roller to bunk trailer--Who has done this?

[Genie Aye]

I have noticed that most of the V-20's in my area are on bunk trailers. I have had it with my roller trailer and want to change it over to a bunk set-up.

Has anyone done this? Those that have bunk trailers--can I get pictures of them? Especially the bunk to trailer brackets and set-ups for bunk lengths and placement.

Thanks for any help.

Genie Aye.

[tsubaki]

Hows about keel rollers with bunk supports.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w159/tsubaki3/Picture196.jpg
And bunk guide on's.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w159/tsubaki3/Picture276.jpg

[tsubaki]

I was all ready to convert over to this until I actually used the setup I already had.

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w159/tsubaki3/trailerbounks.jpg
My trailer is a 1975 model that came with the boat, just broke the original springs a few weeks ago. As far as I know it is the original setup and hardware on it. The former owners used boat hoists and not ramps to launch the boat.
The hardware for the bunks is the normal stuff you would expect.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w159/tsubaki3/trailer002.jpg
But the rollers have a modification I had not seen before. It would appear they replaced the smaller rods and bushings with 1" pipe, it's strong and works very well for this weight boat, launches very easy at a ramp.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w159/tsubaki3/trailer001.jpg
At some point I do need to tandem the axle though.
I've tried to look at yours to see if this is possible but can't quite tell if you have enough cross members to do it easily.

[cfelton]

I bought a used tandem axle bunk trailer out from under a 26 ft. boat, shortened it up and replaced the 8ft bunks, carpet, keel rollers and brackets. Then I took the cradle roller set off my old v20 trailer, rebuilt it and mounted it about 6ft back from the bow. It really works great. I guess I've got the best of both! The boat rolls and slides on and off really easy. Look at the gallery pics of it and you'll see it. I'll try and get you some pics of it next time I unload the boat.

[Genie Aye]

I appreciatte the pictures and info--the length of bunks etc for sure.

I have a cox hd full roller tandem axle trailer--the roller set up never comes on straight--I have checked and adjusted the rollers etc, etc. I have tried different depths, angles etc for getting the boat straight--does not happen. It makes me feel like a idiot when I have to back the boat in agian deeper and pull the rear over to get it half way straight.

I have seen a local boat (50 miles north) with a center keel boards(2) and 2 outer bunks.

I have two crossmembers to work with now and a third up front. I can add another if needed. Keep the info and pictures coming --please!!

[cfelton]

I've seen keel rollers that have a groove cut from the outer edges towards the middle that centers the keel as the boat rolls onto the trailer. They might help.

[joe7670]

I converted my trailer from roller to bunk. The bunk to trailer hardware is identical to that in tsubaki's picture above. Very easy conversion on my trailer as I had 3" crossmembers.

The type of bracket will depend on the trailer crossmembers.

I have a friend that works at a trailer shop and here is a copy of the bunk info from their catalog.

[reelapeelin]

I converted my trailer from roller to bunk. The bunk to trailer hardware is identical to that in tsubaki's picture above. Very easy conversion on my trailer as I had 3" crossmembers.

The type of bracket will depend on the trailer crossmembers.

I have a friend that works at a trailer shop and here is a copy of the bunk info from their catalog.


Genie...the bunks Joe shows above from his buddies' catalog are what I highly recommend...just remove all the roller brackets from the trailer frame and go back w/the large, heavy bunks like in tsubaki's pic above...that trailer belongs to a friend of mine and is set up for a 24' Everglades...cradles it nicely...it'll end your trailer woes and provide the best support for your V20...you'll probably have to add one or two keel-rollers to catch the bow as it comes on/off the trailer...the self-centering roller mentioned above would be a good choice...take some pics of how you set it up and let us know...

[spareparts]

Genie, post a close up pick of your roller brackets, I think you can do a quick easy conversion if you have the brackets I think you have. I have converted several roller trailers to bunks and it looks liek you have the kind I'm thinking of, but I need a close up to tell for sure.

[randlemanboater]

I had a Cox roller trailer one time with a 19ft center console, it rarely worked right so I feel your pain, I'd end up getting 2 or 3 guys to pick up the boat and straighten it after trying 3 times on the ramp.

