Loading boat on trailer

[keelhauled]

I have a 18.5' bowrider that loads differently than most onto the trailer. I have to dip the trailer WAY deep to get the bow to clear the front cradle. I moved the front rollers up all the way and the V 'cradle' all the way down, but I still have to put the trailer in 'till the truck is a couple feet from the water and sometimes the trailer drops off the end of the ramp.<br /><br />Took the whole rig to a marina and the mechanics told me that the trailer is set up correctly and the boat is riding right where it should. However, several smarta**es at the ramps I frequent have muttered 'too deep' under their breaths. <br /><br />The boat rides where it should in the water... no saturated foam or too much weight in gear. The trailer is a Tee-Nee and is the original match to the boat according to the paperwork I got with the rig.<br /><br />Should I ignore the self-proclaimed 'experts' and just load it deep? I've never had any trouble loading it...<br /><br />(I apologize in advance if this should be in the trailer section. You tell me. )

 

[keelhauled]

Re: Loading boat on trailer

OOPS... by the way, it's a V-hull.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Loading boat on trailer

Before you get too upset, try some other ramps. I once loaded at a ramp where I had this problem but all the other ramps were fine.<br /><br />Each boat, ramp, and trailer is a little different. You would think there would be a standard for ramps but there isn't.<br /><br />On mine, I back the rig until the rear truck tires are just on dry pavement. This usually puts the top of the trailer fenders at water level. I'm moving soon so who knows what I wil find in my new location.<br /><br />If the "smart asses" think they know better, ask them to help. Or just go and watch one day.

 

[keelhauled]

Re: Loading boat on trailer

Thanks for the reassurance. I guess the Central Ohio ramps are pretty steep cuz my fenders disappear underwater and I have the same problem everywhere I go.<br /><br />I guess, as long as I get it on the trailer safely, it doesn't matter how deep it is, right?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Loading boat on trailer

Are you towing the trailer level behind your truck? Should be...<br />If so, the ramp your using is probably tooo steap.<br />Try to laod it WAY drier so when it comes to rest at the bow stop the whole boat is sitting on the whole trailer [or most of it] instead of floating above it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Loading boat on trailer

Try not going in so deep once or twice.<br /><br />On my dad's rig, if you back in too far, the back of the boat floats up high and the bow area tips down and hits the cross support of the trailer. But if he only backs in until the back of the boat is about to touch the water, he can still launch the boat just fine and it doesn't hit the cross member.

 

[blackz3]

Re: Loading boat on trailer

Do you crank your boat on or drive it on....if you drive it on so far and crank the last 20% you dont need to that deep at all

 

[borourke]

Re: Loading boat on trailer

Hey Keelhauled I am in Ohio as well. Deleware Ohio to be exact. Where do you put in, Alum Creek? If so those ramps are steep, but not too bad. I have a 25 ft Glastron cuddy cabin and have to put the trailer in so that the wheel wells are about 1/2 to 3/4 submerged. I haven't had any issues at that depth. Sounds like it may be a trailer issue. <br /><br />By the way I guessed Alum creek because of your comments about the smarta$$es. Those ramps need to be put in Guinness book of world records for most a$$holes per sq/ft. Most rude and unhelpful people I ever encountered are at those ramps, and that is saying a lot since I am origially from NY!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Loading boat on trailer

I have to go a little deep sometimes, depends on the ramp. But it is not unusual for my back tires on the SUV to be at the waters edge to float the boat. Other times I just shove it off the bunks. Remember that a 14' 6" boat doesn't use a very long trailer.

 

[keelhauled]

Re: Loading boat on trailer

Thanks everyone for your input... I'll try some different methods when the weather warms up. Brian O: I'm downtown, so I usually launch at Griggs Reservoir since it's right up the street. Alum Creek can be a pain sometimes, especially on holiday weekends.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Loading boat on trailer

If your main consern is backing in too far You likely can adjust your trailer. If your motor clears the ramp with the motor all the way down, check if you can lower bunks to a lower hole and still have motor clearance.<br /><br />Take your boat and trailer to a flat area like a parking lot and see if the trailer frame is level. Front of the trailer the same height as the back. On single axel trailers I think ok for the front to be slightly lower. This helps the stern to center better on the trailer and the front to be lower in the water. A hitch with a drop ball easy to change the front height.