Arwen's boat trailer is 10 years old and still going well. There have been several bearing changes and three sets of tyre and inner wheel changes as well over this time.
The trailer was designed for a rib and is extendable from 14 - 21'. I got it at a very knock down price, which was all I could afford at the time.
The problem with the trailer is its design. The hard rigid plastic rollers play havoc with the lapstrake design of Arwen's hull and so the paint regularly gets slightly damaged and flakes off leaving grey patches on the bottom planks and hull base.
Thank heavens, there were three top coats, three undercoats and three grey coats over the fibreglass!
Cut to the chase - I saw this picture of a trailer for a navigator, Now I am wondering whether I could remove the side rollers and replace them with bunk planks?
The trailer was designed for a rib and is extendable from 14 - 21'. I got it at a very knock down price, which was all I could afford at the time.
The problem with the trailer is its design. The hard rigid plastic rollers play havoc with the lapstrake design of Arwen's hull and so the paint regularly gets slightly damaged and flakes off leaving grey patches on the bottom planks and hull base.
Thank heavens, there were three top coats, three undercoats and three grey coats over the fibreglass!
Cut to the chase - I saw this picture of a trailer for a navigator, Now I am wondering whether I could remove the side rollers and replace them with bunk planks?
Steve, I have similar issues with Tosh which although smaller is chine and sits on a combi trailer the weight is taken on the keel (on flat rollers) and the rollers really only keep her upright, that said they don't work very well.
ReplyDeleteI think bunks work for powerboats due to the flat sections, Tosh and Arwen probably wouldn't be supported correctly due to curvature.
Our Stratos (now sold) had a wide GRP cradle about 10"front to back moulded to match the hull profile, I'm thinking I will make the same thing for Tosh but keep the weight resting on the keel rollers so the cradle only stops her from moving side to side.
Winter project if I ever get time or take retirement like you.
Max
Hi Max - good idea that. Arwen rests weight on keel rollers mainly along her skeg, centreboard strips etc. The rollers are doing serious damage - I see most navigator owners are switching to bunks of some form and then vertical uprights to help guide her on during retrieval. I think some early spring modifications are required!!
ReplyDeleteMy Navigator sat on bunks .. about 6/7ft long, covered with a carpet type material so the boat would slide on easy. They were also flexible so they conformed to the hull shape when the weight went on. Shame I can't post a photo in these comments.
ReplyDeletehello Anonymous - I would love to see a picture - I think I need to sort the trailer this year as a definite project.
ReplyDeleteAre you on Facebook at all?
Although this is not my trailer it was pretty much just like this one. Worked well for me. https://www.e-trailers.co.uk/extreme-750kg-maxi-bunk-boat-trailer---up-to-16ft-dinghy-14ft-boats-or-5m-ribs-2784-p.asp
ReplyDeletethanks for that website - the image was really helpful and is exactly what I was trying to work out in my head - much appreciated - merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou could buy a kit if you don't fancy fabricating your own .. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-of-1-8m-Heavy-Duty-Blue-Carpeted-Bunks-Assemblies-300mm-50x50-Boat-Trailer/381425824026?hash=item58cec0311a:g:g30AAOSwdvpWD53K
ReplyDelete