CE Smith Roller Bunk - What Is Clearance From Top Of Roller To Metal Rail?

Updated 01/13/2026 | Published 08/29/2024

Question:

I am considering adding the roller bunks to my my bunk trailer. I need to know how much space there would be between the metal rail and the boat bottom when the boat is sitting on the rollers as one reason to go to the roller bunks is to provide space to slip a marina travel lift lifting strap under the boat without needing to jack the boat off the bunks for access as it is now. I need to have about 1inch clearance to slip the strap end fitting between the bunk and hull.

asked by: Dave A

EZ Loader Boat Trailer
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hello Dave. In regards to the CE Smith Bunk Roller # CE27700 about half of the diameter of the roller sits above the metal rail, there is 1" (maybe 1-1/16") of clearance between the metal rail and the boat bottom when the boat is sitting on the rollers. So it sounds like your strap end fitting will fit, but just barely.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Bunk Roller Clearance
(click to enlarge)

Jesse M.

1/12/2026

Hey Dave, how did things work out with the CE Smith roller bunks on your trailer? Did that 1-inch clearance give you enough room to slip the travel lift strap under the boat? Your update could make it easier for others trying to get the same fit.

Dave A.

1/12/2026

@JesseM Yes, it all worked well and the clearance allows for lift straps to be passed through without rising the boat from the trailer. But I did run into one complication. While the boat easily rolls off the trailer during a ramp launch, the first time that I ramp loaded the boat the rollers got hung up on the hull strakes as the strakes angle in towards the bow. I realigned the bunks to better match up with strake angle and it works better now. On a true roller trailer, the rollers and roller holder arms are typically pretty "floppy", allowing them to align themself and the strakes don't interfere. The rigidness of the bunks and these roller bunks don't provide that level of flexibility.

Jesse M.

1/13/2026

@DaveA Appreciate the follow-up, Dave! Glad to hear the clearance worked for running the lift straps without lifting the boat. Good heads-up on loading too. Those roller bunks don’t have the same give as a true roller trailer, so hull strakes can definitely hang up if they’re not lined up just right. Thanks for sharing what you ran into, that’ll help others dialing in the same setup.