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Author Topic:   trailer planks / wt. distribution

sr posted 05-24-2000 09:51 PM ET (US)
I've a question about the way our 17 montauk fits the trailer. It's a pacific trailer, has long planks that cradle outside the chines and rubber rollers on the keel. The owners manual says for the boat to be supported by the planks, I'm sure I have weight (a little) on the keel, should I jack and raise the hull off the rollers?
My only question right now. Thanks.
sr
sr posted 05-24-2000 09:55 PM ET (US)
Iknow, I know, should-a checked the article on the first page, but what about the manual???
sr
jimh posted 05-25-2000 12:08 AM ET (US)
Perhaps you could clarify:
Is it the trailer manufacturer owner manual or the Boston Whaler owner manual that recommends positioning the boat so that it does not rest on the keel rollers?
--jimh
sr posted 05-25-2000 12:50 AM ET (US)
It is the bw manual. Trlr. is the low c/g style, dropped axle, wide track. To trailer, motor the boat right up the planks until keel reaches cradle. Works good, was rigged this way. Thanks
sr
Mike posted 05-26-2000 10:19 PM ET (US)
I have a 15 ft hull (Striper 15) which has been living on a trailer for 19 years now, properly supported along the keel on rollers per the BW owners' manual with the bunkers used just for lateral stability. Zero problems in 19 years!
dgp posted 05-26-2000 10:25 PM ET (US)
Since we're back on the topic of correct trailers to support a BW, I contacted Boat Master Trailers in Ft. Meyers, FL who claim they build the BW Commercial Product trailers. Their inside sales guy, Ty, claims that none of these trailers are exclusively keel roller trailers. They are bunk style trailer with 3-4 rollers depending upon the boat length. I called Continental trailers in Miami, same mfr as lgh's trailer photo, and they normally don't offer keel roller trailers. My BW dealer sells Trailers by Dorsey and they use bunk supports located a few inches on either side of the keel. None of the BW dealers or trailer mfrs new of BW's claimed need of keel roller trailers.
JimG posted 05-31-2000 10:06 PM ET (US)
SR
I have owned 4 BW's and bought my last three new and each owners manual stated "As the keel of your Boston Whaler is designed to support the weight of the boat, you should select a trailer which contains center keel rollers.... The bunks need only provide lateral stability and should not be weight bearing. Some slight rocking is desirable to assure that the weight is on the center keel rollers."
As for Continental Trailers I bought a keel roller trailer from them last summer for my 1992 19'Outrage(18'6in). I did so with the help of my crusing buddy LHG. I had to drive down to Fl to get it. At the factory 305-594-1022 I talked to Richard Holloway. I purchased it from Cantway Trailers in Delray Beach 561-737-4999 Bob Cantway. If you would like any more info. feel free to contact me.
JimG
sr posted 06-01-2000 12:17 AM ET (US)
JimG
Thanks, for straightening me out, I should have dug out my paperwork before posting. Your descript is the same as in my bw owners manual, in fact the drawings are the same as my trailer config. The separate paragraph dealing with float-on trailers is what confused me. I float our boat on, but it has the rollers too. I think I'll adjust the bunks to just contact the bottom of the hull per the manual. Thanks again.
sr
jimh posted 06-02-2000 12:40 AM ET (US)
I don't want to flog a dead horse here, but when someone posts (with a citation of the Boston Whaler Owners Manual) a direct contradiction of information which has been previously presented on this website, I would like to make it clear.
If I understand, again, there has NOT been any change in the recommendation of the Boston Whaler Owners Manual regarding the type of support the trailer should provide, that is, the recommended technique for trailering is to use keel rollers with bunks only providing lateral stability.
We have many posting on this subject; we have a special reference article on this subject. I wish these to be accurate, so when a completely opposite opinion is presented, I feel that it is important to consider it carefully.
I would like readers to find accurate information on the website and in these forums, so if I challenge contradictory recommendations (as was presented here), it is only to try to maintain as much as possible the integrity of the information on this website and in these forums.
In many forums, it is possible for all manner of opinion and myth to be reported as fact and gospel truth, which ultimately leads to a diminishing of the value of ALL the information contained on the site.
--jimh
sr posted 06-02-2000 05:08 PM ET (US)
I agree, and am very sorry for having things backward.
sr
lhg posted 05-24-2001 01:41 AM ET (US)
I think this thread is worth preserving, especially JimH's comment on keeping the Forum information as accurate as possible.