Bunks are the way to go!!!!

[Genie Aye]

Genie, post a close up pick of your roller brackets, I think you can do a quick easy conversion if you have the brackets I think you have. I have converted several roller trailers to bunks and it looks liek you have the kind I'm thinking of, but I need a close up to tell for sure.

I will get pictures ASAP.

Thanks everyone--keep it coming. Is there a reason you put the runners on end instead of width of board??

[Genie Aye]

I had a Cox roller trailer one time with a 19ft center console, it rarely worked right so I feel your pain, I'd end up getting 2 or 3 guys to pick up the boat and straighten it after trying 3 times on the ramp.

Bunks are the way to go!!!!


Sounds like cox had a issue with the people setting up the rollers or just their design--I was thinking I was the only spass around at the ramp!! LOL

[reelapeelin]

I will get pictures ASAP.

Thanks everyone--keep it coming. Is there a reason you put the runners on end instead of width of board??



MUCH more strength across the length of the bunker standing up like that...and that's the key to distributing the load over as much area as possible to protect the bottom of your hull...

[randlemanboater]

Sounds like cox had a issue with the people setting up the rollers or just their design--I was thinking I was the only spass around at the ramp!! LOL

I think it was the boat bottom not being compatable with the roller system, the roller would catch on an edge and not let it slide into place.

It would have worked great with a smooth bottom boat.

[Genie Aye]

I got the switch over done!! Had to move the front cross support back and then mounted 4 2x6 weather treated boards--covered with carpet--and did some moving around of the supports and dropped them 1 inch. I will get pictures ASAP---

Best part is boat comes on straight every time now!!!

[Destroyer]

Look on eBay... there are strips that you put on the bunk tops. Supposed to make the boat slide off and on much easier. Not sure how long they will last...but the idea seems sound. :head:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/REPLACE-BOAT-TRAILER-CARPET-WIDE-BUNK-SLIDES-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem23075329adQQitemZ15044 6746029QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

[briguyny]

I am looking for a trailer for a newly purchased 1993 V21. In your experience what is the best trailer and set-up possible for me? I can modify if necessary, but would prefer a model/specific type that works well straight out of the box. I'm sure this won't be the case though so if anyone has the "perfect" setup I would appreciate your insight. I will not be trailering it much but when I do it will be about 100 miles each way and I will be dropping it into a lake. I'm sure you guys are proud of the trailer concoctions you have built over the years and if there is something you feel is best please share it. Bunk? Rollers? A Combination? What is best?

[Genie Aye]

I have had both on this boat--the bunk is the way to GO!! I had to change mine from a roller to do it--but about 6 hours and it was all set up and works AWESOME--straight everytime now.

My cameras are both dead right now--but I am headed out fishing for the next 3 days and will take a some pictures on my phone and post them first of next week. I would also get a tandem axle.

And congrats agian on your new V-21--ya thief!!

[briguyny]

Thanks Genie, I look forward to seeing those pics and the setup you ran. Happy fishing.

[Genie Aye]

Here are the pictures with the boat on the trailer--I will try and get some this week when I head out fishing and have the boat off. Questions are welcome of course.

Sorry it took so long.

[willy]

What is down the center (keel) when you first pull her up, what is helping to center the boat? I saw one keel pad in the pics but it looked low.

[reelapeelin]

All I can say is WOW!!...I fully expected to see ALL the roller brackets gone, replaced entirely by bunKs and a couple of rollers for centering and beam protection...the flat bunks running front to back of all the brackets is a real stroke of genius!!...:clap:talk about SUPPORT!!...and easy to see why she centers so well loading...did you see that done or is that all your idea?...either way...GREAT!!... :beer:

[step up here]

yes sir, its a good thing i saved my rollers. now i have two options. looking at the pics is a huge help. MANY THANKS on that one.:clap::clap:

[Genie Aye]

The keel rollers on there are ones that were previously on there with the rollers--I just did not remove them---the boat gets nowhere near them--so not needed--The 4 boards are measured as to slide it in place off of the bottom (chines)of the boat.

