I changed by bow roller with the new Stoltz 4”. I am not posting this as another upgrade thread, but rather, to show anyone still debating if they should change the stock roller on their trailer, what the roller damage looks like. I really do not care about the roller but wanted to show the problem.
Photo 1 – Stock roller once it was removed. You can see the blue and white gel coat imbedded in the roller. You can also see the scrapes and damage to the roller itself. Those marks are not just on the surface, but slightly in to the plastic. This was done after only two launches and recovery. I did not post pictures of the boat gel coat as the damage does not show clearly in the photos.
Photo 2 – My method of expanding the brackets, wood and heavy hammer.
Photo 3 - Final install
Short narrative below.
As others have posted, the replacement is very easy. I did it in my driveway. The steps I took are as follows:
- Loosened the transom straps
- Loosened the bow strap
- Backed up twice and hit the brakes hard. I was not going fast as there is no need to.
- Unbolted the old roller, two ¾” sockets on ratchets.
- Took a piece of wood and a 2lb hammer and bent the brackets back slightly to allow the larger center section to fit. Four hits to each. Did not want to strike too hard as to avoid the wood slipping and hit the boat.
- Installed new roller. Tightened the bolt and made sure the center section would roll easily.
- Drive forward and hit the brakes. Not too much speed, did not want the boat to hit the roller.
- Used the crank to pull the last ½” tight to the roller.
Total estimated work time…less than thirty minutes, and I took my time.
I hope this helps someone…
Regards,
Nick
View attachment 21227
View attachment 21225
View attachment 21228
#stoltz
<edited by admin to add hashtag>