It's now a year later, and this is still being accomplished, a tribute to all involved.
Whaletosh posted 05-24-2001 08:26 AM ET (US)
Larry, Jim, et.all,
I was also interested in this subject, as I am getting a new Whaler. I looked at the owners manual this morning and it in fact states that my Dauntless 14 should be on a float on bunk style trailer.
I suspect that Whaler has either made the hull on the deep-v Whalers (Dauntless, Outrage, etc.) to be on a bunk trailer or they are bowing to pressure from dealers.
I will post again with the paragraph quoted verbatim.
Sean

triblet posted 05-24-2001 10:20 AM ET (US)
The manual has always said that bunk trailers
are OK. There are lots of here with bunk
trailers and I can't remember any of us
having a problem because of it.
Then manual goes to great lengths to say
"don't use an all roller trailer".
Chuck
Whaletosh posted 05-24-2001 05:53 PM ET (US)
Page 10-1 of my Owner�s Manual for my Dauntless 14:
�When selecting a trailer for your Boston Whaler, choose a float-on style of trailer that has bunks which conform to the shape of the hull, give support near the keel, and provide good fore and aft support. Trailers euipped with side rollers instead of side bunks can damage the foam sandwich hull of your boat and should never be used�
dgp posted 05-24-2001 06:21 PM ET (US)
The key word here are "give support near the keel". Most bunk style trailers have the bunks far outboard from the keel, especially the trailers for the smaller Whalers.
Insist that there be at least 4 bunks; 2 of them within inches either side of the keel.
lhg posted 05-24-2001 09:38 PM ET (US)
As Sean has suggested, I am convinced that the trailer industry, and it's Dealers, have basically forced BW to modify it's keel roller position into the 4 bunk configuration Don is describing. They simply have to deal with the business realities of the time, which are:
1. Bunk trailers are less expensive to build, and because of this have practically taken over the business. All aluminium Float-On trailers are almost impossible to build in keel roller configuration without considerable extra cost.
2. Bunk trailers need a lot less maintenance than keel roller trailers. Nothing to grease and freeze up on you from lack of maintenance, particularly in salt.
3. Bunk trailers need practically no adjustment and set-up by the dealers. Just dump the boat on it, and let the bunks hit where they may.
4. A good keel roller trailer can cost up to $600 more than equivalent bunk trailer.
5. There are so few keel roller trailer available today, that the Dealers would have an impossible task of locating a brand to carry. Most Dealers use a local manufacturer, or local assembly of a national brand.
6. People have forgotten how easy it is to get a boat on and off a keel roller trailer, and have gotten used to simple burying the trailer "up to it's eyeballs" in the water to get the boat on and off. Years ago, they said never to do this, but with bunks, you have no choice.
A few days ago I saw a 30' go-fast boat retreival on an aluminum float on trailer that I've never seen before. A pickup is backed all the way in (salt water) to the point where the hitch ball is in the water.
THE TRIPLE AXLE ALUMINUM TRAILER IS FLOATING, AND SWINGING BACK AND FORTH IN THE WATER! The tires are working like inner tubes. The guy next to him is really annoyed, as the floating trailer is hitting his boat as he's bringing his in. The guy with the boat drives it up, and I commented I've never seen a trailer literally float before. So he is driving the boat on, trying to hit a moving target amd get it between the two vertical guide ons. The girlfriend is up to her knees in the water, trying to hitch the winch at the bow stop, which she finally does. Guy jumps out of the boat, leaving the the floating trailer and still floating boat swinging back and forth in the ramp, but hooked at the bow stop. Gives the truck some gas. Trailer and boat slam down as the trailer hits the pavement, and boat hits the bunks, and away they go. Now I've seen it all!
Dick posted 05-24-2001 10:55 PM ET (US)
This is like, what is best a Merc or a Yamaha. It is personal choice and what works best for you. I agree no full roller trailers. I have worked at two Whaler dealers and we used nothing but bunk trailers, no keel rollers. I have my Montauk on a Shorelander bunk trailer and would have nothing else. The critical thing is that the hull is adequitly supported. I drive off and on so the bunk only system works best for me. The way I have my bunks set you can not miss the bow stop when you drive on, unless you dunk the trailer to deep.
