Retro Crestliner Discussion Forum

Samster · Joined: 26 Aug 2009 Posts: 17

So I now have two aluminum boats with trailer issues.

The trailer set up that the previous owner of my Buccaneer had going damaged some of the ribs at the rear of the boat. Basically the trailer had two keel rollers (mid and forward) but the rear of the boat and engine were supported only by the bunks. Problem was the bunks didn't extend past the transom. So when the boat was being trailered and bouncing the ribs back there cracked.

My new Lonestar Malibu needs the trailer to be set up before it goes anywhere else and I've been trying to do some research about the proper trailer set up for aluminum boats.

Over on the Iboat forums there seems to be some very different views on rollers vs bunks. Some people have some pretty strong feelings about both methods. Drawing from my experiences moving aircraft fuselages and wings it seems like supporting the structure in as many places possible is a good thing. On aircraft the strongest parts on the fuselage are the bulkheads and spars for the wings.

To me the keel of an aluminum boat is the strongest part of the structure. Especially where it meets the transom or crosses ribs. However, I do understand the argument that rollers on the keel aren't spreading the load out very well as all the weight is focused on one point. I guess ideally the keel would be supported the entire length of the boat but that wouldn't make for easy loading and unloading.

The argument for "bunks only" makes sense in that they spread out the load better but the weight is being taken only by the ribs. To me this doesn't seem right either especially on a bumpy road.

I see a lot of trailers using a combo of both methods which seems good. I've even seen a couple trailers using something like a thick canvas cradle which seems to give good support over the entire bottom of the boat.

I'm just wondering if anyone out there might have some advice or opinions about trailering some of these older aluminum boats.

george · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 78 Location: Saskatchewan

I had a heavy fiberglass boat years ago - bought new I remember the dealer telling me bunks were preferred - just have to get them under water when loading the boat (also under when launching) it was a tilt trailer but I found that most useful when loading (I used to just sink the trailer and let it float off with a line attached to the bow).

My old ('62) aluminum boat has rollers under it and the hull is bent inwards at the rear rollers due to weight. Again a lot of rough roads.

I would opt for Bunks to distribute the load over a long distance back to the transom.
Center rollers should also be adjusted higher to pick up more weight - with the bunks (or outer rollers) providing balance more than being load bearing.

DuckWise · Joined: 19 Jul 2010 Posts: 16

Can you move the winch post forward so the transome doesnt hang over the end of the trailer?
I just bought and old Buccaneer and the trailer I have has 4 Keel Rollers and a V shaped wooded Bunk in the Front and Flat Bunks in the Back. I adjusted mine so most of the weight sits on the Keel Rollers which is the strongest part of the boat. The flat Bunks are snug but are more to hold the boat steady not bear weight. Thats the advice I received on the type of trailer I have.

Samster · Joined: 26 Aug 2009 Posts: 17

I agree that the keel is the strongest part of the boat as well. Apparently many people over on iboats have cracked the keels of their aluminum boats using this method though. It could be due to bad set up with one roller sitting way too high.

DuckWise · Joined: 19 Jul 2010 Posts: 16

I will post up Some pictures of my Trailer it took me several hours to get it all adjusted properly.

OutBdNut · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 593 Location: Minnesota

The bunks on trailers, as you know, are made out of wood with carpet covering them, so just make new ones with longer boards that extend slightly past the transom. Bunk trailers are OK, but if the landing is shallow, the boat will launch and load easier with a roller trailer. I use a roller trailer for a 14' aluminum fishing boat (1972 Starcraft), and there are a couple barely noticable small upward dents in the hull where the boat sits on the rear rollers - maybe I've been tightening the rear hold down straps too tight.
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The trailer for my Commander12 has bunks that are mounted to the trailer with a hinged-joint to the rear crossmember - this works great ane helps loading/launching; but not sure if this would work good on a longer boat.
Most older bunk trailers I've seen and used have a trailer tilt/lock function for aiding in launching. These work good as long as the boat isn't loaded too heavy to the rear at shallow landings.
Dave
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57 Commander 12 Custom Deluxe 550
58 Commodore 14 Speedster (modified)
58 Cadillac Riviera 14 split deck
Dozens of old outboards

DuckWise · Joined: 19 Jul 2010 Posts: 16

Heres some Pictures of My Trailer I had to spend quite awhile adjusting it. the Front V shaped Bunk wasnt even being used only a couple of the Rollers were in solid contact with the Keel It is pretty slick how the Whole Trailer is adjustable thought my last trailer didnt have near the adjustability this one has.

Samster · Joined: 26 Aug 2009 Posts: 17

Hey Duckwise thanks for those pics!

It looks like your bunks sit more outboard than mine. A little more angle too which looks like it would keep the boat centered better.

I also like the wooden V at the front as well.

Thanks,

Sam