Safety and ease of transportation of small vessel directly depend on the state of the chassis and the fixing elements. Rollers for lozenges They're one of the most important consumables that require regular attention from the owner of the equipment, and they take the main load when the boat is launched and lifted to land, ensuring that the hull slides without damage.
Many owners overlook the wear of these elements until it is too late. Cracked, hardened or worn rubber can cause deep scratches on the gelcoat or even cause the boat to shift during transportation. In this article, we will take a look at what types of rollers exist, how to choose the right size and replace them with your own forces.
Functional purpose and importance of rollers
The main task of the keelblocks and side rollers is to minimize friction between the boat hull and the metal frame of the trailer. Lodges They distribute the weight of the vessel, but it's rubber or plastic elements that provide a gentle slide, and when launching, the boat should easily slide off the frame under the influence of inertia or a small push, without getting stuck due to high friction coefficient.
They also act as shock absorbers, and when they move on rough roads, they dampen vibrations that are transmitted from the metal frame to the hull. Polyurethane And the rubber products do a great job of protecting the structure of the boat from microcracks, so if the rollers are worn out, the metal comes into contact with the skin, which inevitably leads to damage.
It's worth noting that the right placement of the rollers affects the aerodynamics and stability of the trailer. A displaced or skewed roller can create additional resistance or uneven load on the frame, so it's important not only to change the consumables in time, but also to monitor the geometry of their installation.
⚠️ Note: The operation of a trailer with completely missing or destroyed rollers is strictly prohibited, as this creates a risk of slipping the boat from the frame at high speed.
Classification of materials: rubber, plastic or polyurethane
The modern market offers several options for roller-making, and each material has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of vessel you are on, storage conditions and frequency of use, the main materials are black rubber, plastic and polyurethane.
Traditional black rubber is a classic that has been tested for decades, and it has great elasticity and protects the body well, but over time, the rubber tans in the cold and cracks under the influence of ultraviolet light. Rubber rollers They require more frequent replacement, but they are usually cheaper than their counterparts.
Plastic options, often made from PVC or polyethylene, are more durable in terms of retaining shape, but can be too rigid for some types of coatings. They are not afraid of the sun, but in extreme frost become brittle. Polyurethane is considered the middle ground: it combines the strength of plastic and the elasticity of rubber, having high wear resistance.
You should also consider color when choosing. Black rollers are less noticeable, but they get warmer in the sun. polyurethane The products are less heated, but can get dirty from contact with water and dirt, and it is important that the material does not leave traces on the boat hull when friction occurs.
Table of dimensions and compatibility with trailers
Sizing up is critical. Boat trailer lodging rollers have standardized landing diameters, but their length and shape can vary, and the wrong piece will either not fit on the axle or will dangle around, creating a backlash.
The most common standard is a landing diameter of 13 mm (1/2 in) and 19 mm (3/4 in). However, there are less popular sizes, especially on older trailer models or specialized equipment. Be sure to remove the old roller and measure it with a rod before buying.
Below is a table that helps to orient in the main sizes:
| Typical size | Landing diameter | Typical length | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (1/2) | 13 mm | 70-100 mm | Side guides, small keel guides |
| Average (3/4) | 19 mm | 100-150 mm | Keel rollers, main supports |
| Big (1) | 25 mm | 150-200 mm | Heavy boats, boats |
| Specific | 16 mm/20 mm | Other. | European trailers, special equipment |
Note that the length of the roller also plays a role, and a roller that is too short may not provide the right footing, and too long may rest on adjacent elements of the structure. Keel rollers Usually longer than the lateral, as they take the main weight of the nose.
If the old roller is worn out and difficult to measure, measure the inner diameter of the metal sleeve (if it is preserved) or the diameter of the bolt on which it was attached.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing rollers
The replacement process does not require a complex tool and takes a minimum of time, the main thing is to follow the sequence of actions and safety precautions, before starting work, make sure that the trailer is on a flat surface and fixed.
You will need wrenches (usually 13, 14 or 17 mm), pliers, possibly penetrating lubricant (WD-40) and a hammer. If the rollers were attached to rivets, you will need a drill or a Bulgarian to remove them.
☑️ Checklist for roller replacement
If you use a bolt, just unscrew the nut. Often, the threads will cling to the constant contact with water. In this case, treat the connection with lubrication and wait 10-15 minutes. When removing the rivets, they must be drilled or carefully cut, trying not to damage the metal arc of the pad.
Installation of the new element is done in reverse order. If there is no fastener in the kit, use bolts of the appropriate strength class (at least 8.8) and be sure to install a grover washer or use a self-contradicting nut so that the vibration does not unwind the connection.
⚠️ WARNING: When tightening the bolt, do not overdo it so as not to deform the body of the roller, but make sure that it sits tightly and does not turn on the axis.
Care of lodgings and extension of service life
And boat-roller They've been in the longest possible time, and they need to be properly cared for, and the main enemy of rubber and polyurethane is salt, dirt and direct sunlight in long periods of downtime, and after every trip, especially by sea, it's recommended that you rinse the elements with fresh water.
In winter, the trailer is better stored indoors or under a tight awning. Ultraviolet breaks the structure of the polymer, making it brittle. If storage is unavoidable, cover the frame with a protective cover. It is also worth periodically lubricating the axes of rotation, if the design of the roller suggests that they do not sour.
Can you lubricate the rollers?
You can't lubricate the roller surface itself, which is in contact with the boat, because the boat will slide, not roll. Only the rotation axis inside the roller, if there is a bearing or sleeve, is lubricated.
Regular visual inspection will help to identify cracks at an early stage, if you notice that the roller has begun to crumble or the hull of the boat has scuffed at the contact points, you can not postpone the replacement. Prevention It's always cheaper than repairing a gelcoat.
Frequent errors in selection and installation
One common mistake is to buy the cheapest options without considering the specifications. Cheap rubber can contain large amounts of soot and impurities that stain the sides of the boat and dry quickly. Saving 100 rubles can cost thousands of rubles when restoring the surface of the vessel.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the fasteners, and when you change the roller, many people leave an old rusty bolt that will sour in the season, always change the fastener to a new one that has been treated with anticort, and you don't have to use plastic clamps or wire to fix it, just the regular metal fastener.
The quality of rollers directly affects the safety of the boat hull, so you should choose certified products of proven brands, not nameless analogues.
Incorrect installation, when the roller is skewed or at an angle, leads to uneven wear. The boat in this case rests on the edge of the roller, quickly erasing it and creating a stress point on the hull. Watch the parallel installation of all the elements of the pad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I change the trailer?
Replacement rates depend on the intensity of operation and storage conditions. On average, rubber rollers serve 2-3 seasons of active use. Polyurethane rollers can last 5 years or more. The main indicator is the appearance of cracks, scuffs on the boat or loss of elasticity.
Can I use a camera instead of a video?
It is strongly discouraged. Auto tires are not designed for such loads and will quickly collapse, and the absence of a rigid frame will lead to instability of the boat on the trailer. Use only specialized products.
What is the difference between keel rollers and side rollers?
Keels are usually V-shaped or rounded to support the bottom of the keel area of the main weight. The lateral (beams) are often flat or slightly curved and serve to keep the boat from piling on its side. Their size and shape may vary.
Why are white polyurethane rollers blackening?
It's a natural process of oxidation and pollution, and the work surface absorbs dirt from the roads and water, and it doesn't affect functionality, but for aesthetics, you can wash them occasionally with a mild detergent, avoiding aggressive chemistry.