Fender Clearance

[skyking897]

On our new to us boat & trailer the previous owner removed the fenders. Reasons unkown, but he gave them to me when we were loading up. Long story short, I'm installing them on the trailer and don't like the lack of clearance between the fender and boat. There is barely a 1/2" between the fender and boat while I have a little over 2" between the tire & fender (measured with the boat loaded on trailer) . I probably could lower them but then I risk the fender cutting the tire if the trailer bounces. There are no marks on the hull to indicate it ever hit the fenders but I feel 1/2" is just not enough space. What kind of space does your fenders have? Am I good to go at these measurements? Tell me what you think?

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Fender Clearance

Is this a bunk or roller trailer? Pictures would help, but I agree 1/2" sounds too close.
You need to consider how much the boat can move around during loading; if there's too much lateral movement the boat may hit the fenders during loading and get damaged. Can you adjust the bunks/rollers to raise the boat above the fenders?

 

[dozerII]

Re: Fender Clearance

If the 1/2 inch clearance between the boat and the fenders is horizontal and not vertical you should be okay. Verticaly the 1/2 inch would mean the boat has to be loaded exactly center each time, ( not going to happen) horizontaly
the rollers or bunks will prevent it from hitting.
Glen

 

[robert graham]

Re: Fender Clearance

Maybe glue a piece of indoor-outdoor carpet on the fender where it might contact your boat. My trailer fenders have some carpet there, seems to work fine. Good Luck

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: Fender Clearance

If you have a bunk trailer you may be able to raise the bunks.

 

[skyking897]

Re: Fender Clearance

Sorry about the delay here, have been away for a few days. To answer your questions, it is a bunk trailer and the boat actually hangs over top of the fenders, so the 1/2" clearance is in the vertical. I thought about raising the bunks but there is no adjustment, unless I add another 2X6 to the bunk, then I'll have to adjust the center rollers too. I'd thought maybe the springs were shot but loaded they still have about 3-4" of arch and take quite a bit of effort to rock the boat on the trailer. I'll try to get some pics up here shortly. Thanks guys.