Types of boat trailers
Feb 15, 2021 09:28:21 #
Jeremy wrote:
Me too the only thing that sucks is the boat is still on rollers and have to get it connected to strap to hold it in place. Bunk Trailer the boats weight gets on bunks and boat will not usually try to roll back into the lake or river like on rollers.
I have rollers for my 18' - easy to load an unload.
Added, on advice from another fisherman, two extra bunks near the front so we I pull the boat up from the water the keel rests on these and it does not slide back. Makes it easier to get the boat in, center it and get the strap hooked up. When the boat is fully cranked up the bunks are about 2-3" below the keel and "out of the way"
Feb 15, 2021 09:39:00 #
Capt. Lou
Loc: PA
Lighter boats those under 2000 lbs rollers are fine ! Heavier larger boats float on or drive Ons get my vote !
I’ve owned 12-26’ OB and always used a float on bunk trailer because this trailer allowed me to launch n load by myself !
No winches
drive on drive off ! Simple !
I’ve owned 12-26’ OB and always used a float on bunk trailer because this trailer allowed me to launch n load by myself !
No winches
drive on drive off ! Simple !
Feb 15, 2021 10:34:16 #
Agreed , DozerDave.
I have my 18’ deep V on bunks.
Living in rural MT we travel dirt roads to some of our lakes and the bunks keep the hull from developing “roller dents” in the aluminum hull as we traverse some rough dirt roads.
As mentioned before, never seen a boat slip off of a bunk trailer on the ramp...not so with rollers.
I have my 18’ deep V on bunks.
Living in rural MT we travel dirt roads to some of our lakes and the bunks keep the hull from developing “roller dents” in the aluminum hull as we traverse some rough dirt roads.
As mentioned before, never seen a boat slip off of a bunk trailer on the ramp...not so with rollers.
Feb 15, 2021 13:49:19 #
Seems to be a good idea to follow the "LOTSA" rule if you use rollers. LOTSA rollers!
Feb 15, 2021 14:06:24 #
Barnacles wrote:
Seems to be a good idea to follow the "LOTSA" rule if you use rollers. LOTSA rollers!
What’s the LOTSA rule?...🐟on
Feb 15, 2021 14:11:23 #
Feb 15, 2021 14:39:11 #
I have both, an all-roller for a 22 ft boat and a bunk trailer for a 18 ft fiberglass center console. I have talked at length with knowledgible people who have many years of experience working on trailer boats, and here's the best advice they have shared. A bunk trailer is better support for a boat, particularly a heavy boat. That's because the bunks support accross multiple stringers (the support structure) inside the hull. Rollers can push on the hull in between the stringers and can cause damage to some boats. As to launching, it all depends on the length of the tongue, the slope of the ramp, the slickness of the bunks and your hull, the bushings on the rollers, the type of hull, etc. etc.
Feb 15, 2021 15:06:21 #
saw1 wrote:
LOTS OF whatever you need. 
Yeah, something like that... I guess 🤷♂️😂🤣🐟on
Feb 15, 2021 17:15:15 #
Fishing Fool
Loc: redding, ca
DozerDave wrote:
I have bunks and I don’t get my truck wet. I don’t even get my feet wet. And I launch and load all by myself...and that’s with an 18’ deep V...🤷♂️🐟on
I have both on my 22 foot boat; bunks and rollers with alignment polls on both sides and drive it up and it does not slide back at all.
Feb 15, 2021 17:44:41 #
Feb 15, 2021 17:47:27 #
I have a 20+ foot glass boat w/250 hp. It has bunks. I had a 16’ and it had rollers. I personally like the rollers much better once you know how to use them properly. Bunks are difficult at times when wind is an issue. On rollers You just have to be careful not to unlock the safety chain and winch too early or your boat may not make the water:)
Feb 15, 2021 23:59:48 #
GlennMc928
Loc: Tualatin OR
I was always told that a boat trailer with rollers is bad for a boat because the weight of the boat is all in one place as in where the rollers are. A boat that is on a trailer that uses bunks distributes the weight evenly, and it keeps the boat more stable while on the trailer too.
Feb 16, 2021 07:25:46 #
Capt. Lou
Loc: PA
That’s correct bunks best overall especially for heavier boats . I’ve had boats that weighed over 5000 Lbs on float on trailers with bunks ! Drive on drive off one man operation ! No winches a pleasure !
Feb 16, 2021 11:06:13 #
loweemjr
Loc: Chesapeake bay area MD.
Barnacles wrote:
Some boat trailers have bunks, and some have rollers. What are the pros and cons of each, why would you choose one type over the other? What are your thoughts?
Ive had both( small boat and 25 ft and in my opinion Bunk is the way to go. They are easier to launch and retrieve. You have replace rollers which are expensive. They wear out and fall off. if the bunks are aligned properly they will guide the boat up to the bow stop. There is a lot of hardware and maintenance associated with rollers.
Hope this helps.
Feb 16, 2021 11:42:00 #
Interesting thread to say the least. i have learned a lot from far more experienced users here.
As a one boat owner - my first one - 18' Lund deep V- the rollers are stupidly simple and as someone who is alone 80% of the time, I tie off, get my truck and trailer, back it in, push the boat out a little pull it in on center with help from a 25 ft rope with hook in the eye on the nose of the boat . pull it up, hook the strap on and I am out of the water in less than 2 mins. If loading on a river ramp or in wind it sometimes takes a little more concentration but on a river I am NEVER alone and worst case scenario if it's windy I get a little wet guiding the boat.
Good to learn about load and stress points from you pros though - thanks
As a one boat owner - my first one - 18' Lund deep V- the rollers are stupidly simple and as someone who is alone 80% of the time, I tie off, get my truck and trailer, back it in, push the boat out a little pull it in on center with help from a 25 ft rope with hook in the eye on the nose of the boat . pull it up, hook the strap on and I am out of the water in less than 2 mins. If loading on a river ramp or in wind it sometimes takes a little more concentration but on a river I am NEVER alone and worst case scenario if it's windy I get a little wet guiding the boat.
Good to learn about load and stress points from you pros though - thanks
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