So, now that the new Bunk Trailer has arrived I need to set it up to take the rib. My question is, do the keel rollers take the weight, and the boat "lightly" sits on the bunks, or is it the bunks that take the weight with the keel rollers helping out?
I guess that might depend on the trailer, but for what it's worth, I've had 2 bunk trailers, and neither had keel rollers apart from one had a couple at the back to help the boat on.
I guess that might depend on the trailer, but for what it's worth, I've had 2 bunk trailers, and neither had keel rollers apart from one had a couple at the back to help the boat on.
I have about 6/7 along the length of the trailer. Only the front roller doesn't touch the hull
Usually (I think) the rollers are there to keep the hull from hitting the crossmembers before the boat is fully on the the trailer. The bunks should be supporting the weight when the boat is fully on.
The keel is stronger than the sides of the hull, I would set it up so that the weight is more on the rollers. If there's too much weight on the bunks you may struggle to slide the boat on or off, another point to consider.
Both of mine were set up so the bunks were touching at the opoint of the deck / hull joint.
Same sort of idea as a Laser dinghy - gunwhale hung is the only way to trail them- all the strength is in that hull / deck joint.
And yes, I was looking at more rollers to ease the on / off thing, then decided to give up & bought a swing beam roller trailer. Bunk trailers are usually easier to get fully submerged so the boat floats off / on.
