bunk vs roller

[eyecatcher01]

I am not familar with roller type trailers and am looking to get a newer boat and wondering what advantages they have over a bunk trailer. I did see the thread where a pivoting bunk was put on the rear of a roller trailer and that looked like a good idea...especially if got a heavy 4stroke hanging off the back. If loading in a cross wind which one is better? Seems like a roller would be more likely to tear something up.

[Phil T]

Roller trailers are supposed to be easier to launch/load at shallow ramps. However, the boat typically sets lower to the ground on a bunk trailer, so the roller advantage isn't all it's supposed to be. I converted a roller trailer to bunks and my boat became easier to load at shallow ramps.
As for loading in a cross wind, guide boards are the key. Yes, they will wear the paint off the side of a boat over time, but I once almost got my arm caught between the winch stand and a bouncing boat while loading in a serious wind. I'd recommend the guide boards be as long as the parallel sides of the boat/trailer. Mine are too short.
The big advantage to bunks is the better, more even support they provide the boat's hull.

[teamlund]

I now have a bunk and would agree that a bunk is alot niceer. However the new rollers are also very nice and most can be driven up on to just like a bunk.. They offer plenty of support unlike the old roller trailers that damaged alot of hulls.... The think with a roller is that you can always load a boat no matter what (engine fails). If you go with a bunk, spray the bunks with a food grade silicone. The boat will gracefully SLIDE into place...:cheers:

[brentfrank]

What good food grade silicone do you reccomend?

[I_Just_Fish]

What is "food grade silicone"?

[teamlund]

Food grade silicone is something that can be used on equipment or machinery that is used to make or produce food and is approved for this by the FDA and other government crap groups. You could probably use regular silicone but not sure what reg stuff would do to aluminum or fiberglass...Play it safe and pick up some food grade silicone... You can get "special" silicone from most marine shops for the same application but it costs three times as much and according to the label is the same **** thing. :bangin:

Any brand will do. I get mine from work.It is made by North Woods http://www.northwoodstm.com/products/details.phtml?id=118&cat=13.. I apply it after I have had the boat off the trailer a few times. No need to put it on every time. Give it a shot!