Rollers

thestigmach1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Mar 30, 2015
Messages
81
Im new to the fiberglass boat world, always had a pontoon before. I bought a project boat and its finally almost ready for the water. Upon further inspection of the rollers they seem to have over time taken the gelcoat off the hull. Is that normal? It is a 1969 and looks like all original. Should I adjust the rollers lower on the trailer so they don't rub that much or maybe softer roller?
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
No, rollers shouldn't be removing gel-coat. It does indicate the rollers are adjusted up too hard. The bulk of the weight of the boat should be on the keel rollers, not any of the side rollers. The side rollers are really only there to stop the boat falling over. When adjusted correctly you should be able to push on the gunwale on either side and lift the hull slightly off the side rollers. I sometimes also watch in my wing mirrors as I go around a corner. I can easily see daylight (during the day :D) between the side rollers and the hull, probably about an inch.

HTH,

Chris.....
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
Eh... Rollers don't remove gel coat.... Maybe they aren't rolling?

I certainly wouldn't want rollers or bunks on the sides showing daylight, much less letting the boat rock side to side.

Without knowing the trailer style and roller locations there's no way we can give good info on how to adjust.... Get us some pics.
 
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