How to Install Keel Rollers
- 1). Measure the strakes -- the horizontal ridges along the boat's hull -- at the stern to establish the correct rail spacing. Select the widest possible rail setting, but do not duplicate the Point B measurement of the enclosed diagram.
- 2
The back of an adjustable wrench makes a handy hammer when the need arises.two adjustable spanners image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
Gently tap both of the rectangular plastic caps into the ends of the front post assembly with the wrench. Refer to the diagram if you are not sure of this instruction. Use the 3/8-by-1 inch bolts and lock nuts to put together the main rail section, using the socket wrench. - 3). Notice that the two rail ends are not the same. Use the longer rails, the front post assembly, the keel roller cross member and the other three middle cross members for this part of the assembly. Turn the open side of these cross members to the post assembly, and do not tighten the nuts for now.
- 4
Winches take the load off when loading heavy, cumbersome boats.winches image by mercedes navarro from Fotolia.com
Install the winch mast next following the diagrams and labeled layouts. Use the two 3/8-by-4 inch bolts and lock nuts to secure the rail stand base. Mount the backing plate behind the base of the post assembly, and do tighten these all the way. - 5). Attach the right and left mast angle supports using the same nut and bolt that are attaching the front cross member. Install the aft ends of the mast supports to the inside holes of the cross member as shown, and leave these nuts loose for now.
- 6). Insert a 3/8-by-2 3/4 bolt and lock nut through the right and left mast angle supports and mast, as the illustration shows. Check the rails for square with the cross members and tighten all the lock nuts you left loose to this point. Use two 1-inch bolts and lock nuts to mount the winch, and insert the winch handle.
- 7). Install the wheels, or rollers, using the using the bolt and nut. Do not over tighten the nut to the point it compresses the rail, but do make it tight.
