using the plastic glides can make it much easier to crank the boat up further on the trailer.

 

[109jb]

Re: bunk conversion to rollers?

I agree with ondarvr. Sounds like you are backing too far in and trying to get the boat all the way up with motor power. Roller or bunk, the winch is what gets the boat all the way up. Try what ondarvr said and don't back in so far and just idle on the trailer. Winch it the rest of the way.