unloading solo with roller trailer

[baker11]

Thinking of buying a 2005 1775 Lund Pro V Tiller on a Shorelander roller trailer. Have always had bunks. What tips can you share to unload with the roller style by yourself. I am thinking of converting it to a bunk. Could i just remove the top roller assembly and bolt on the bunks. Looks like it should all line up just fine

[WIBrowndog]

I have a Crestliner Canadian 18 tiller on a Shorelander roller trailer. For me it's just a matter of holding on to the rope when I push the boat out. Don't need to back in as far as I did when I had a bunk trailer. Usually wasn't an issue unless the landing was shallow but the roller trailer eliminated that problem.

[jokerjim]

Be sure and keep the saftey chain hooked up to your boat until you have the boat in the water. You would be surprised how easy the boat will come off a roller trailer. Don't ask how I know. It is very easy to unload your boat by yourself.

[baker11]

if i back the trailer up enough on a steep ramp will the boat still want to roll off quickly when i am trying to unhook the whinch strap?

[baker11]

I would imagine that using a transom saver is fine as well on a roller trailer

[Rich B]

Baker,

Yes, a transom saver would work fine for a roller trailer, though remember they are tied in to a cross member/brace on the rear of your trailer. Some trailers don't have a far enough rear brace member to use, so you'd need another type of lock-down device for the
outboard.

And yes, if you're on a steep ramp you DON'T EVER want to unhook the boat short of being
in the water.....unless you're looking to have a story about your day spent at the ramp and
possible hull and lower unit damages.....you back your rig into the water and then unhook the boat when the boat is floating free of the back of the trailer....as Browndog noted, a lot of us have a rope tied onto a cleat, and just push the boat off the trailer (or have a buddy in the boat and they can drive it off once the boat is unhooked).

Do a quick search on this site regarding roller trailers, and there is a wealth of excellent information and detailed posts on this subject.

Take care,

Rich B

[jeffbilodeau]

As the others have noted...steep launches are really the only problem. What I used to do is back off the winch just a couple inches, leaving the safety chain hooked up and reengaging the winch dog. Back into the water. Start up the motor and snug it back into the bow roller. Then while leaving the motor in gear with just enough throttle to keep it snugged up to the roller, reach over and unhook. You can then easily back off the trailer. Just remember...just barely enough throttle to keep it bumped up to the roller and watch so you don't put your hand in an unsafe position.

[REW]

The one thing that I might mention, if unloading solo at a STEEP launch.
Get in position on the launch. Disconnect the safety chain.
But then connect a lead rope to the bow hook. Take the lead rope and take a couple of wraps around the winch post. Now, loosen up the winch strap. As you loosen the winch strap the boat will roll back on the rollers. Let it continue to roll back until the lead rope is tight. Now, you will be able to unhook the winch strap. Now, using the wraps around the winch strap as leverage, let the boat slowly into the water, keeping it under control.

This is a much better system, than just letting the boat go, or trying to control the boat with the winch. It is too easy to have the winch get away and break an arm with the spinning winch handle.

REW

[ffishman]

Just be careful!!!!! I've seen boats sitting on the ramp because guys did not plan.

[fireboat]

If the ramp is steep back the boat in enough to float the back of the boat off the trailer, then it won't roll off out of control. Shallow ramp I push it off and drive it back on. Practice, you'll figure it out.