bunk vs roller trailers

[bdusted440]

I'm trying to decide which is better a bunk trailer or roller.
Let's here the pro's and con's of each guy's.
I've got one of each which one should i use? http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

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[jkeiper]

For a fiberglass boat I would use a bunk trailer. I feel the rollers have too high of pressure points where they sit on the boat. The bunk spreads the weight out more. On an aluminum boat I would use a roller. Some of the lakes that I fish the landings can be shallow and the roller trailer still works good when you can't float the boat on and off the trailer. Just my opinion!

Jim

Hot babes and cool boats.

[F150GT]

I vote bunk trailer all the way. A properly set up and adjusted bunk trailer will give optimum support for the hull, and will load easy and steight in "most" conditions. I like to have a center set of rollers and keep them adjusted 1/2" down from the keel, this allows the keel to run up and center while loading but not support load.
I also like bunks because they are safer, how many of you have seen a boat half way off the trailer in the middle of the launch ramp sittin on the drive? If the strap breakes while your on the slope of the launch, the boat will launch it's self wether theres water or not.
F150GT

[175checkmate]

Yep, bunk all the way, the pressure load on the hull is distibuted better than a roller.

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1975 Checkmate Tri-mate 2, 2.4 200+ / Sky jacker 6" plate / 25p Laser 2 prop

[Pat-MX15]

Definitly a bunk. Mine has both, rollers and bunks. A lockable lever near the front of the axle will raise and lower the bunks approximatly 2 inches. Load it on the rollers and then raise the bunks for more support. Works fine for a smaller boat like a MX-15, wouldn't want too much bigger on it though.

[vinny p.]

I vote for the bunk as well.

[Eriktheviking]

Bunk, Whats nice about them besides the hull support is the fact that the boat sits lower on the trailer.It looks better and tows easier because there is a lower center of gravity.

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87 ENFORCER CUSTOM EDITION,454 MAGNUM SS ALPHA W/CUPPED 22 PROTESTOR PROP

[BUKKAKIBLASTER]

Bunk trailer real nice,only trouble I have ever had with low water conditions & step in hull-some launches can be a real pain!

[Checkm8fan]

The best information that I found from as many sources that I could find , suggested that a high performance hull should be on a bunk trailer.I have had both bunk type and roller type. As far as height goes, a properly set up roller will sit as low as a bunk.My roller type was an Easyloader and the boat was a regular runabout and over the past 28 years the hull has not suffered,but,the trailer was a breeze to load and unload at many different ramps.

[Chris]

I say go with a Bunk trailer.

Rollers can make loading and unloading a little easier in shallow water, but that's about the only plus going for them.

If you want a really nice Mate trailer, try C-Hawk. In many cases they already have models made to to fit various Mates and to top it off they make a first rate trailer. We have a link to their website on the links page. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

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[jrumon]

The best support for ANY boat...glass, wood, aluminum, etc. is BEING IN THE WATER (hence 100% support)!!! Since its a "B"-itch to hull around your boat with a swimming pool under it, I too would recommend a correctly done bunk set-up (multipal bunks is best). The key is correctly placing the bunks under the lifting strakes where the hull is strongest, and making sure the bunks are set-up correctly to touch the entire length of the bunk. Also, the bunks need to be long enough to extend past the edge of the transom and continue as far forward as the hull design will allow before curving up at the bow. Rollers are for old farts who fish and are to lazy to learn how to load a boat on a real trailer!!!
P.S. - only 180 days until boating season starts in Michigan!!!!!! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/xxrotflmao.gif

[175checkmate]

jrumon brings up a great point. Many bunk type trailer I see do not exit past the stern. I normaly see boats hanging over about 6" or so. This is very hard on the hull and over time will creat a hook or indentation in the hull.

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1975 Checkmate Tri-mate 2, 2.4 200+ / Sky jacker 6" plate / 25p Laser 2 prop

[Bubba]

yeh right jrumon,

we hafe 95% of the european trailers with rollers, and the are very good, i hafe a trailer with rollers all over the place and the hull get very strong support from them, and let me tell whe are not lazy here in HOLLAND, this is how whe trailer a boat!

Sake From HOLLAND

[bdusted440]

Well I left my mate on the bunk trailer for storage but it's going on the roller trailer in the spring.Probably when I take it out for my febuary ride.Yup I said feb. Was feb 8 this year still had some icee but was 70 out http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/xxrotflmao.gif

CHECKMATE'S AND MOPAR'S GOTA LOVE EM

[Brian]

bdusted440 Just would let you know that if your trailer bunks are wet they can cause blisters on the hull. I have seen it happen, not on checkmates but on others. But I have a bunk trailer for my mate if thats what you asking.