trailer adjustment

[stubbsboogie]

SO I finally got the camera up and running and got some pics of my trailer and boat on it. Cant get it off as it has gotten cold again.

This is kinda a pollow up to and earlier question.
This boat is an absolute beast to put on the trailer at the end of the day. Easy to launch but impossible to center.
So my question is from the expierenced boaters out there what does it look like I need to adjust or add to fix this.

I thought about adding another set of bnks in the middle between the ones that are there. Having them extend up past the ends of them to the nrxt crossbar.

Or maybe one of the U-shaped things in the front to grab the bow and center it.

Sorry for the long winded post thanks alot guys

O and I know that may not be the right way to post pics but it is all I could figure out.




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5. http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m310/stubbs_04/IMG_0094.jpg


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[a70eliminator]

Re: trailer adjustment

Umm, Houston we have a problem..

Your keel rollers should be taking most of the weight not the bunks, either lower the bunks or raise the rollers, the entire weight of the boat resting on those bunks is hard on the hull. The trailer doesn't appear to be designed for a deep vee hull.
It looks like you have plenty adjustment on those rollers.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: trailer adjustment

Umm, Houston we have a problem..

Your keel rollers should be taking most of the weight not the bunks, either lower the bunks or raise the rollers, the entire weight of the boat resting on those bunks is hard on the hull. The trailer doesn't appear to be designed for a deep vee hull.
It looks like you have plenty adjustment on those rollers.

+1...a70!

The way we used to do it, was to loosen the roller brackets...and hammer them up, until the rollers made solid contact with the keel. The bolts need to be semi-snug...so that the roller bracket would move upward, but would stay in position until tightened. The hammering will go a whole lot easier with a small 'sledge' (short handle) hammer.

The front roller appears to be useless...unless it has some upward adjustment remaining.

That is where I would be starting...!

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: trailer adjustment

Thanks so much for the replies. I appreciate the help as this has been a bit of a thorn in my boating side.

I have as well thought that the trailer was not designed for the hull, but that is what I have to work with.

It does seem though that the weight is on the rollers, almost seems as though there is too much weight there. It has cracked the gel coat in a couple of places while rolling on the rollers. The boat is on the trailer crooked now. When it is on straight seems like it hits the rollers right but I am not sure.

Most of my problems stem from sometimes being unable to center it on the trailer.
If I move the outer bunks in about an inch or so on either side it wil raise the boat a bit and give me some room to play with the rollers, is this a bad idea?

Also would another set of bunks work to help my centering issue

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: trailer adjustment

stub; if you have or can borrow a small floor jack or even better two try jacking the bow and stern up just enough to take the weight off your bunks.
then slowly and evenly work the bunk out and lower the boat down to the rollers. the lower you can get the boat on the trailer and not rub on the fenders or frame the better things will work for you. after you get it setting on the keel rollers you should be able to winch the boat ahead to the center post. if the rollers dont all touch you will move your jack to a spot near that roller and take the weight with your jack, then move roller up or down till you have them all as even as you can get them. after you have your keel setting pretty even on the keel rollers, move your bunks in or out keeping in mind they only need enough weigh on them to keep the boat centered, from tipping side to side, and bouncing on a rough road. your trailer looks fine and it looks like it has a lot of room to adjust. it looks like its never been set to fit you boat.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: trailer adjustment

i just looked again and it looks like you need to move the center post ahead as well as lower the bunks.
allso try to avoid having the bunk setting on the chine as one pic shows now.
another thing to keep in mind, is moving the center post will change the hitch weight but after you get the keel taking the weight and the bunks set it shouldnt be to much trouble to move forward or back to adjust you hitchweight. after thats done you might
have to fine tune your rollers and bunks againe but you will be well on your way by then

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: trailer adjustment

Allright thanks guys. I will try to bump up the rollers. I have checked around and I dont know anyone with a floor jack. So I will have to wait till I can get the boat off the trailer.

Two more question though, just for my clarification. When I raise the rollers should I move the bunks in or out. there is not much clearance between the boat and the frame of the trailer. And if I move the bunks out it will lower the boat a bit, I know it needs to be as low as possible but I dont want it to get too close to the frame of the trailer. (Do I?)

Second, does the boat need to be in contact with the keel roller in the very back. I can move the front post back and make it hit it but will that move the boat back too far for this trailer.
Thanks again,you guys are great!!!

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: trailer adjustment

Allright thanks guys. I will try to bump up the rollers. I have checked around and I dont know anyone with a floor jack. So I will have to wait till I can get the boat off the trailer. I used to tap the rollers up, with the boat on the trailer...like yours is. Make good contact.

Two more question though, just for my clarification. When I raise the rollers should I move the bunks in or out. there is not much clearance between the boat and the frame of the trailer. It looks, to me, that only the fronts of your bunks need to go in...to clear the chines. The bunk rears look to be in good position.And if I move the bunks out it will lower the boat a bit, I know it needs to be as low as possible but I dont want it to get too close to the frame of the trailer. (Do I?)

