Author
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Topic: Karavan Trailer without Keel Rollers
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minimontauk |
posted 12-14-2002 02:28 PM ET (US)
I have been reading that Whalers need to be supported by keel rollers because of thin hull areas outboard of the keel. I have a Karavan trailer for my 15' Sport CC with sets of rollers either side of the keel. Is it possible/practical to add keel rollers to these trailers? It's a 2000' trailer in great shape. Is this keel support so crucial I should devote some time and money to modifying it?
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JBCornwell
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posted 12-14-2002 02:38 PM ET (US)
Howdy, MiniMontauk.If we follow the stern advice of BW, you need to add keel rollers or trade trailers. Red sky at night. . . JB |
tbirdsey
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posted 12-15-2002 01:30 PM ET (US)
minimontauk; I have done similar modification to a Karavan trailer for my 18 OR, although mine did not have the roller brackets that you currently have. I replaced carpeted bunks and added rollers; I now have a pair at each of 4 cross members. I found the factory very helpful -they shipped me additional cross members with mounting brackets and the job was relatively easy. Boat rolls off the trailer so easily now that I have to be very careful when launching - its hard to unhook the winch cable while on a slope because the boat is ready to roll without even a push!! I'm a firm believer in the keel roller setup. One of my jobs for next spring is to do the same modification to another Karavan for my 21 OR. It has bunks very close to the keel and although the support is fine, it is much more difficult to launch and retreive (basically have to float on and off which is tough in current or wind). Cost and effort to go to keel rollers is minimal and more than made up for in time and effort saved at the ramp. Sounds like you may also have to add some bunks for support/balance and get rid of the rollers you have now, but its still a relatiely easy mod. Go for it! |
minimontauk
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posted 12-15-2002 04:22 PM ET (US)
tbirdsey: Do I have to take off the side rollers? Couldn't I just add keel rollers set to take most of the weight and leave the side rollers in place to stabilize? Don't the bunks just add a lot of friction to the unloading process? |
skred
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posted 12-16-2002 02:26 PM ET (US)
MiniMontauk, Best practice would be to replace the side rollers with bunks. Any extensive trailering with side rollers pressing on the hull can tend to delaminate the hull from the foam, or at least "dimple" the hull at the pressure points. Keel rollers offer the support where it's needed, and the side bunks simply function as supports to keep the boat from rocking side-to-side.
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tbirdsey
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posted 12-17-2002 07:52 PM ET (US)
minimontauk, I'd get rid of the side rollers -- too many stories of "dimpling". The carpeted bunks must be adjusted carefully so as not to interfere with the keel rollers. When adjusted properly the boat will rock ever so slightly, almost imperceptabally, from side to side. |