Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Boat resting on keel on trailer

Posted by modenacart on 04/10/09 - 7:30 PM
#1

Is the boat's forward keel suppose to contract the trailer when its on it? Mine is right now and I am considering raising the bunks so it doesn't. There is some damage on the boat where when the person before it trailered it, missed the rubber and ran the keel into the trailer. I think I will replace the rubber with a wide roller.

Posted by Mike on 04/11/09 - 4:36 AM
#2

The keel rollers should supply support for most of the weight of the boat. The bunks should be adjusted to provide lateral stability of the boat, but not really be supporting much weight.

Posted by Phil T on 04/11/09 - 4:51 AM
#3

The problem you report is common on older trailers.

To eliminate the hull missing the rollers, consider 12" V rollers in the rear and middle and 6-8" V style rollers in the bow.

If you have windy and/or strong current at the ramp, consider adding rear guide posts. They will center the boat and make loading a very easy task.

Posted by modenacart on 04/11/09 - 6:29 AM
#4

Thats what I think I will do. Thanks.

Posted by WhalerDan on 04/11/09 - 8:00 AM
#5

Yes, you need a bow stop roller. You can also get a rubber bumper piece for the forward part of trailer.

Posted by modenacart on 04/11/09 - 8:30 AM
#6

It has a rubber bumper, but I don't really like it. Its kind of short lengthwise. I just put a roller on the aft end of the trailer but I think I will get a longer one and more that one to the forward end.

Posted by Phil T on 04/11/09 - 11:38 AM
#7

If you create a personal page, take a few photos of your trailer and post them, we can get you dialed in without any effort.


Posted by modenacart on 04/12/09 - 4:00 PM
#8

OK, got pictures on my personal page. They are at the bottom.

Posted by Phil T on 04/12/09 - 8:44 PM
#9

The key thing is for the rollers to take the weight and the bunks to support the side-to-side.

You need to make several adjustments.

Raise the current rear roller a few inches up.
Add a second roller of the same size on the middle cross member
Add a third roller in the front, bolting through where the frames meet (triangle shaped area).

Once all the rollers are level, strap the rear corners of the boat to the trailer so it does not move. Adjust the bunks so they are touching the hull. Hand tighten bolts. Give each bunk bracket a medium hit upward with a hammer and then tighten the bolts down.

Posted by modenacart on 04/13/09 - 2:27 PM
#10

Thanks.

Posted by modenacart on 05/23/09 - 2:36 PM
#11

I added the roller to the aft end and the middle. Only problem is when I launched today the cap fell of the end of the rod though the roller and it fell off. Left a really nice gouge in the gelcoat along the keel too. Is there ia trick to putting the caps on the roller?

Posted by Phil T on 05/23/09 - 3:05 PM
#12

Those caps are tricky. I have a scarp board on my leg up against on end while I whack, hard and straight the opposite side's cap on. It may take a couple of whacks.

In the future, I plan to get stainless roller pins and drill a hole and use a cotter pin.

To drill the hole, take the rod, using a punch (like a nail set), make a divot. This helps the drill bite and not spin off. Then drill it out going slow with a metal bit and some oil. A vice will help keep the rod straight.

Posted by mattgeiger on 05/23/09 - 3:36 PM
#13

Check out my personal page. I just went through adding new bunks - thanks to a tip from Phil T. As Phil T mentioned, I had it sitting on the rollers - strapped level. I used a hydraulic bottle jack and a block of wood to add some upward pressure on each of the 10 bunk brackets. I re-measured for level often. I am very happy I have this set up.

Posted by modenacart on 05/24/09 - 10:04 AM
#14

I don't know if there is something I don't understand, but it doesn't seem to matter how hard, how many times I hit the rot into the cap, they just won't stay on.