Bunk or roller trailer?

[cabin boy]

Which do you prefer and why? I just bought my first bunk in many years to use on a 1700 Superhawk. Any thoughts?

[Surface Tension]

The biggest advantage a roller trailer is going to have is launching in shallow water. I launch at quite a few spots that without a roller trailer I would never get the boat off the trailer.

I've heard the argument that a bunk trailer supports the hull better and maybe thats true but I've never had any problems with a roller trailer supporting the hull and I've had a roller trailer under a 25' glass boat.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Frank makes a few good points. You can launch and load in shallower water with a roller trailer. I myself prefer a bunk trailer. I feel its easier to load and launch with a bunk, and like stated I do feel that a bunk trailer supports the hull better. Which really doesnt mean anything unless you are driving a lot of miles or down bumpy roads!..

[Hookmaster]

On Fishing the Midwest this weekend, a guy from Shorelander Trailers was there. He said the majority of the support from bunks occurs where the bunk supports are. He suggested taking a credit card and sliding it between the bunk and hull in various locations to see how well the boat is supported. He said in some cases a roller trailer with a lot of rollers will offer more support than a bunk trailer.

[Steve Bakken]

We've actually had boats come into our shop with fiberglass damage from bunks. Not that bunks are bad, but they don't have the flex to conform to the hull like a good roller trailer does and they sometimes have a tendency to apply pressure to some spots more than others. If you have a well built, quality boat, and a good roller trailer, you'll never have any problems.

[jerkin'm]

Remember to leave it hooked up in front on the way in so you don't dump it on the ramp.(although it is always funny to see one laying on the concrete)

[Captain B.R.K]

I enjoy the fact that if need to, you can use the wench to wind up your boat after hooking in on a roller trailer. I'm just not to keen on running it up to the front of the trailer with my motor. So having the ability to wench it up is great.

[Corey Bechtold]

My vote is for the roller trailer with an aluminum boat. They launch and load easy with one person. I love mine and I'm sure you will too.

Good Luck,

Corey Bechtold

[LocalGuide]

I also vote for a roller trailer.

I have one on my boat and it works great, nice for shallow water too.

BTW I have also seen a boat land short of the water.

NEVER unhook any boat til its in the water.

[andy j]

As for launching and loading, My opinion a bunk is much faster for loading, I have a lot of buddys with rollers and they always have to get it on perfect or they have to let back down in the water and try again, especially if you have a cross wind or current to fight. Bunks are much easer to load in any conditions, they center themselves, Also, Capton you can crank up a boat on a bunk, you just have to lower the trailer more in the water, Unless you have a boat to heavy for the wench.

[Fisher Dave]

I prefer the bunk trailer too, but can live with it either way.. the roller type trailers do work good once you figure out that *perfect* depth to submerge the trailer as long as the rollers are set up properly for the boat.

I switched to Roller Bunks a few years ago and I am glad I did. Launching in shallow water is no longer an issue.. once you disconnect the strap the boat will roll off with ease... no more walking the balance beam(trailer) pushing the boat off at a shallow access. When alone, I often tie a rope to the bow, and to the tongue of the trailer and back up and *jam* the brakes and the boat will roll right off every time.. then I pull forward slowly to a position I can grab the rope and stay dry.. tie the boat or beach it.. park the truck... it doesnt get any easier.

I would recommend roller bunks to anyone, just dont disconnect the boat until you get it over the water, or you will be inevitably launching the boat on the pavement before you get to the water if you do.

[cabin boy]

Fisher Dave-What do you mean by "roller bunks"? My previous boat was a Shorelander all roller trailer and this one is an eagle all bunk trailer.

[Fisher Dave]

*roller bunks* are bunks made to put in place of your existing bunks(usually carpet covered wood).. these are made from steel, with a bunch of wheels(unknown material) on the top so the boat rolls on and off vs slides(friction).

Look on the cabelas HSOforum or something similar and I'm sure they will have pictures of roller bunks... A photo will explain it far better... but they are as they sound *Roller Bunks*

[Fisher Dave]

Roller Bunks & Brackets

Roller Bunks are a quick, easy and inexpensive way to upgrade bunk-style trailers to easy-to-load, roller-style. Special two-compound rollers feature hard, wear-resistant inner surface; soft, boat-cushioning outer surface. Choose from extra-wide galvanized three-roller system or black two-roller system. Installs easily with roller bunk brackets. Made in USA.