My opinion only, but it works for me.
Dick

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Author	Topic: trailer planks / wt. distribution
sr	posted 05-24-2000 09:51 PM ET (US) I've a question about the way our 17 montauk fits the trailer. It's a pacific trailer, has long planks that cradle outside the chines and rubber rollers on the keel. The owners manual says for the boat to be supported by the planks, I'm sure I have weight (a little) on the keel, should I jack and raise the hull off the rollers? My only question right now. Thanks. sr
sr	posted 05-24-2000 09:55 PM ET (US) Iknow, I know, should-a checked the article on the first page, but what about the manual??? sr
jimh	posted 05-25-2000 12:08 AM ET (US) Perhaps you could clarify: Is it the trailer manufacturer owner manual or the Boston Whaler owner manual that recommends positioning the boat so that it does not rest on the keel rollers? --jimh
sr	posted 05-25-2000 12:50 AM ET (US) It is the bw manual. Trlr. is the low c/g style, dropped axle, wide track. To trailer, motor the boat right up the planks until keel reaches cradle. Works good, was rigged this way. Thanks sr
Mike	posted 05-26-2000 10:19 PM ET (US) I have a 15 ft hull (Striper 15) which has been living on a trailer for 19 years now, properly supported along the keel on rollers per the BW owners' manual with the bunkers used just for lateral stability. Zero problems in 19 years!
dgp	posted 05-26-2000 10:25 PM ET (US) Since we're back on the topic of correct trailers to support a BW, I contacted Boat Master Trailers in Ft. Meyers, FL who claim they build the BW Commercial Product trailers. Their inside sales guy, Ty, claims that none of these trailers are exclusively keel roller trailers. They are bunk style trailer with 3-4 rollers depending upon the boat length. I called Continental trailers in Miami, same mfr as lgh's trailer photo, and they normally don't offer keel roller trailers. My BW dealer sells Trailers by Dorsey and they use bunk supports located a few inches on either side of the keel. None of the BW dealers or trailer mfrs new of BW's claimed need of keel roller trailers.
JimG	posted 05-31-2000 10:06 PM ET (US) SR I have owned 4 BW's and bought my last three new and each owners manual stated "As the keel of your Boston Whaler is designed to support the weight of the boat, you should select a trailer which contains center keel rollers.... The bunks need only provide lateral stability and should not be weight bearing. Some slight rocking is desirable to assure that the weight is on the center keel rollers." As for Continental Trailers I bought a keel roller trailer from them last summer for my 1992 19'Outrage(18'6in). I did so with the help of my crusing buddy LHG. I had to drive down to Fl to get it. At the factory 305-594-1022 I talked to Richard Holloway. I purchased it from Cantway Trailers in Delray Beach 561-737-4999 Bob Cantway. If you would like any more info. feel free to contact me. JimG
sr	posted 06-01-2000 12:17 AM ET (US) JimG Thanks, for straightening me out, I should have dug out my paperwork before posting. Your descript is the same as in my bw owners manual, in fact the drawings are the same as my trailer config. The separate paragraph dealing with float-on trailers is what confused me. I float our boat on, but it has the rollers too. I think I'll adjust the bunks to just contact the bottom of the hull per the manual. Thanks again. sr
jimh	posted 06-02-2000 12:40 AM ET (US) I don't want to flog a dead horse here, but when someone posts (with a citation of the Boston Whaler Owners Manual) a direct contradiction of information which has been previously presented on this website, I would like to make it clear. If I understand, again, there has NOT been any change in the recommendation of the Boston Whaler Owners Manual regarding the type of support the trailer should provide, that is, the recommended technique for trailering is to use keel rollers with bunks only providing lateral stability. We have many posting on this subject; we have a special reference article on this subject. I wish these to be accurate, so when a completely opposite opinion is presented, I feel that it is important to consider it carefully. I would like readers to find accurate information on the website and in these forums, so if I challenge contradictory recommendations (as was presented here), it is only to try to maintain as much as possible the integrity of the information on this website and in these forums. In many forums, it is possible for all manner of opinion and myth to be reported as fact and gospel truth, which ultimately leads to a diminishing of the value of ALL the information contained on the site. --jimh
sr	posted 06-02-2000 05:08 PM ET (US) I agree, and am very sorry for having things backward. sr
lhg	posted 05-24-2001 01:41 AM ET (US) I think this thread is worth preserving, especially JimH's comment on keeping the Forum information as accurate as possible. It's now a year later, and this is still being accomplished, a tribute to all involved.
