Jon Boat Trailers

[Dirk W]

With any luck I'll soon be the owner of a 16-17ft used Jon boat (anybody got one for sale)? Anyway, I was wondering if its useful to put rollers on a jon boat trailer for launching in less than desirable locations or should I stick with a bunk? What would be the pro's and con's of doing this. Any input would be appreciated.

[Dennis Steele]

I was using a roller style trailer with my jon boat.I realy liked it.It would roll off very easily and and I could drive my boat right up and not have to winch unless of course the water was so shallow that I could not get the bow on the the back rollers.The kind of roller trailor that I had was the wobble roller kind.There were two sets of four rollers that would swivel independantly.Since my bow had a slight vee to it the rollers would swivel and center the boat.I also used bunk style guide ons so that if the current was too swift I would not slide off the side of the trailor.

[Fisher Dave]

Roller trailers are by far the best .. even roller bunks help a great deal if your trailer isnt equipped for the wobble rollers. My trailer I use roller bunks (older trailer) and also have center rollers. On the outside edge of the trailer I have the fiberglass pole type guide on's that also help in rough water, or heavy current... they are also VERY handy when backing your trailer in a larger vehicle .. you know exactly where the back of the trailer is going.

The roller system I have allows me to drive on the trailer even in very shallow water(tilt trailer).. launching the boat is effortless .. it rolls off on its on, in fact I have to leave the boat connected until I'm over the water or it will launch on the pavement on any grade.