How do I get that last inch?

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,578
Bunk trailers have a tendency for the boat to 'pull-away' from the bow stop as the boat/trailer are pulled up the ramp.

This happens because with the trailer on the ramp and the boat still floating, the hull contacts the forward part of the bunks. As the boat comes out of the water, 'geometry' says that the bow/eye pulls away a couple of inches as the hull rests on the entire length of the bunks.

You might be able to remedy this by pulling the boat up the ramp just a couple of feet and re-winching.
 

Jeff J

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 23, 2021
Messages
311
That is how I load most of the time but it only works if you have the motor to push to push the boat up the trailer. Not all can do it. The pontoon boat I owned pretty much had to be floated all the way to the stops and even the overpowered tritoons I load now will settle back from the bunks when pulled up the ramp.
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,516
That makes sense I can see that the steeper the ramp is the more likely it is to happen. Maybe not as common on roller trailers due to the articulating roller bars….
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,516
If you look closely, you can see the strap on mine is almost horizontal, I like this pivoting winch bumper design, never have had a problem with it as long as it's adjusted to the correct height.
Boat ramp 2025.jpg
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
14,039
When I took delivery of my Boat the Trailer was set up this way, it was to be reconfigured
SX195#9a.jpg

The way I had them adjust it. Move the Boat, and Bunks forward which required the Axle to be relocated too. Had Supports for the Front of the Bunks added. Had them swap the Trailer Tongue end for end which then placed the Swing Hinge right under the top of the Winch Stand. Had them reconfigure the Geometry of the Winch Stand.
SX195#10.JPG
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
14,039
The Winch Strap, even though it is Twisted is Exiting at a good Angle, mainly because it is unwinding from the Bottom of the Winch Reel. However that is not how the Previous Photo had it. There it appeared to be unwinding from the Top. From this Angle, the Boat appears to be against the Bow Stop.
You do have 2 adjustments available, Height of Winch Stand and Fore/Aft Location. Adjusting Height will require repositioning the Stand on the Tongue
 

Jeff J

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 23, 2021
Messages
311
That’s a good catch on the strap angle. It does appear routed differently than the picture in the first post.

Since it hasn’t been an issue until now, I don’t know I would make any adjustments. The original post says he was in a hurry. He didn’t say if it was the ramp he normally uses or not. It could be that there is no real problem to fix and this was simply a one time occurrence. The original question was how to get it against the stop.
 

airshot

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
6,009
Safety chain should go down to the tongue and have only enough play to get it attached. In case of an emergency stop you don't want the bow to climb up over the bow stop !
 

Jeff J

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 23, 2021
Messages
311
I agree but it seems like all safety chains/cables come attached to the winch post.
 

Horigan

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 12, 2016
Messages
723
From an older photo, boat loaded all the way forward.
So what do I need to fix so it's not "all wrong"?
Rewind the strap around the drum so it comes off the bottom. Worry about getting it against the stop next time you launch, unless you plan on doing a long drive in its current position.
 

airshot

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
6,009
I agree but it seems like all safety chains/cables come attached to the winch post.
Probably from quick assembly from the factory. In every boat trailer I have owned ( probably 2 dozen or more) and having worked at a marina/ boat dealer, every trailer I have saw has the safety chain pulling down toward the tongue....this also.makes them much easier to attach with little play. Your boat, use as you wish, but think about the geometry and what the chain needs to do in case of an emergency.
 

MikeSchinlaub

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 14, 2025
Messages
495
Rewind the strap around the drum so it comes off the bottom. Worry about getting it against the stop next time you launch, unless you plan on doing a long drive in its current position.
I see a lot of bass boats where the safety is just another length of strap stitched onto the winch strap.
 

guy48065

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 31, 2008
Messages
560
Rewind the strap around the drum so it comes off the bottom. Worry about getting it against the stop next time you launch, unless you plan on doing a long drive in its current position.

I'll rewind the strap so it's again coming off the bottom of the winch.
 
Top