how much should it stick out

[ultimbow]

hi

I am building a trailler for my small boat. I am at the step to install the winch assembly. So to set the distance of where i sould intall it i was wonderring how much of the boat should stick out in the back of the trailer. I have a small 9.9 outboard that would be install when i tow it.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: how much should it stick out

ideally you want the bunks to support the transom, sticking out a little past the back i.e. 2"

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: how much should it stick out

What you need to do is find out how much your boat, trailer, motor, gas and all the gear you would normally have in the boat when being towed. Then you need to position the boat on the trailer so that you have about 10% of the total weight on the tongue. Now you can install the winch stand and bunks.

 

[JB]

Re: how much should it stick out

What you need to do is find out how much your boat, trailer, motor, gas and all the gear you would normally have in the boat when being towed. Then you need to position the boat on the trailer so that you have about 10% of the total weight on the tongue. Now you can install the winch stand and bunks.

I do not agree.

First, position the boat so that the transom is supported.
Then position the winch stand to stop and support the bow.
Finally, position the axle cradle to put 10% of the loaded weight on the tongue.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: how much should it stick out

I do not agree.

First, position the boat so that the transom is supported.
Then position the winch stand to stop and support the bow.
Finally, position the axle cradle to put 10% of the loaded weight on the tongue.

The pictures show a non-adjustable axle on his trailer.

 

[JB]

Re: how much should it stick out

The pictures show a non-adjustable axle on his trailer.

Missed that. Thanks.

Replace the last step with: Reposition load (battery, fuel tank(s), anchor and other cargo) to get the 10% weight on the tongue. If this does not work consider changing tongue length.

 

[JimS123]

Re: how much should it stick out

I do not agree.

First, position the boat so that the transom is supported.
Then position the winch stand to stop and support the bow.
Finally, position the axle cradle to put 10% of the loaded weight on the tongue.

That's the correct procedure if the axle is movable. But, in my experience with a boat that small 5-7% would probably be adequate.

From the pic it looks like the trailer is way too long for the boat. I'd cut off a couple feet - the coupler should ideally be about 2' ahead of the winch stand. However, if the tongue weight is OK and storage space is not an issue, just leave it as is.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: how much should it stick out

If your boat weighs less than the trailer (which is probably does in this case), shortening the tongue will REDUCE tongue weight. That long of a tongue contributes to the weight more than the boat does.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: how much should it stick out

Longer trailers are easier to maneuver when backing up.

 

[ultimbow]

Re: how much should it stick out

The tongue of the trailer is that long because i dint want to cut it to short before the boat was set on trailer and winch install. I am planing to cut it eventually if i need to. The winch will be bolted with u bolt so i can displace it for adjustment later. I know the total weight (trailer, boat, motor...) Without fishing equipment and extras will be around 500lbs. I will have the trailer weight as soon as the light are install and figure the weight of the equipment.

What is the best way to check how much weight there is on the tongue? Can i use a house scale?

 

[JB]

Re: how much should it stick out

A home scale is adequate, ultimbow. That is what I always used.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: how much should it stick out

Yes if the total wieght is 500 than you are looking for a tongue wieght of 50 so your bathroom scale is more than enough.