Can I Remove the Keel Rollers and Add Bunk Rollers to a Boat Trailer for a Smoker Craft Boat

Question:

Im thinking of purchasing the # 27700 Replacement Roller Bunks by CE Smith - 48inch Long - 5 Rollers Each - Qty 2 - to replace my wooden bunker boards. First question - Im wondering if I can get rid of the two v-rollers that sit below the keel, one at stern and the other mid-way up the centerline? They are a constant source of problems. Second question - How can I figure out the weight of my boar? My boat is a 14 foot aluminum Smokercraft with flooring, live well, a 25 HP outboard and 3 pretty hefty 12 volt batteries 2 for the trolling motor, 1 for starting the engine and electronics. I add another 200 pounds plus my tackle and a couple of anchors. Photo attached. Do you have any idea how to calculate the weight of my boat? Im assuming the 1500 pound rating for the Roller Bunks is for the two bunks combined, not 1500 pound per bunk. Thanks very much

asked by: Dennis D

Expert Reply:

I would be apprehensive about completely removing the keel rollers, especially if they support any weight. Removing the keel rollers would force the bunks to support more weight. This could be dangerous with the bouncing affect trailers and boats experience when towing. To make sure it is completely safe to remove the keel rollers without potentially damaging the boat, I recommend contacting Smoker Craft directly because they would be the best source to tell you if the hull of your boat can be supported by bunks alone.

To answer your second question, the easiest way to determine the weight of your boat would be to contact Smoker Craft with your boats serial number to get the dry weight, then add the weight of all additional items. I contacted Smoker Craft, but they did not want to give any specific information without a serial or ID number for your boat. Another method would be to take your loaded boat and trailer to a scale to have it weighed. Then, weigh the trailer without the boat if possible. The difference will tell you the weight of your boat and contents.

You are correct in assuming the 1,500 pound weight rating is for the pair of the CE Smith Roller Bunks, # CE27700. If you want to replace the bunk board brackets as well, I recommend the CE Smith Bolster and Swivel Mounting Brackets, # CE10003G-4. Keep in mind, the 1,500 pound weight capacity would be for two or four roller bunks. The weight capacity does not increase with another pair.

expert reply by: John H