Which Crossmembers Will Benefit Most on Boat Trailer from CE Smith Self-Centering Keel Roller

Updated 01/18/2022 | Published 01/17/2022

Question:

I am having horrible boat centering problems while trying to load onto my trailer. I just ordered from you guys the CE Smith self-centering keel roller part # CE29505 and needed install items. My trailer currently has no center rollers. I have attached a picture to help you visualize my application. I have 3 cross members to install this on: The one farthest to the stern which is almost directly under the transom, the cross member about 5.5ft in front of the transom, and the 3rd well forward of those 2. My thought was to try one of these rollers and put it on the cross member closest to the stern/transom? Or should I put it on the middle one? Boat ramps have some tilt so while the the location farthest back might give the longest time for the keel to travel over it, it will also be a little farther under water than if it were on the middle cross member. Hoping this works.

asked by: John C

Expert Reply:

While putting a CE Smith Keel Roller for Boat Trailers # CE29505 on the rear most crossmember wouldn't hurt anything it wouldn't help much as like you noted that portion of the trailer will be the most submerged and by the time boat makes contact there the boat will be basically all the way on the trailer. I would put them on the front crossmembers.

expert reply by: Jameson C