Marks on hull from trailer rollers

C-NUMB · 21 July 2012, 08:23

My black Indespension rollers is leaving black marks on the hull, is there any treatment for rubber (does 303 help for this ?) to avoid this or is it time to change to polyurethane rollers?

Thanks

cgf10 · 21 July 2012, 13:54

are your rollers running free ? They tend to bite more if they are rusted and not spinning - easy to sort with wirebrush, grease and new split pins I guess ?

Dhf · 21 July 2012, 14:19

I have the same problem, after replacing all the rubber rollers last year. it made a bit of difference, but they still mark, so I was thinking of either painting them white, or maybe wrapping extra strong white duck tape around each roller, dunno if anyone has tryed this before, and whether it would work or not, guess those non marking nylon rollers are the real answer, but pricy to replace full set.
I fully agree though, annual grease helps them roll better.

Hightower · 22 July 2012, 11:35

This is a common problem with Indespension trailers, I had a Snipe trailer and had the same problem. I just learn't to live with it. Due to the rollers distorting when the boat is launched and loaded and from it sitting on them painting, duck tape and any other method of stopping the marks wouldn't last 5 minuets. That being the case I think your only option would be to live with it or go for the hard nylon rollers.

kerny · 22 July 2012, 11:58

Have the same problem with mine but when I am cleaning the hull I just use a little ciff on a damp cloth and it's soon gone, also I just push the rib back a little to clean the marks that have been resting on the rollers then just winch it back up again. Simples

C-NUMB · 22 July 2012, 11:59

OK, thanks for the comments. Little worried about harder rollers, might cause cracks in places like spray rails if the boat is not perfectly positioned on the trailer. Will revert if I find a solution/cure.

Hightower · 22 July 2012, 19:47

Been using hard rollers for 5 years without problems on my Osprey. FYI I power the RIB back on the trailer too, again with no problems. I'm sure others could confirm that nylon rollers cause no problems for fiberglass hulls.

C-NUMB · 22 July 2012, 21:22

Ok, thanks, that good to know. Can source these locally(at a price though...)
Stoltz Industries, Inc | Polyurethane Rollers for Boat Trailers
, made of Polyurethane. Need to check if the size fit without any major modifications.