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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Trailer Keel Roller

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/27/2003 : 20:59:19

A question was asked on the Trailer Sailor about solving problems with the deck lip at the bow hitting the winch when launching from a steep ramp. One of the suggestions that was made to him to solve his problem was to add a keel roller so the boat had to back off the trailer a way prior to bow dropping.

Knowing that at some point after hull #224, Trail Right dropped the keel roller from the trailer. I'm curious why? Does any one know?

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
R&R N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

bren737
Captain

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291 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2003 : 21:27:28

Arlyn,

Are you talking about a "bow roller"? I think they are the same thing, but I could be wrong. My trailer (an'02 Trail Rite) has a bow roller (just aft of the spare tire in the picture below). It is a big help when launching from my marina's ramp, which is indeed pretty steep, however, it is a real thorn in my side (or should I say bow) when recovering 'Ruah' to her trailer.

When launching, it does provide a 'pivot point' to keep the bow under control. When recovering, it bangs, chips and otherwise beats the hell out of my bow and either side of it! I've had to patch many dings with "Marine Tex". In order to get the bow to position over and onto the roller I have to have the trailer so far back into the water that the stern of the boat hovers way too far above the bunk boards and drifts whenever there is the slightest bit of crosswind to the ramp. I recently purchased a set of extra tall trailer guides for the back of my trailer but have not yet had chance to install them. Hope the help in keeping the stern aligned so that I can keep the bow roller submerged and away from my gelcoat!

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc06b3127cce94b0379de5270000001610" border=0>

Bren Peterson
C250WB, #642, "Ruah"
San Antonio, TX

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2003 : 22:46:46

Bren, yes... were talking the same thing. I called it a bow roller too but shifted when the discussion over on the Trailer Sailor referred to it as a keel roller.

I scratched my hull with the roller the first time out... a small minor scratch...but nothing is minor on a new boat. Before the next outing, that problem was fixed. See the tech tip on my web site. The fix is simple.

It's interesting that your '02 trailer has one and some between yours and mine didn't.

<img src="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/P0000309.JPG" border=0>

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
R&R N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Ray Seitz
Captain

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USA
416 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2003 : 07:18:05

This is probably not much help as my boat is only slightly older than Brens, but my trailer has the bow roller. I found that the roller when retrieving has to be just barely below the water. I like the padding Arlyn; I have not had any problems with scratches from the roller support, but I think I will take heed, and put padding on the roller supports on my to do list.

Bren I use a fiberglass bicycle safety pole (~4' tall) as a guide on my trailer. I found out that this was a very helpful item. I installed it after breaking one of the centerboard guide bunks when I pulled the boat out and it was not properly lined up. Still on my to do list is adding a second short length of chain to keep the boat tight aginst the roller at the winch. The same incident that broke the bunk also almost severed my winch strap. BTW that looks like a pertty good place to mount the spare. Another item on my to do list.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df06b3127cce944032c5b1370000000010" border=0>On the hard &
Under Roof Cave Run Lake KY
Ray Seitz C 250WB #628 Sea Major

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2003 : 09:55:48

Like most sailors with C250 WB I encountered recovery issues
when pulling my C250 WB out of the water. I offer these few suggestions which did help the situation. Blow the water ballast as per Arlyn's previous comments before removal. I pull and secure my C250 out of the water with a 1/2" rope, it seems to hold the boat against the bow stop when latched, never tried a strap. I have always accepted the use of a second or third pair of hands when pulling out. Most times I am in water up to my neck. Also,I stuck on the front part of the keel an orange incadescent marker and another one on the trailer cross beam right below the front of the bottom bunk, if the water is clear you can see the two dots aligned if done properly. Coming out of the water very slowly we have always been able to shift
the boat before the full weight is on the trailer. I understand there are different strokes for different folks, but thats just my two cents worth..."Bear" really on the hard in upstate N.Y. C250 WB #089

Edited by - on

ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2003 : 13:58:36

Here is another solution for a spare tire from Trail-Rite Trailors:
<img src="http://www.trailrite.com/images/StockOptions/FlipMtPic.jpg" border=0>

When at the ramp, pins can be Removed, tire will flip down and take the weight of the tongue.

I Recently bought a trailer and I plan to add this type of spare tire carrier,
Steve

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc32b3127cce94d57c8cff3b0000001010" border=0> Moon Chaser #385WK

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bren737
Captain

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291 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2003 : 10:30:07

Arlyn,

I had been thinking about some sort of "pad" system to cover the sides of by bow roller, but yours looks very simple and well done. Think I'll try it when I get a chance. Glad to know I'm not the only one that has had "trailer rash" on his boat due to that blasted thing. I think once I get the guides installed, too, that should help keep the boat under control until I start winching it tight. Nine times out of ten I'm alone or just with the kids when recovering, so the "extra set of hands" in the fashion of the guides should help.

Bren Peterson
C250WB, #642, "Ruah"
San Antonio, TX

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2003 : 11:09:12

I have very few problems while launching and retreiving and usually never get my feet wet. While hand loading is much easier and safer, the c250 can be power loaded even in cross winds. They are challening, but the soft link steering helps, as it allows motoring at a right angle to the trailer into the wind... and then making a hard turn into the bunks at just the right moment all before being blown off.

Of course, its crucial to have the bunks at just the right height to stick the boat so that the wind doesn't take it leeward or the boat doesn't hit the front of trailer. As Bren indicates, trailer guides are very helpful (necessary) to all this.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

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