The idea to use the roller brackets was mine---I took measurements and built it--then went down and loaded the boat out of the lake---brought her home and jacked up the boat in place, then moved the boards into place to make them tight on the chines---1/2 to 3/4" clearence.

The boards are allowed to swivel by being on the roller assemblies bothfront back for them to conform to the hull front to rear and pivot center to outside to conform to the V shape---

I put the trailer about 6 inches in front of the fenders underwater and drive her on--centers automatically about 3/4 of the way on---then pull her out and crank in about 4 inches as the bunks level out when you stop floating the boat---has worked spot on everytime since I got her done last year.

Cost estimate--under $100
Time--about 6 hours


Glad you guys like it---I will get pictures with the boat off this coming week when I am out fishing off the coast---Ling Cod and Sea Bass!!

[Starzofchaos]

I am in need of replacing my keel roller, it is tearing up the keel big time. You can see the pic of it in my profile where the roller sits at. I put that there to replace a broken pvc centering... thing. We thought it would be a good idea to replace it with a keel roller. It turned out to be a not so good idea. I like the bunk boards for the keel that tsubaki has on his boat, i just need to see them better or even find out who makes them.
One place wanted me to use a swiveling bunk board bracket to fit on there, but didnt say how I would attach it at or if I can angle it to fit the keel.
Any Ideas?

[reelapeelin]

The keel rollers on there are ones that were previously on there with the rollers--I just did not remove them---the boat gets nowhere near them--so not needed--The 4 boards are measured as to slide it in place off of the bottom (chines)of the boat.

The idea to use the roller brackets was mine---I took measurements and built it--then went down and loaded the boat out of the lake---brought her home and jacked up the boat in place, then moved the boards into place to make them tight on the chines---1/2 to 3/4" clearence.

The boards are allowed to swivel by being on the roller assemblies bothfront back for them to conform to the hull front to rear and pivot center to outside to conform to the V shape---

I put the trailer about 6 inches in front of the fenders underwater and drive her on--centers automatically about 3/4 of the way on---then pull her out and crank in about 4 inches as the bunks level out when you stop floating the boat---has worked spot on everytime since I got her done last year.

Cost estimate--under $100
Time--about 6 hours


Glad you guys like it---I will get pictures with the boat off this coming week when I am out fishing off the coast---Ling Cod and Sea Bass!!

If I had a roller trailer, I'd convert mine TOMORROW...THE WHOLE THING ARTICULATES TO CONFORM TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HULL...YOU MIGHT HAVE REALLY HIT ON SOMETHING...Damn caps Lock...:nut:

[Destroyer]

I am in need of replacing my keel roller, it is tearing up the keel big time. You can see the pic of it in my profile where the roller sits at. I put that there to replace a broken pvc centering... thing. We thought it would be a good idea to replace it with a keel roller. It turned out to be a not so good idea. I like the bunk boards for the keel that tsubaki has on his boat, i just need to see them better or even find out who makes them.
One place wanted me to use a swiveling bunk board bracket to fit on there, but didnt say how I would attach it at or if I can angle it to fit the keel.
Any Ideas?

A properly fitted keel roller will not tear up the keel. The whole reason for the roller is to prevent the keel from being torn up. I'm willing to bet that your keel is hitting something as your boats launching or retrieving. But the roller (if it's adjusted correctly) should never do anything except allow the keel to glide across it.:head:

[reelapeelin]

A properly fitted keel roller will not tear up the keel. The whole reason for the roller is to prevent the keel from being torn up. I'm willing to bet that your keel is hitting something as your boats launching or retrieving. But the roller (if it's adjusted correctly) should never do anything except allow the keel to glide across it.:head:


How big a roller was it and did it spin properly?...sometimes they stop turning on their shaft...

[Starzofchaos]

The keel roller is a 12" thermal plastic roller from yates. I can tell where it took off the gelcoat due to some left over paint embedded in the roller.
After the weight of the boat sitting on the roller for a while it developed a flat spot, and its starting to bend making it hard to roll.
So I got a few choices left, either replace it with a self centering polyurethane roller or do away with it all and do the brackets and bunk board. Or add in another cross beam aft and keep the roller to help center the boat. Either way I am looking at 100 bucks to fix this problem.
I noticed in the past that the 3x3 tube the I beams connect to sits almost 4" forward of the roller cross beam. I can tell it has done some damage in the past. I've looked at other Aluminum trailers on the internet and seen that this tube doesn't extend nearly as far aft as mine does. This is the reason that we had to keep the keel roller so it doesn't contact the tube. I'll go this weekend and get the boat off of the trailer and take more pictures.

