Roller vs Bunk Trailer
- Thread starter mattbrown
- Start date
RMarkSampson
Active member
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- Sep 30, 2021
- Messages
- 26
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-302 C
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT3125K314
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- M/V Pukanala
i have a R31 triple axle so not the same in size and weight. I recently upgraded my trailer with new bunks and pulled off all the brakes, axles, springs and electrical lights to rehab them due to saltwater corrosion - and converted to electric over hydraulic braking. So, my advice is based on whether you use the trailer to launch in fresh or saltwater. If saltwater, I would keep it simple and stick with bunks. I've seen roller trailers that are dipped in saltwater, and they simply do not hold up. If you are always in fresh water, then you can go with a roller-trailer if you prefer. I did change out my bunks from wood and carpet to a composite plank - same as what is commonly used for docks. For strength, I used a thicker composite material, over an inch thick and used a two-inch thick piece of the same material placed at a right angle to the bunk underneath for additional strength. All planks were through bolted to the trailer frame, countersinking the bolt heads and filling with epoxy. Think it has been an improvement over carpet/wood.
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Submariner
Channel Surfing
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- Feb 2, 2020
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- Everett, WA
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- R-27 (Outboard)
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- FMLT2702C021
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- Channel Surfing
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We trailered our last boat with bunks. (22' Maxum run-about).
Rollers can be dangerous as it's so easy for the boat to literally just roll off (which is kind of the idea).
I've always had the understanding that rollers vs bunks depends on the boat ramps you plan to use.
Rollers are best for accessing rivers where you may not be able to sink the boat on a trailer enough on the ramp to get it to float on or off the trailer.
Bunks are safer in general, but require the trailer sink enough on the ramp for the boat to float on and float off.
Rollers can be dangerous as it's so easy for the boat to literally just roll off (which is kind of the idea).
I've always had the understanding that rollers vs bunks depends on the boat ramps you plan to use.
Rollers are best for accessing rivers where you may not be able to sink the boat on a trailer enough on the ramp to get it to float on or off the trailer.
Bunks are safer in general, but require the trailer sink enough on the ramp for the boat to float on and float off.
Jcat2010
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- Sep 4, 2022
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- R-27 (Outboard)
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- Barchetta
Ditto to the careful about rolling off, don't ask how I know. Rollers are great if you have a shallow ramp and want to be able to get the boat off by pushing without a lot of resistance. Not sure on that size boat if there would be much advantage. Also, if the boat spends a lot of time on the trailer, rollers will tend to distort a heavy hull over time.