roller vs. bunk trailers

[mrjigger]

I am looking at buying a new/used boat and debating between a roller or bunk trailer. My brother has a bunk trailer for his rig and he really likes it. Never had any problems getting into lakes with it, however, I have heard of guys not being able to launch on a particular lake because they had a bunk trailer. Mostly shallow launches. Just wondering your preference and if you have had any problems launching with a bunk trailer.

[Northlander]

Ya if your going to be at small shallow launches go roller and even a tilt if you can. Shallow landings suck with a bunk trailer. Also with a bunk you either power load or have to sink the trailer in a lot so you can crank the boat on. If its a alum. boat I would go roller for sure.

[BobT]

My preference leans toward rollers because they offer the ability to launch in much wider variety of conditions. I also don't support power loading because of the damage to the lake.

One concern that I have heard, although I haven't had anyone offer evidence to support this, is that bunk trailers may be better for your boat because the weight is distributed over a larger surface area. I've heard others suggest that rollers can cause damage over time by denting the bottom of the boat and potentially causing loosened rivets or welds. I haven't seen any damage to that degree on the outfits I have owned but would be interested to hear if others can substantiate these claims.

Bob

[Northlander]

I believe thats why you see big glass boats all on bunk trailers.

[mrjigger]

My brother does have a fiberglass boat with bunk trailer. But loading and unloading sure is slick. I have had a roller trailer before, sometimes it can be a pain to get the boat on straight. In all the times I have fished with my bro, that has never been a problem. So I guess I was kind of leaning towards the bunk, but you guys have made some good points. anyone else?

[mrjigger]

By the way, the boat I will be buying will be an aluminum boat. Does anyone know somebody with an aluminum boat and bunk trailer that has complaints about the setup.

[Eckie]

With an aluminum boat, I'd prefer a roller trailer for the reasons previously mentioned -- easier to launch in a variety of different conditions. I have a 19' glass w/a bunk trailer (1st bunk trailer I've used), and I am amazed how easy it is to load/unload when by myself..the boat ends up on the trailer perfect everytime, thus saving me a lot of time and eliminating any frustration.

I too, have also heard that the bunk is better for weight distribution.

Down side? Shallow accesses..? Forget it.

[deacon]

Have bunk works fine for me, goes not straight just about everytime with ease. Yes, sometimes I have to deal with the shallow water but yet to be a problem, my boat is 16ft alum.

[Rivernut]

I too have a 16 ft. aluminum with a bunk trailer. There are a few low water situations that i have come across a problem. But I prefer bunks, its more stable, the ooat goes on straight every time, and if you spray on some silicone when the bunks are dry, the boat will slide off like a dream. I have never had a boat that loaded and unloaded so easy and fast.

[Bobby Bass]

Have had a bunk trailer on a 17' tracker now for 18 years. I have added Teflon pads to my bunks and the trailer slides on and off with ease, For a handful of times where I have had a hard time in shallow water a shovel is an easy fix. Just dig out a couple of holes for the trailer tires to drop into and you gain 6 inches of water. But that is only on a very little remote lake that I slip into. My vote if I had a vote would be for the bunk trailer.

[crappace]

I have a 17.5 foot aluminum on a bunk and like it a lot. The bunks are "sticky" but that just makes it easier for me to deal with when I am by my self. Unhook the strap from the front but leave the saftey chain on and back it down and in with no worries. The boat sits very low on the trailer so getting stuff from the boat when its on the trailer is not that big a deal. Its a tiller so the sides are lower anyway but it still sits low on the bunks. One thing I will look for in the future is nicer finish. Quality paint or a material that will not chip and rust would be a huge bonus.

[BobT]

Quote:

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sometimes it can be a pain to get the boat on straight

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In my experience I find that the reason you will have trouble getting it on straight is because you put the trailer too deep in the water. If it's set up properly, the rollers will guide the boat on straight. With my E-Z loaders I have found that I just want the rear-most rollers just under the surface. The rest should be out of the water. As the boat rolls up on the rollers, they will guide it onto the trailer straight. Just be careful not to rush the process on those windy days.

Bob

[mrjigger]

Thanks for the info everyone. I think I have my mind made up to go with the bunk.