Your Guide to Your Boat Trailer's Most Needed Part: Reliable Wobble Rollers

Having to cancel a day of fun on the water because some of your boat trailer parts just aren’t pulling their weight is something no one wants to do. However, when it comes to boating equipment, it’s easy to overlook your trailer parts in the excitement of your aqua-based adventures. But we hope to change that by sharing this essential knowledge about possibly the most important trailer part for your boat: wobble rollers.

What Are Wobble Rollers & How Do They Work?

Wobble rollers are a type of boat trailer roller. They help support and guide the boat during launch and retrieval. To do this, they are mounted on a shaft, while still being able to rotate freely. This allows the boat to smoothly move over them. You’ll see them used on larger boat trailers, often with other rollers, like keel rollers, to help support and stabilise the boat.

But why are they called ‘wobble’ rollers? Well, this is because they’re made to move from side-to-side slightly when the boat passes over them. This motion helps prevent jarring or bouncing, which can make launching or retrieving your boat difficult, if not dangerous.

How to Set Up Wobble Rollers on Your Boat Trailer?

Boat trailer wobble rollers are a simple and effective solution. But, they are only effective if they are correctly chosen and set up.

1. Picking the Right Wobble Rollers

Whether you’re getting your first boat trailer or you’re after wobble roller replacements, you need to know which wobble rollers will work best for you. This means taking into consideration the size and weight of your boat, and the dimensions and capacity of your trailer. Therefore, you’ll need to:

• Check your boat's specifications: This information should be readily available in your boat's owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. You want to determine the weight and dimensions of your boat.eee
• Assess your trailer's capacity: As you did for your boat, confirm your boat trailer’s specs too, particularly the capacity and dimensions. Now’s the time to check that it can support the weight of your boat and that there will be enough clearance between the rollers to accommodate your boat's width and length.
• Consider the number and size of rollers you need: This will be based on the weight and size of your boat. Typically, larger and heavier boats require more rollers to distribute the weight evenly and provide better support. The size and shape of your boat's hull will also influence the size and spacing of the rollers needed.
• Consult with a professional: If you're unsure about which wobble rollers to choose, it's always a good idea to talk to an expert, like the team at Mr Boats. We can help you find the right match.

As you’re looking for these essential boat trailer parts, you may find that you need other rollers or parts too to safely transport your boat. Be sure to follow any specifications in your owner’s manual or advice you receive from experts.

2. Putting the Wobble Rollers On

With your wobble rollers purchased, it’s time to learn how to set up wobble rollers on your boat trailer. While it will be different for everyone depending on trailer and roller types, these are the general steps to follow.

• Install the roller brackets: You’ll need to install these in line with the keel of the boat on your trailer frame. Make sure they are secure.
• Install the rollers: You can now attach the wobble rollers to the brackets. These should be spaced evenly along the length of the trailer to properly support the boat. Similarly, they should also be placed at an appropriate height to support your boat's hull.
• Adjust the rollers: To ensure your rollers are in the correct position, take the time to adjust the height, spacing and angle of them. The latter should match the contour of your boat’s hull.
• Test the setup: Before you hit the road, be sure to test everything is working properly. Carefully load your boat onto the trailer and check if the rollers are misaligned or have even become damaged. If they don’t seem quite right, adjust the setup as you need to.

Ideally, you’ll be able to get this done yourself easily. However, there are professionals who can help too.

3. Adjust as Needed for Smooth & Safe Transport

Knowing how to adjust boat trailer rollers is important to correctly support your boat. You may also find that over time you need to make small adjustments to handle general wear and tear. So, to adjust your rollers, follow these general steps:

• Inspect the rollers: Start by getting a sense of the rollers’ conditions. There’s no point adjusting them if they’re too damaged to work.
• Adjust the height: Next, using the adjustment bolts or brackets, ensure the rollers are sitting at a height where your boat’s keel can evenly rest on them. Too high or too low, your boat may not be properly supported.
• Adjust the spacing: You want your rollers to be evenly spaced. You’ll know this is the case if your boat does not wobble or move excessively.
• Test the setup: Again, it's important to test the setup before heading off. So, load your boat onto the trailer and check the rollers are working as they should. You may need to make a few more adjustments, but it’s worth it to be confident that your boat is supported properly, and can be safely moved on and off the trailer.

Wondering Where You Can Wobble Rollers & Other Parts for Your Boat Trailer?

Make sure your boat trailer is ship-shape with Mr Boats’ range of wobble rollers and other boat trailer parts. Plus, we also have plenty to make your time out on the water all the better, from fishfinders to skis!