Second, does the boat need to be in contact with the keel roller in the very back. I can move the front post back and make it hit it but will that move the boat back too far for this trailer.
Thanks again,you guys are great!!!

Remember to have the roller brackets fairly snug while tapping them up...so that they stay in position, until you can tighten them!

 

[Floatsum]

Re: trailer adjustment

Being new here, I probably shouldn't say much, but I will.

Looking them pictures over,, I'd say the trailer is all wrong for that hull to begin with.
Forward roller is way too far forward.
The fenders look too close to the tires (near overloaded?). Unless it's solid, how does it do on potholes & bumps?
Bunks look like they could go outboard a good 3-4 inches each side to get off the rib.
The rollers (as mentioned) need to go way up and carry the load. Bunks should carry far less than the rollers and mainly just for stability of the boat.
I'd swap out the rear roller for a much wider self-centering hard roll and mount.

As mentioned, only going by the pictures. But as much as I like bunk trailers, I think you have a prime candidate for a roller conversion.
If it was me (and the impressions of the photos are correct) I'd start by trying to move the boat forward on the trailer. That would take some weight off the axles and transfer it to the tongue giving more travel to the springs. May go for 10-14% as rigged for travel. Also by moving forward you'll get better use from the forward roller for bow support and tying down.
Trash the bunks and replace with a roller setup and position last roller under the transom about 1' from edge.
I'd consider the ramps you frequent most, and try and set the trailer up so its just slightly pitching the boat down in the rear at the ramp(s).

As mentioned, it would be what I'd be considering judging from the photos only. I know the pictures may be giving me a false impression so without actually seeing, it's just my impression of what's needed for better support and easier launch / haul.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: trailer adjustment

Without being there and seeing the rig in person, going simply on the pics, it looks to me that the bunks may need to be moved inward a bit, so that they contact the flat area on the hull, this will do two things, it will better support the boat as well as make loading easier. I'd also add a set of rear guide ons or side bunk boards.

The boat looks pretty far forward yet the trailer appears to be well loaded, you might need to look close at the weight capacity and/or condition of the springs.

You really need to set the trailer up with the boat on it, doing it with the boat off is just guessing. Buy yourself a jack and get some wood blocks to protect the hull, it won't be the last time you use it for sure. Even a bottle jack or one of those screw type bottle jacks that come with many pickup trucks will work if your on solid ground.

You want to get the boat as low as it can be on the center rollers without it hitting the frame. If the front roller can't be adjusted to contact the boat, and you have proper tongue weight on the trailer, remove it or just forget about it. It's not in a weight bearing position anyhow.
I like to see either equal weight on the rollers and bunks or just a bit more on the rollers for ease of loading.
You will find that with a set of guide ons you'll be able to load a bit deeper and have less trouble winching the boat on.
You can add a V block to the bow stop, it won't help much in centering but will give better support when the boat is secured and they do prevent the boat from getting along side of the winch post to some extent.

I do agree that it's not the ideal trailer, but the worst thing you'll have to contend with is having to go deeper to launch or load the boat. I'm not a big fan of trailers that carry the boat so low that you can't lower the motor even for storage.

You could get away without the jack, by lowing one roller at a time but adjusting the bunks will be tougher. It will go better with a second set of hands and something to prop the boat against the opposite bunk while you readjust things.

 

[Floatsum]

Re: trailer adjustment

I mentioned moving the bunks outward because they do not look adjustable for elevation. That would lower the boat and help get it down on the rollers some and away fom the narrow point of contact as shown. I'd also would still like to see the bow area suported somewhat with that roller to help relieve any strain on the hull at the leading edge of the bunk in case of a good bump / pothole.
I can't help but notice all the air space where there shouldbe contact. Must be some heavy presure points somewhere not shown in the photos?
I'm bothered mostly by lack of even weight distribution that seems to be shown with the photos.
Awful hard without actually seeing it up close. maybe if seen in person I'd have a completely different opinion.

 

[Floatsum]

Re: trailer adjustment

Wait a minute-
That next to last picture of the transom and motor-
Is that loaded off center that much or is it camera angle or something?
In that photo, the right bunk looks much closer to center than the left (judging by what I can see of the keel roller).
Maybe an illusion, but something looks,,, weird(?) back there.
Like maybe your left bunk slipped outboard a couple of inches?

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: trailer adjustment

No the boat is on a bit crooked. Not an illusion at all. that seems to be the biggest problem with getting it on straight. Where the bunks make contact with the boat. If it is not exactly perfect like within an inch it does this. I am trying to decide if I should move them in to get it off the chines or out. Which is why before I can make any adjustments on the trailer I need it to be on straight. Hopefully I can get it back onstraight this week so I can start taking some of the above advice.

I know in some of the above post there is some concern as to the trailer being overloaded, I do not think it is the previous owner just put too large a tire under there. The trailer pulls very well, when I first got it the boat was too far forward and I slipped it back a bit and now it drives great. I just can't seem to get it straight.

Thanks for all the help guys I will keep you posted on the trailer progress. I would appreciate any other advise you give.