Keelshield and Rollers

[mulliganmagic]

I have a 1974 15' Starcraft trihull that I want to install a keelshield on. My only problem is that I have a narrow wheelbase trailer with 8 in wheels and tires. My trailer has several rollers along the keel of the boat and two short bunks. Two of the rollers are in the way of installing my keelshield because the instructions reccomend that the keelshield doesn't touch the rolers. The instructions say that you can drop the rollers down, but one of mine is permanently fixed (doesn't go up or down) and the other one is already as far down as it goes. So has anyone had any experience with installing keelshields and letting them touch the rollers? Will it damage it or wear it away, or is it ok to install it like that?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Keelshield and Rollers

Can you raise the bunks a little along with the other rollers that won't interfear with the keelshield ?

 

[mulliganmagic]

Re: Keelshield and Rollers

I could try that and I also have a bow stop/roller. Would the bow roller hold the front of the boat off of the front roller? Also, anyone have any experience with just letting them touch?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Keelshield and Rollers

Would the bow roller hold the front of the boat off of the front roller?

No,,,,The bow eye of the boat should pull up snug under the roller not on top of it. You don't want the boat hanging by the winch strap.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Keelshield and Rollers

I have a 1974 15' Starcraft trihull that I want to install a keelshield on. My only problem is that I have a narrow wheelbase trailer with 8 in wheels and tires. My trailer has several rollers along the keel of the boat and two short bunks. Two of the rollers are in the way of installing my keelshield because the instructions reccomend that the keelshield doesn't touch the rolers. The instructions say that you can drop the rollers down, but one of mine is permanently fixed (doesn't go up or down) and the other one is already as far down as it goes. So has anyone had any experience with installing keelshields and letting them touch the rollers? Will it damage it or wear it away, or is it ok to install it like that?

My boat is very similar to yours and I have a Keel Shield on mine. As light as these boats are, I wouldn't worry about the rollers. My shield extends past the first roller on my trailer and in 18 months I haven't seen any damage to the shield.
Here are some photos of my boat and trailer.
Overall

Closeup

 

[xtraham]

Re: Keelshield and Rollers

bekosh: that looks like a supreme boat you have there did you restore it?

 

[bekosh]

Re: Keelshield and Rollers

bekosh: that looks like a supreme boat you have there did you restore it?

Thank you. :$ Yes, I redid her myself. Paint, seats, carpet. Everything.

 

[mulliganmagic]

Re: Keelshield and Rollers

Bekosh, I was hoping that you would reply because I remembered your post of repainting you boat and installing your keelshield. Yes, your boat is made very similar to mine, and I have made the descision to install my keelshield and if I notise any damage I will deal with it then. I also snug my boat to the trailer with two ratchet straps on the back and one on the front along with the winch. So, the chances of it shifting while being trailered are slim.