Conference vicki::boats

    
    Having owned both I would have to say that my preference is
    for the bunk type trailer. Rollers do have one advantage as
    you stated, which is to let the boat slide on and off easier.
    You can make for up for this deficiency on a bunk trailer by
    just backing it in a little deeper.
    
    The advantages to a bunk trailer, at least in the cases of the
    two that I've owned, are that it is easier to guide the boat
    on straight, and they do provide better support for the boat.
    They also are generally less expensive and require less maint-
    enance, since rollers can tend to crack, sieze up, and sometimes
    leave black marks on the hull.
    
    Some boat manufacturers also *require* that you use a bunk
    trailer. I seem to recall from the old notes file that Boston
    Whaler would void your hull warranty if a roller trailer is used.
                                    
    Rick W.

    .....And whats the deal with the brakes???? I live in MAss. and
    while shoping for the trailer, tell the salesman the boat+motors
    combined weight is approx. 3100 lb.(?) and he says IF I WANT brakes...
    its another $300-400. I thought that brakes were a REQUIREMENT on
    over trailers (in MASS.)hauling the capacity that I mentioned. (I
    can't remember the exact specs).
    
    Also, It would be nice to hear from you folks who have had the
    oportunityto have owned different types of trailers. I.e. on the
    roller trailers: names like Cox, Easyloader...come to mind. Any
    pro/cons you can share with us? Are all trailers...say in the roller
    class created equal?
    
    MArk 

    I have a load rite 3400lb capacity trailer so that boat+trailer
    weight = ~5000lbs. The trailer has tandom axels and NO brakes.
    I think the law may be over 5000lbs you have to have them. I
    do not and all I can say is that if someone stops short in
    front of me they will have 10000 lbs of truck and boat right up
    their you know what. In normal conditions I have no problem,
    I do have to be very carefull when the road is wet because
    stopping distance is increased, but I do not boat often in the
    rain! I have heard that trailer brakes and salt water don't
    mix, comments anyone? and please don't anyone say that
    the wheels (brakes) won't get wet when you dunk the boat.
    
    If you can afford the tandom axel that makes a Big difference
    in tongue weight, ease of backing up and stability on the
    highway.
                                                              
    Enough rambling.
    
    Bruce 

> do not and all I can say is that if someone stops short in
> front of me they will have 10000 lbs of truck and boat right up
> their you know what. 
    I was all set to put in a smart guy reply about that being
    a fine attitude until they sue you (which is still true),
    but I decided to check the towing regulations.  Mass only
    requires brakes for trailers over 10,000 lbs.  UFB.  Every
    other state requires brakes for trailers over 1,500 - 3000
    lbs.  (NH,ME,VT,CT are 3000, RI is 4000)

    My towed weight is ~5200 pounds.  I can feel when the surge
    brakes are activated.  I would not think of towing a trailer
    of this weight without brakes.  I want to live.

    When you stop, the towed mass's momentum is going to be
    dissipated somewhere.  If you don't have trailer brakes, you
    will undoubtedly wear your tow vehicle brakes faster.

    	- Lee

    re .0	There is a hybrid or two around, Holsclaw (sp ?) for
    one, has a sort of bunk fitting that carries about a dozen small
    diameter rollers.  This seems to give the kind of distributed support
    of a bunk WITH the roll on/off ease of rollers, I think they go
    up to about a 5,000 lb rating.
    
    	Reg
    

    If you have a bunk type trailer you can spray the bunks with silicon.
    This makes the boat slide very easy.  I can slide my 1200 pound boat
    by hand with the trailer parked on the level.
    
    keith