help me set up this new trailer properly

[stackz88]

I've never set up a trailer for a boat before so this is all new to me.

the original trailer rusted away on me (fell apart at the tongue) and I came across this nice galvanized trailer for $200.

I've already replaced all the running board hardware with new and put on new boards using treated wood and new carpet covering. I got the boat up on the trailer and adjusted the winch mount forward so now the boat doesnt want to tilt the trailer backwards.

I'm having trouble figuring out where to position the two running boards on the boat properly.

do I move them outward of the two ridges they are sitting on right now or what?

Also, should the bottom of the boat touch the rubber bumpers across the middle of the trailer or should it continue to hover or should I get some rollers?

as it is now, the boat does NOT want to load onto the trailer level in the water lol. it just sorta flops around on it and you have to wobble it on the trailer to get it level once you're out of the water. not acceptable to me.

just dont know. here's some pics of what I mean:

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: help me set up this new trailer properly

Hummmmm decisions decisions, I would move them outward if possible so that the ridge on the hull is inside of the bunks, this should make the boat very solid on the trailer. The problem I have with this is the room you will have between the keel and the trailer when loading/unloading, my concern is the steeper angle of the hull near the bow could hit the cross members of the trailer while loading and unloading so if you can load and unload a couple times at the ramp (non busy day at the ramp) by hand I think you could fine tune it fairly quickly. Otherwise you will have to move the bunks inward and while it wouldn't be my preference I don't think it would be dangerous in the least I just prefer the boat being as low and as solid on the trailer as possible.

 

[Evinbuck]

Re: help me set up this new trailer properly

I agree with Lipp and also agree by moving them outward the keel may drop too close to the trailer frame. It appears there is no more height adjustment left on the brackets. Since the hull has a rapid v angle towards the keel, if it were me, I'd consider adding another pair of bunks matched to the hull angle nearer the keel. Even if they were 2x4 they would help guide and center your boat while loading and unloading and the major weight support would be your current bunks outside the ridge keeping the boat solid and the bunks would also be in a more level position.

 

[stackz88]

Re: help me set up this new trailer properly

I kind of understand what you guys mean. As far the rear most cross brace is concerned... could I just notc it and put in a roller?

Also anyone know of a mod that is online a lot that can help with my account? This is just temp account as im locked out of my main account due to forgetting my password and I never updated my email on it so im locked out of it lol

 

[fat fanny]

Re: help me set up this new trailer properly

You are definately gonna have to move those bunks out as far as possible (about 2" from far outside edge) You also as said have to watch that the keel does not get to close to the cross braces of the trailer mine have about 2" of clearance. Jack the boat up off the trailer and manipulate the brackets to get the correct spread of the bunks (try to get it as low as possible) this will improve the loading and handling of the trailer allot.

 

[wbc1957]

Re: help me set up this new trailer properly

The angle of the crossframe is about equal to the angle of the boat. I believe there will not be much change, if any, regarding the distance between the keel and frame when adjusted. BUT, the loading factor needs to be watched afterwards.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: help me set up this new trailer properly

I kind of understand what you guys mean. As far the rear most cross brace is concerned... could I just notc it and put in a roller?

Also anyone know of a mod that is online a lot that can help with my account? This is just temp account as im locked out of my main account due to forgetting my password and I never updated my email on it so im locked out of it lol

I would not mess with notching the cross members unless it was a last resort, I like the idea of adding another set of bunks though, maybe move your current set inward and sucking them down a bit then adding another set with taller brackets outward?

 

[stackz88]

Re: help me set up this new trailer properly

what about these bunks?

http://www.iboats.com/Seachoice-Swi...494416612--**********.342808006--view_id.3044

I could just bolt this to the backside of the rear cross brace and mount a small roller to it to help clear that when loading as well, right? makes sense to me though it may look weird haha.

http://www.iboats.com/Seachoice-Kee...494416612--**********.342808006--view_id.3046

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: help me set up this new trailer properly

The first link is to a bracket that would replace your existing brackets so that you could lift your bunks higher which is what I would do if you moved your bunks outward towards the wheels, the problem with moving your bunks outward is that it will decrease the room between the keel and the trailer. That's why I would move your existing bunks inward (closer to the center of the trailer) and add another set of bunks outward with taller brackets similar to the one you posted, by doing this you can keep the distance between the keel and the trailer nearly the same as it is now and at the same time widening the contact area between the boat and the trailer and properly seating the boat to the trailer making it much easier to launch/retrieve. The keel roller you can do however it is not designed to be a load bearing device, only to assist the bunks, if you move your existing bunks inward the keel roller is a waste of money as it will never be used.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: help me set up this new trailer properly

I'm with Lipp add another set of bunks outward about 6 to 8 " and move the current ones in @ least 6" clearing the molded rib and adjust about an inch lower and the contact patch will be grater and help in the aid of loading and stable towing

 

[gozierdt]

Re: help me set up this new trailer properly

I agree with the other posters about moving your existing bunks inward, and adding another set 4-5' long on the outside of the strake.
Here's how it looks on my boat

You get better, more stable bottom support with lower pressures on the hull.