Converting trailer bunks to rollers

[joha0036]

Looking to decrease my time at the landing.

Has anyone converted their bunk trailer to rollers? Is there or would there be a negative effect on the hull? I have an 02 X20 that never seems to want to go on the trailer straight with the bunks 1/2-3/4 submerged and without them submerged that far it's a chore to winch it up even after soaking the bunks.

I have guide posts on the trailer but even with less than 1" gap on either side they don't prevent my issue. How tight do you run them? Should I have them "tight" against the boat where they run towards the rear when trailered and let them flex at the widest (console area) spot of the boat when loading and unloading?

I recently added a self centering roller between the front bunks but still have issues at landings that's aren't level. If the roller bunks aren't an option I will consider replacing the center running lights in the rear of the trailer so I can put another self centering roller between the rear bunks...right now the ubolts needed to hold the roller bracket would ruin the 3 red light bar that is factory (which is why I put the first self centering roller between front bunks).

Anyone have any good solutions or am I just too picky about how centered my boat is on the trailer?

 

[jeanette]

We would like rollers on our trailer too. Did you manage anything?
Thanks,
Jeanette

 

[cbjustDOOit]

Squirt a little dish soap on the bunks, or add Plastic covers instead of the carpets. After 15 years with this boat, I back the trailer in until the front step of the fender touches the Water.
I have never been able to center the boat if you power it all the way, but even leaving just a foot to hand crank will center the back perfectly.
Good Luck.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Bunks with Teflon Strips is the way to go. Rollers can easily cause damage to ski hulls. You have to have many and they must be set up right. If not, causes waves in the hull.

I bet I take less than a minute to launch and maybe 2 minutes to retrieve the skis.

On steep ramps you can't came all the way forward as the stops don't line up. So get close, hook the straps, pull out of the water and finish winching once on level land. This is where the Teflon Strips come in.

 

[jeanette]

Thank you for the ideas Will look for these materials for the bunks.

Squirt a little dish soap on the bunks, or add Plastic covers instead of the carpets. After 15 years with this boat, I back the trailer in until the front step of the fender touches the Water.
I have never been able to center the boat if you power it all the way, but even leaving just a foot to hand crank will center the back perfectly.
Good Luck.[/

This sounds good. Will hunt for the Plastic covers. Thank you.

 

[cbjustDOOit]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOADRITE-LH...ash=item566923bd6f:g:aE0AAOSwGvhT~KxT&vxp=mtr

 

[biffdotorg]

Rollers are never recommended on fiberglass hulls. Since we have an X-20 as well, this may apply. Check the location of your bunks, there is always a chance that they are not setup with the "strakes" in the hull. Or whatever the ledges are called.

We use Vee Vee guides, but you cannot tighten them to the hull in the stern, as the boat is wider in the middle and Vee Vee's do not flex that well. Honestly, once the bow is lined up, we have great luck with the trailer in up to the top of the fenders.

We also spray silicon spray on the bunks annually to add some slide. That always helps. Water depth is key. Most people prefer bunks over rollers, so check that setup and let us know what you figure out.

Good luck!