Boat Trailer Rollers: Choosing The Best Type For Your Craft

Boat trailer rollers are an essential component of any boat trailer, helping to smoothly load and unload vessels. The type of roller you choose will depend on the size and material of your boat, as well as your budget.

There are three main types of boat roller materials: Black Rubber, Blue HDPE Polyethylene, and Red Polyurethane. Black rubber rollers are typically the most affordable option, but they have a shorter lifespan and can cause damage to your boat if not maintained properly. Blue HDPE rollers are designed for use with aluminium boats and red polyurethane rollers are made for fiberglass boats.

When choosing rollers, it's important to consider the size and weight of your boat, as well as the type of trailer you have. Single-axle trailers are suitable for smaller boats and are more manoeuvrable, while multi-axle trailers provide better stability for larger vessels.

Some of the most trusted brands for boat trailer rollers include Attwood, Shoreline Marine, Tie Down Engineering, SeaSense, and C.E. Smith. It's always a good idea to read reviews and compare prices before making a purchase.

Roller materials: black rubber, blue HDPE polyethylene, red polyurethane

Boat trailer rollers are essential for protecting your boat and ensuring a smooth landing. There are three main types of boat roller materials: black rubber, blue HDPE polyethylene, and red polyurethane.

Black rubber rollers are traditionally the most budget-friendly option and are generally cheaper. However, they have a limited lifespan as they are more prone to cracking, splitting, and getting flat spots with constant use. As a result, they may require more maintenance and can cause substantial damage to your boat and trailer if not properly cared for.

Blue HDPE polyethylene rollers, on the other hand, are designed for aluminium boats and are known for their durability. The material is resistant to cracking and splitting, ensuring a long lifespan. While some manufacturers advise against using these rollers on fiberglass boats due to concerns of cracking the gel coating, others argue that with proper installation and care, they can be used successfully on fiberglass boats as well.

Red polyurethane rollers are typically designed for fiberglass boats. Urethane, the material used in these rollers, is softer than polyethylene, making it unsuitable for aluminium boats. While urethane rollers may require more maintenance and have a limited lifespan compared to HDPE rollers, they are less likely to crack or split when installed correctly.

When choosing the best boat trailer rollers, it is important to consider the type of boat you have, the durability and maintenance requirements, and the compatibility of the rollers with your boat and trailer. Additionally, factors such as price, ease of installation, and brand reputation can also influence your decision.

Roller types: dog bone/Sydney keel, cotton reel, parallel, concave, bow, wobble, self-centring

When choosing rollers for your boat trailer, it is important to consider the different types available and their compatibility with your boat. The main roller types include dog bone/Sydney keel, cotton reel, parallel, concave, bow, wobble, and self-centring rollers.

Dog bone rollers, also known as Sydney keel rollers, are typically made of rubber and are designed to be economical and non-marking. They are suitable for both aluminium and fibreglass boats.

Cotton reel rollers are available in both rubber and plastic variants. The rubber rollers are often sold as a complete assembly with a bracket and pin, making them a convenient and economical choice. The plastic variant, made from polypropylene, is designed for use with aluminium boats as it is hard-wearing and non-marking.

Parallel rollers are flat and ideal for use with aluminium boats and trailers. They are usually made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic, which is more durable than rubber as it does not split or crack.

Concave rollers are typically made from soft polyurethane plastic, making them ideal for fibreglass boats. This material is less abrasive, non-marking, and tougher than rubber alternatives, providing greater stability during transit.

Bow rollers are often made from solid, hard-wearing black rubber. They are designed to be non-marking and are available in various sizes to fit different brackets.

Wobble rollers are usually found on boat trailers with hand or power winch systems. They help guide the boat onto the winch stand by reducing resistance and adjusting to the shape of the boat.

Self-centring rollers are essential for centring your boat on the trailer without the need for guesswork. They are made from durable, non-marking polyurethane and feature grooves that help align the boat.

Roller maintenance: adjust brackets, choose the right size, clean urethane rollers, replace roller spindles

Roller Maintenance

Adjust Brackets

To adjust your boat roller brackets, you will need to start by testing your rollers to ensure they are working well. You should be able to turn the roller with nothing but a length of fishing line. If the roller is too stiff, you may need to replace it.

There are two ways to adjust rollers to the right position: by eye or through measurement. Adjusting by eye is faster and easier, and can be done with a spirit level. Adjusting by measurement will take longer but will yield the best results.