Whaletosh	posted 05-24-2001 08:26 AM ET (US) Larry, Jim, et.all, I was also interested in this subject, as I am getting a new Whaler. I looked at the owners manual this morning and it in fact states that my Dauntless 14 should be on a float on bunk style trailer. I suspect that Whaler has either made the hull on the deep-v Whalers (Dauntless, Outrage, etc.) to be on a bunk trailer or they are bowing to pressure from dealers. I will post again with the paragraph quoted verbatim. Sean
triblet	posted 05-24-2001 10:20 AM ET (US) The manual has always said that bunk trailers are OK. There are lots of here with bunk trailers and I can't remember any of us having a problem because of it. Then manual goes to great lengths to say "don't use an all roller trailer". Chuck
Whaletosh	posted 05-24-2001 05:53 PM ET (US) Page 10-1 of my Owner�s Manual for my Dauntless 14: �When selecting a trailer for your Boston Whaler, choose a float-on style of trailer that has bunks which conform to the shape of the hull, give support near the keel, and provide good fore and aft support. Trailers euipped with side rollers instead of side bunks can damage the foam sandwich hull of your boat and should never be used�
dgp	posted 05-24-2001 06:21 PM ET (US) The key word here are "give support near the keel". Most bunk style trailers have the bunks far outboard from the keel, especially the trailers for the smaller Whalers. Insist that there be at least 4 bunks; 2 of them within inches either side of the keel.
lhg	posted 05-24-2001 09:38 PM ET (US) As Sean has suggested, I am convinced that the trailer industry, and it's Dealers, have basically forced BW to modify it's keel roller position into the 4 bunk configuration Don is describing. They simply have to deal with the business realities of the time, which are: 1. Bunk trailers are less expensive to build, and because of this have practically taken over the business. All aluminium Float-On trailers are almost impossible to build in keel roller configuration without considerable extra cost. 2. Bunk trailers need a lot less maintenance than keel roller trailers. Nothing to grease and freeze up on you from lack of maintenance, particularly in salt. 3. Bunk trailers need practically no adjustment and set-up by the dealers. Just dump the boat on it, and let the bunks hit where they may. 4. A good keel roller trailer can cost up to $600 more than equivalent bunk trailer. 5. There are so few keel roller trailer available today, that the Dealers would have an impossible task of locating a brand to carry. Most Dealers use a local manufacturer, or local assembly of a national brand. 6. People have forgotten how easy it is to get a boat on and off a keel roller trailer, and have gotten used to simple burying the trailer "up to it's eyeballs" in the water to get the boat on and off. Years ago, they said never to do this, but with bunks, you have no choice. A few days ago I saw a 30' go-fast boat retreival on an aluminum float on trailer that I've never seen before. A pickup is backed all the way in (salt water) to the point where the hitch ball is in the water. THE TRIPLE AXLE ALUMINUM TRAILER IS FLOATING, AND SWINGING BACK AND FORTH IN THE WATER! The tires are working like inner tubes. The guy next to him is really annoyed, as the floating trailer is hitting his boat as he's bringing his in. The guy with the boat drives it up, and I commented I've never seen a trailer literally float before. So he is driving the boat on, trying to hit a moving target amd get it between the two vertical guide ons. The girlfriend is up to her knees in the water, trying to hitch the winch at the bow stop, which she finally does. Guy jumps out of the boat, leaving the the floating trailer and still floating boat swinging back and forth in the ramp, but hooked at the bow stop. Gives the truck some gas. Trailer and boat slam down as the trailer hits the pavement, and boat hits the bunks, and away they go. Now I've seen it all!
Dick	posted 05-24-2001 10:55 PM ET (US) This is like, what is best a Merc or a Yamaha. It is personal choice and what works best for you. I agree no full roller trailers. I have worked at two Whaler dealers and we used nothing but bunk trailers, no keel rollers. I have my Montauk on a Shorelander bunk trailer and would have nothing else. The critical thing is that the hull is adequitly supported. I drive off and on so the bunk only system works best for me. The way I have my bunks set you can not miss the bow stop when you drive on, unless you dunk the trailer to deep. My opinion only, but it works for me. Dick