Challenging loading

[TuffyGuy]

I inherited a 2004 Tuffy Esox, tiller. It's a heavy boat and I have trouble loading it, launching is fine. My son backs in the trailer and attaches the winch and has a tough time getting it all the way to the front. I'm thinking of putting in an electric winch, especially if I need to load it alone. He's worried about tearing the eye hook out of the boat. Any advise on how to make it easier to load? Thanks.

 

[alldodge]

Welcome
Needs some clarification. I looked up 2004 Tuffy Esox boats and the heaviest one was a 20 footer at 1500 LBs. A boat this light should not take a lot to load.

Please help us understand the issues?

 

[FLATHEAD]

Are you backing the trailer in deep enough. Rollers or bunks?

 

[TuffyGuy]

It seems heavier, I was used to my old Alumacraft that was so light. I think the trailer needs tweeked. My Dad left it at the dock and only trailered it to move it to the garage and back to the lake. The bunks are probably not the best either. The tongue weight is very heavy, again relatively, probably 150#. Thanks guys.

 

[TuffyGuy]

It seems heavier, I was used to my old Alumacraft that was so light. I think the trailer needs tweeked. My Dad left it at the dock and only trailered it to move it to the garage and back to the lake. The bunks are probably not the best either. The tongue weight is very heavy, again relatively, probably 150#. Thanks guys.

The back of the boat is right at the edge of the bunks. Should I move it back to overhang the bunks, possibly lessening the tongue weight?

 

[roscoe]

The back of the boat is right at the edge of the bunks. Should I move it back to overhang the bunks, possibly lessening the tongue weight?

NO. The transom needs to be supported.

To lessen the tongue weight, you move the entire axle forward.

Possible adjustments to make would include lowering the bunks, backing in so that only 1 foot of the bunks are above the water. Raising the winch so the strap is pulling level, or slightly upward. Getting a 2-speed winch.
Or replacing the bunks with rollers.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I winch up my 4000# of boat about 2 ft to the bow stop with a manual winch

If I back in further, I can't line up the boat on the bunks, so I must crank it the last 2 ft.

One of these days I may install side guides

Your boat is fairly light. It should be easy to load

Has the winch been serviced?

Bunks or rollers?

How far are you backing in?

 

[cyclops222]

Boat bottom spaces are full of water.

 

[Chris1956]

There are two speed winches. The "low" gear makes it easy to load heavy boats. They are a lot cheaper than an electric winch.

 

[bajaman123]

The boat/trailer are fine...adjust your technique. What worked with the old boat DOESN'T with this one...plain and simple.

 

[TuffyGuy]

Thank you all. Some things to try this weekend. Be safe!

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I avoid having to wrestle the winch, back in deeper. Practice makes perfect

 

[Sprig]

Has the winch been serviced?

Bunks or rollers?

How far are you backing in?
OP please answer the above previously asked questions. Those are key to advising you

 

[airshot]

Check the boats weight....waterlogged foam ? Trapped water in the hull ?
Rollers not rolling freely? Buns need new carpet or slick strips ? Or, as others have mentioned, you not getting the trailer at the right depth ?
Lots of options to help your issue......

 

[cyclops222]

1 day trailer course at your ramp.