To adjust by eye, place the spirit level at the rear of the boat above the transom near the motor. Get a couple of people to keep the boat balanced so it will sit and rest securely while you make adjustments. Remove the fasteners holding your rollers and roller arms in place, as well as any bunks. With your rollers loose and out of the way, your helpers must keep the boat even with the spirit level. Pick a side to adjust the rollers first, and adjust the roller arms and rollers to the correct height to maintain the boat level. Secure the rollers with bolts, working your way down the line from stern to bow, and ignoring the keel roller for now.

Use a line to help set the angle of the rollers. Run a string from the front of the boat to the back, measuring from the second roller, not the keel roller. You are looking for a slight angle of about 5 degrees to help facilitate the boat on and off the trailer. Once one side of the boat is adjusted, check that the boat is still level, and then repeat the process on the other side. Keep an eye on the spirit level to make sure it is all perfectly even. If not, make adjustments as necessary.

Adjust the keel roller last. The keel roller should be slightly lower than the other rollers to allow the boat to get on and off the trailer easily. Try a ¼ to ½ turn on the height adjustment with an adjustable wrench.

To adjust by measurement, you will need to make a sketch or take notes as you go, measuring from the centreline of your boat to each strake. Measure each bracket and roller arm to determine how much they need to be moved inboard and outboard.

Choose the Right Size

It is important to install the correct size roller for your boat. Installing the incorrect boat roller may cause potential damage to your boat and trailer. Different types of boat rollers perform different tasks, so be sure you understand the differences between rollers such as self-centring rollers, dog bone rollers, cotton reel rollers, concave rollers, wobble rollers, and bow rollers.

Clean Urethane Rollers

Urethane rollers require constant maintenance and cleaning after each use to maximise their lifespan. Regularly clean urethane rollers for longer use.

Replace Roller Spindles

To replace roller spindles, start by launching the boat and tying it off to the dock or onto the beach. Move your boat trailer and vehicle away from the launching ramp. Identify the rollers that need replacement, starting from the front of the trailer and working your way to the rear.

Using pliers, pull the cotter pin on one end of the roller spindle, and remove the roller pin out of the panel bracket. Spray the roller spindle and the panel bracket with penetrating spray lubricant, and replace the damaged boat rollers, spindles, and cotter pins where necessary.

Slide your replacement roller shaft into the hole in the panel bracket. Hold the new roller between the two sides of the panel bracket and push the roller spindle into the roller as far as possible. Tap the end of the roller shaft with a rubber mallet, if necessary, to secure the roller. Insert the cotter pin into the end of the roller shaft protruding through the panel bracket, ensuring the cotter pin is securely in place at the first or second “bulge” after the split.

Repeat this process for each boat roller needing replacement or attention.

Roller installation: remove old roller, place replacement roller, adjust keel rollers, test

To replace your boat trailer rollers, start by removing the old roller. This may involve removing a cotter pin and taking out the roller spindle. Place the replacement roller between the sides of the panel bracket. Push the roller spindle into the roller and insert the cotter pin.

Once the new roller is in place, you'll need to adjust the keel rollers. Loosen the bolts on the roller mounting brackets and adjust the rollers so that they sit tightly against the body of the boat, with the bow elevated compared to the stern. Tighten the bolts again and test the setup by towing the boat a short distance. Check that the boat is sitting correctly on the trailer and make any necessary adjustments.

Roller alternatives: bunk trailers

Boat trailers can be equipped with rollers or bunks to support the boat's hull. While rollers are a series of small wheels that allow the boat to glide on or off the trailer with ease, bunk trailers are fitted with a series of parallel wooden boards lined with carpet to create friction and keep the boat in place.

Bunk trailers are generally simpler and more cost-effective than roller trailers. They are ideal for those who use their boats infrequently and have access to well-developed boat landings with deep water and level ramps. Bunk trailers are also a good option for very lightweight boats, such as john boats or small aluminium fishing boats.

However, roller trailers offer the advantage of being able to launch boats at shallow or undeveloped boat ramps, making them a popular choice for anglers, hunters, and explorers seeking off-the-beaten-path waterways. It is important to note that with roller trailers, the winch line and safety chain must remain connected until the boat is in the water to prevent it from rolling off.

When choosing between a bunk or roller trailer, consider factors such as boat usage frequency, the type of boat ramp in your area, and your preferred boating locations. Additionally, factors like single or dual-axle trailers, trailer materials, and trailer upgrades should also be considered to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

Frequently asked questions