Can a Keel Roller for a Boat Trailer be placed on the Middle of a Boat Trailer

Updated 09/06/2011 | Published 09/04/2011

Question:

I have no keel roller on my 2004 Zieman boat trailer and the side carpeted boards are about 4 away from the side of the boat, with no adjustable means to the welded brackets. The boat is only a 15 ft alumanum V-bottom by Smokercraft, but it slides sideways whatever way it wants when placing it on the trailer. The only guides that works is the front roller just back from the winch...and the front Y type rubber stop. I would like to add a keel roller in the midsection of the trailer/boat. Is that appropriate or should it be place near the rear trailer support channel?..In addition, the boat rides about 5-6 inches above the supports. Thanks for any info you may provide.

asked by: Bill G

Expert Reply:

Normally, you will see keel rollers near the back of a boat trailer to help guide it on. But it is possible to place a roller else where on the trailer. You would have to be careful not to place all of the boats weight on one roller as this could damage the boat and trailer. If a roller would cause the boat to ride too high, you may want to re-think where the roller can be positioned.

You may be able to back the trailer up further to limit how much side to side travel the boat can do. If I understand the problem correctly it seems like having rollers higher up on each side of the trailer would help to prevent side to side motion by limiting the space between the bunks and the hull.

expert reply by: Michael H