Trailer advice

[DJK55]

Planning to buy a new/used trailer for a Campion 188. It currently sits on a single axle roller trailer. Looking for advice on roller vs bunk trailers for this boat. Located on east central VI.

 

[scott craven]

Most will likely tell you to go bunks but it really depends on the grade of the ramp you'll use. I launch and load solo most of the time and have always had roller trailers.
Easy off, easy on.

 

[Eden Island]

I'm solo launching a 23 ft boat and have always had bunks with sliders on the back half of the bunks. Generally hear that bunks are lower maintenance and support the hull better. Scott and I are just the first of many who'll be on opposite sides of this question.

 

[N2013]

Bunks allow for easier on/off but require more water or a steeper ramp due to the friction. Rollers allow for less water and a shallower grade of ramp, but loading can be difficult as the boat needs to be fairly straight. Ever try to retrieve a boat on rollers with a cross wind or current? Pros & cons to each,

 

[pescador]

Go bunks rear rollers forward. Bunks provide better support but are harder to float off trailer. Rollers put more stress on their contact points but quickly release the boat. I think compromising going half and half is the way to go. Once you get the rear of the boat into the water the rollers will make it easier to float off and load on. I’ve had trailers since the early 70’s and have spent a small fortune on buying and maintaining them. I don’t have one right now with current boat and don’t miss them.

 

[Loghauler]

The battle starts anew lol
Bunks are awesome and can be easier once a person is used to them
Rollers or nylon slides would be helpful with bigger and heavier boats
Both work and each have benefits and drawbacks that are easily overcome with experience
Harder to get boats straight and level for beginners with rollers

 

[Squire]

In my experience rollers are great for smaller boats - up to 17’. I had a trailer with articulating roller assemblies that actually guided the boat to center as you pulled it up. It was the easiest setup I ever had to get the boat on the trailer even with hardly any water.
Not so easy with a bigger, heavier boat so I am another fan of a combination of bunks aft and rollers forward.