Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: EZ Loader Trailer Bunk/Roller change?
Posted by oldsalt on 10/09/13 - 5:03 PM
#1
I have a single axle EZ Loader 1000# trailer for my Sport 13 and want to eliminate the two center keel rollers and add a set of side hull rollers so I can put a KEEL SHIELD on my keel. Has anyone done this and/or can you direct me to the proper parts supplier for the side wobble rollers? EZ Loader folks only offer the original keel rollers. Thank you!
Posted by Joe Kriz on 10/09/13 - 5:09 PM
#2
You do not want wobble rollers or roller bunks.
Whaler does not recommend those as they can delaminate the hull.
Use carpeted bunks only if you absolutely don't want to use the keel rollers.
Here is what the Boston Whaler catalogs state for the Classic models.
The keel of your Boston Whaler is the strongest area. The keel is designed to support the weight of the boat. For this reason, the trailer you select should contain center keel rollers to support the entire weight of the boat. Padded bunks should be located so they do not interfere with the bottom spray rails and need only provide lateral stability.
Roller type trailers should not be used on Boston Whalers. Although this type of trailer is popular they can cause damage to your boat and to the foam sandwich construction. Roller trailers do not support the boat at its strongest point -- the keel.
The rollers can cause a ripple effect on the fiberglass which could disrupt the bond between the fiberglass and the foam core. In addition, rollers can put excessive pressure on the molded bottom spray rails when the boat is being launched and retrieved.
Edited by Joe Kriz on 10/09/13 - 5:15 PM
Posted by oldsalt on 10/09/13 - 6:13 PM
#3
Live and learn! Thank you for that. My disire stems from the fact that here on the Puget Sound, we have stony beaches and they chip the keel when beaching the boat. I bought a Keel Shield which protects the keel, but is not recommended for keel rollers.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 10/09/13 - 6:15 PM
#4
Then I would suggest carpeted bunks.
They call these "Float On" trailers.
Posted by cntsnk on 10/13/13 - 8:28 AM
#5
oldsalt wrote:
Live and learn! Thank you for that. My disire stems from the fact that here on the Puget Sound, we have stony beaches and they chip the keel when beaching the boat. I bought a Keel Shield which protects the keel, but is not recommended for keel rollers.
Posted by cntsnk on 10/13/13 - 8:37 AM
#6
oldsalt wrote:
Live and learn! Thank you for that. My disire stems from the fact that here on the Puget Sound, we have stony beaches and they chip the keel when beaching the boat. I bought a Keel Shield which protects the keel, but is not recommended for keel rollers.
you should not beach your boat on rocky beach in the first place! pull up a couple feet to shore line and get out of boat and place anchor on beach snug it in rocks and place another anchor out off the back of boat.snug up line.your boat will be much happier .thats the way i do my 72 nauset with no bottom dings!
Posted by oldsalt on 10/13/13 - 9:30 AM
#7
Agreed! However, I just bought this Whaler this summer and that's the way it came. The gelcoat is chipped and many folks said the keel guard would resolve that and protect the keel in the event that it hits rocks in this extreme high-low tide water. Thanks for your comment.