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I'm prepping my 1979 22' Revenge for it's first cross country trip on its semi new keel roller trailer and I see where I have a little more clearance between the hull and the bunks. All the weight is definitely on the keel. I can put just a little upward pressure under the gunnel and she will rock towards the opposite side. My question is, should I get under the boat and push up on the bunks a hair to compensate for the boards shrinking a little or just tie her down real well to prevent rocking and go. With it tilted towards port I have just less than a 1/4 of clearance on the starboard bunk. Not sure that's worth the trouble or if its actually situated just right for a keel roller trailer set up.
I think Walter's advice is correct. You don't want any "rocking", but this does not mean that the bunks are carrying any weight.
I do it one bunk at a time. I use a ruler to make sure the boat sits level on the trailer and rollers. Measure from the rear cross member up to the bottom of the hull at the same place on both sides.
When the boat is level, tighten up the bolts on the bunk supports on one side. Then use a trailer transom tie down strap and tighten down firmly on that side.
Now go to the other side. SLIGHTLY loosen the bunk bolts, but not so much that the bunk moves by hand. Using a regular hammer, tamp/bump the bunks up tight against the hull, then firmly tighten.
Your hull will now be firmly installed on the trailer, and will not rock side to side.
Have a safe trip. I recently just towed my Outrage 25 1400 miles to FL for the winter. Took two long days, driving 62 MPH in third gear, 8-9 MPG!
Thanks for the advice and information. I did get under there and snugged up the bunks. I also tightened up the guide posts and strapped down the transom. We should be good to go for the 2.5 hour journey. Nothing close to your annual migration Finnegan. :)
