Rollers or Bunks for Flats Flyer

[Conrad]

I purchased a used trailer with large rollers on it. It had a 21 foot 92 bay liner but it will be modified to a 20' Flats Flyer... I'm trying to decide: Rollers or bunks? Or combination?

[Bill Edmundson]

Bunks

Too many parts on rollers! It's too easy to miss one going bad. Then you end up with a big gouge in your hull. And rollers tend to dent the hull.

Bill

[Conrad]

After that, composite or wood? Anyone try both? The obvious goal would be not to replace the wood boards

[kens]

I had a roller trailer once, and never again.
Well, rollers up front on the winch stand I use well,
But rollers on the main hull and aft, no.

[hoodman]

Pressure treated 2x material is fine. I'm not sure composite lumber would be stiff enough.

[TAB]

After that, composite or wood? Anyone try both? The obvious goal would be not to replace the wood boards

composite will not work, it is way too flexible. most of them recommend joists at 12" on center, where standard is 16" a few even require it.

either pt or red wood. fyi, do not use galvanized hard ware on modern pt. it will not last. either use ss( which is really not that much) or use nylon isolators. been more then a few lawsuits in the last few years over it, in the deck building industry. the coated stuff is fine, but honestly you can order ss hardware for very little off line.

[Jimbob]

Re: material to use for bunks
I called the people that built my custom trailer (sport boat trailers) and asked them what they used for their bunks. They told me that they use douglas fir. The douglas fir conforms to the boat better. They also said don't use hardwood. In additon, they said that treated wood becomes brittle over time, and don't recommend it.
Hope this helps.
Jim

[Conrad]

Thanks everyone!