Boat position on trailer

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Boat position on trailer

You should check it as 64 said. But if it "tows great" your probably in the right weight ratio on the hitch. What's that rusty looking stuff on your transom? It looks like gav steel but also looks welded to the aluminum so it can't be steel? Don't mean to be nosy but if it is steel you should get it away from the AL. Steel and aluminum don't like each other. Possible source of galvanic corrosion.

 

[PKomrowski]

Re: Boat position on trailer

You have lots of room to move it forward, you could move the winch to the top of the bow stop, then shorten the bow stop, and you still could move the bow stop about 2 inches itself. I bet you could gain 10 inches if you needed to, but you have to check tung weight first regardless how you think it tows. And that of cource would require some simple welding. Its more than just feel, as you mentioned bouncing... If your not loaded right your springs will not work right, if some one put the wrong tires on it again you will have a problem. On a trailer everything works together to come out right. If its ballanced, and the tires are not to hard for the trailer rating (some people think a stronger tire is better so they "beef" it up and then it rides hard). Then start looking at your other options, which are many.

I worked on trailers every day for 6 years and its amazing how some people think they work by magic.... Not saying anyone on this allustrious list dose though

 

[san dimas]

Re: Boat position on trailer

I own a machine shop and our local welder sad he could weld in a 6" section to the trailer tongue and then I could move everything forward 6". First I'll check the tongue weight and make sure it's OK. Do you think this is a realistic solution?

 

[san dimas]

Re: Boat position on trailer

About how much do you think my set up weighs?

 

[san dimas]

Re: Boat position on trailer

Those rusty channels on the transom are for wheels so that can push the boat around if you don't have a trailer. I'm going to remove them.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Boat position on trailer

I think I might try PKomrowski"s idea. It seems pretty simple. Thanks for everyones help.

 

[64osby]

Re: Boat position on trailer

Before you do anything check the weight.

PK is right there is room to adjust forward. I like a little space at the back of the vehicle, so I tend to keep the boat back as far as possible, long tongue works for me.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Boat position on trailer

Well I got the trailer sorted out thanks to everyones help. I used PK's idea and it work out great. I now have about 3/4 " sticking out passed the transom. Tongue weight is about 55 lbs and it tows great.
Thanks again. This is a great site with knowledgeable people.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat position on trailer

you do not have to have the transom sitting on bunks or rollers. True, the closer the better, but few trailers go all the way back, and they shouldn't with rollers; if you roll forward of the last roller you have a problem (it can happen if your winch stand moves forward. Itr happens.)