[Rhodes22-list] Trailer Position

[Jay Curry]

Thanks to those that responded to my earlier message about the boat position 
on my trailer. The responses were very helpful but I still need to work out 
some key points. I will start with keel and bow support.

Should the keel support some weight as it sits on the trailer? If so, is the 
roller adequate to hold the weight, or should some sort of bunk be installed 
forward of the roller?

My 20 year old keel has a small indentation where it looks as though it 
rested on the roller on a former trailer. On my trailer the keel rests above 
the roller and supports no weight.  I think a bunk board arrangement would 
be best and that the roller may damage the keel finish or be damaged by the 
weight it might be subjected to. I think the keel needs to support some 
weight to reduce hull deflection at the trailer posts. My hull is deflecting 
more than I would like to see. Am I on  track here?

Can the hull handle a bow support roller or cradle?

The winch strap and bow stop are in adequate to prevent the bow from 
bouncing under tow. A bow support of some kind is needed. I could mount a 
roller or cradle directly under the deck point where the slope of the cabin 
roof reaches the fore deck just ahead of the forward looking port windows. I 
think a cradle would be best since a bow roller might impact and damage the 
hull at its point of contact.

Any experience you folks could share with the above concerns would be 
helpful. Most of my use will involve trailering. Some of that trailering 
will be long distance. The trailer has has to be right and the boat 
comfortable on it in almost any road condition.

Thanks