[reelapeelin]

The keel roller is a 12" thermal plastic roller from yates. I can tell where it took off the gelcoat due to some left over paint embedded in the roller.
After the weight of the boat sitting on the roller for a while it developed a flat spot, and its starting to bend making it hard to roll.
So I got a few choices left, either replace it with a self centering polyurethane roller or do away with it all and do the brackets and bunk board. Or add in another cross beam aft and keep the roller to help center the boat. Either way I am looking at 100 bucks to fix this problem.
I noticed in the past that the 3x3 tube the I beams connect to sits almost 4" forward of the roller cross beam. I can tell it has done some damage in the past. I've looked at other Aluminum trailers on the internet and seen that this tube doesn't extend nearly as far aft as mine does. This is the reason that we had to keep the keel roller so it doesn't contact the tube. I'll go this weekend and get the boat off of the trailer and take more pictures.

Yeah...once that roller won't roll freely, it becomes a problem...the pin going thru the roller is't strong enough to support the weight of a V20 on it's own....had the same issue...never tried this, but considered putting TWO rollers back to back on the same cross-member to double the support...I did the two bunks you describe....more $$ but it solved the problem...

[Destroyer]

Yeah...once that roller won't roll freely, it becomes a problem...the pin going thru the roller is't strong enough to support the weight of a V20 on it's own....had the same issue...never tried this, but considered putting TWO rollers back to back on the same cross-member to double the support...I did the two bunks you describe....more $$ but it solved the problem...

I've seen setups like that where you have 2 keel rollers set next to each other about 2 inches apart on a swivel bracket. Lets the rollers tilt a little forward or backward as the boat comes across them, and carries twice the weight of a single.

As far as the roller flattening out, get Yates brand yellow poly rollers... I've had great success with them in the past and they don't seem to flatten near as much as the black rubber kind. plus they don't leave black marks on your hull.

[Genie Aye]

Okay--here are pictures with the boat off of the trailer.
Opps--a fish picture slipped in--LOL

[reelapeelin]

Okay--here are pictures with the boat off of the trailer.
Opps--a fish picture slipped in--LOL


Nice fish Genie!!...are those Ling Cod?...

I really like your trailer set-up....as long as the sharp point of the bow gets between those two inner bunks your golden...as w/any other trailer...miss the middle and the metal gonna eat up some gelcoat...:cen:...but I bet you already now that...

[Genie Aye]

Nice fish Genie!!...are those Ling Cod?...

I really like your trailer set-up....as long as the sharp point of the bow gets between those two inner bunks your golden...as w/any other trailer...miss the middle and the metal gonna eat up some gelcoat...:cen:...but I bet you already now that...

Yes--these are Ling.

As for missing the center---not a issue--there is no way to hit anything that will tear anything up--Believe me--I have tried hitting it at every angle--if you hit high on one board--it will push you into the center--remember the boards pivot still just like the rollers did---works GREAT!!

I loaded yesterday with a big wind blowing me sideways/actual angular and she centered right up!

[spareparts]

genie, you did exactly what I was talking about. we converted 15 or more trailers that way and they work great

[Genie Aye]

genie, you did exactly what I was talking about. we converted 15 or more trailers that way and they work great

Get rid of them rollers--what a PAIN-----

I use to think that rollers where it---but never agian!!

[reelapeelin]

As for missing the center---not a issue--there is no way to hit anything that will tear anything up--


No way, huh??...Gimme that thing for a minute!!...I'll show you how to F-UP some gel cote REEL QUICK!!...LOL!!...

[Genie Aye]

No way, huh??...Gimme that thing for a minute!!...I'll show you how to F-UP some gel cote REEL QUICK!!...LOL!!...


"NOT" Gonna happen!!!!:nut: