Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: trailers
Posted by salmonboy on 01/17/13 - 9:18 PM
#1
Hey All,
I have a 1986 Outrage 18 and need to get a new trailer. I have read lots of opinions about trailers and most seem to say all the weight must sit on the keel. Didn't whaler change this thinking around the late 1980's? Is a trailer with four bunks still not adequate to support the boat without weigth on the keel? I would like to hear arguments for both sides.
Posted by ConB on 01/18/13 - 5:53 AM
#2
A trailer with four properly fit bunks is just fine. I've had one for years.
Con
Posted by Finnegan on 01/18/13 - 12:23 PM
#3
From what I have read here, it is almost impossible to get a good keel roller trailer in CA, so you will most likely have to settle for a bunk trailer w/four 2 x 6 bunks.
Personally, I would not have one, since they are difficult (comparatively) to launch and retrieve from, usually requiring burying the trailer in the water and powering on, and make it hard to maintain bottom condition of the hull. A keel roller trailer leaves the hull readily accessible for cleaning and polishing. Now if you use bottom paint, I guess that doesn't matter.
http://smg.beta.photobucket.com/user/...3190622691
For reference, the 2800# capacity, all galvanized trailer under this Outrage 19 cost $1800 3 years ago, complete with Stoltz double rollers and SS shafts. They are manufactured in Miami.
Posted by Marko888 on 01/18/13 - 1:07 PM
#5
Though bunk-only trailers don't usually have the ideal number of crossmembers, often only two at this size, you could add some keel roller assemblies to a bunk trailer to provide added keel support.
Posted by Tom W Clark on 01/18/13 - 1:28 PM
#6
A four bunk trailer is just fine for an Outrage 18.
A trailer with keel rollers is easier to use.
Keel rollers can be added to any trailer with cross members, regardless of what brand it is or where it was made.
Posted by mtown on 01/18/13 - 2:37 PM
#7
I have a 1985 18' Outrage that I have been trailering since I bought it in 1990 or so. The boat was bought new by a friend and came with an all roller trailer from the dealer who has been a Whaler dealer since the 50's or close to that. I would not buy a bunk trailer for the launch retreive problems. In one place I go the water is not more than a foot deep
at low tide. It would be impossible to get the boat on or off the trailer if I had bunks. My trailer is EZ Loader, a common brand on the East coast. My 22' Outrage came with a bunk trailer that I completely rebuilt [axles,brakes, brake lines, wheels, hubs, ect] it is very well made and I thought my re-build was a logical investment. Then I launched and retreived the boat a few times. What a difference. Unless I float the boat off at a good ramp it is impossible to launch and to load the boat requires almost complete submersion of the trailer. It is possible where I have launched but would never work at some places I have put other boats in.
PS: I have promised myself that any new trailer I buy will be aluminum.
Posted by Marko888 on 01/18/13 - 3:03 PM
#8
My 1985 Outrage 18 was on a roller trailer trailer from new until fall 2011, and has slight impressions (dents!) in the hull because of it.
A very good friend of mine has had his Outrage 22 on a roller trailer for about 5 years now, and very sligt impressions are now starting to appear. The warnings about this are not BS...these boats should be on bunk trailers to avoid these issues.
To make a bunk trailer easier to live with for launch and retrieval, one could add keel rollers and adjust your trailer as described on this site and CW.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 01/18/13 - 3:15 PM
#9
Roller Bunks, also known as Wobble Roller Bunks, are not good for Whalers. Some people have gotten away with them without any problems so far, while others have dents in their hulls from them.
4 carpeted bunks, or 4 carpeted bunks with keel rollers is the preferred setup for Whalers 16/17' and larger.
Also see this thread, along with many others already discussed on WhalerCentral.
http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/vi...post_86554
I used the "Site Search" link above for "Wobble Roller Bunks"
See the results here:
http://www.whalercentral.com/search.p...p;chars=50
Edited by Joe Kriz on 01/18/13 - 3:21 PM
Posted by mtown on 01/18/13 - 6:19 PM
#10
marko,
My trailer is very similar to the first one shown on your page. My boat has spent extensive time on trailer but is on a lift most of the time now. My comment would be that the rollers need to be adjusted properly on any trailer to support the boat at its strongest parts. The lower rollers on your trailer are carrying the weight of the hull like a keel roller would, and my trailer has a keel roller forward to support the bow section as well as the rollers aft. I have no sign of problems/dents and I have no bottom paint to conseal any. I wade in the water under my lift several time a season and inspect just because I can, and have read much of the no roller stuff here so I am looking for it. I would suggest looking at the way the rollers are positioned and trying to get the weight on the rollers at the lower part of the hull for anyone needing to launch as I do at non-goverment/commercial ramps. What Whaler recommended is probably the best, but you can use your boat and not experience problems in many ways not in the owners manual.
Posted by salmonboy on 01/18/13 - 6:35 PM
#11
Really great feedback everyone, thanks. In fact Joe I am lined up to get a trailer from Pacific. I'll probably order it in the next week or two. I have had these before and they are tough, great trailers and the support is superb. Only a couple hour drive from me to the factory.
How about the Vault presurized hub? Has anyone had any good or bad experiance with these? They claim you get 10 years of service trouble free.
Posted by Marko888 on 01/19/13 - 8:04 AM
#13
Mtown, Its good that your rig is fine. Mine is not ruined, but shows clear evidence of having sat on a roller trailer for too long.
My point was simply expressing my experience with my boat on the Shoreland'r shown in my avatar, which has been sold, so folks reading this thread know the warnings regarding roller trailers should be taken seriously.
My boat currently sits on an old bunk trailer with 5 keel rollers.
Posted by mtown on 01/19/13 - 12:46 PM
#14
I agree completely about the input, was simply giving my experience with both types. Some places I launch I do not even get the trailer tires wet.