Setting up a boat trailer

[Modemagic]

Hey all, I have a 1983 Centurion with Volvo Penta motor and outdrive on it. I just have a couple of questions about setting up the trailer for the boat.

Currently at the bow of the boat, there is nothing for it to rest up against... meaning that the winch is there, but there is an adjustable bar that is bolted to the trailer vertically that should have a bowstop on it, but does not, just two steel plates where it WILL mount.

I'm wondering how far forward I should move the boat so I know where to place the bow stop and bolt everything back down. As it is now, I can pick up the tongue of the trailer easily with one hand, however when towing, I can feel the tongue of the trailer bouncing up and down, causing the hitch in the truck to make an annoying racket.

I tow with a 2002 Ford Explorer (SOHC 4.0) with a Class II hitch setup.

Curious as to everyones thoughts/ideas about this.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Setting up a boat trailer

You want to have 7-10% of the total weight of the boat and trailer as the tongue weight. It sounds like you are very light on the tongue, and that can actually lead to severe enough swaying to cause you to lose control of your tow vehicle and the boat.

So, you need to move the boat forward enough to get that weight distribution. Then mount your bow roller and go have fun.

 

[JB]

Re: Setting up a boat trailer

Ahoy, magic.

Position the boat on the trailer so that there is support under the transom.

Mount the bow stop above the bow eye and rig a chain with turnbuckle to tie the bow down to the trailer frame.

Reposition the axle cradle under the trailer frame so the 7 to 10% of the total weight of the rig is on the tongue at the ball.

Upgrade your hitch on the Explorer to a class III or IV receiver type hitch. Class II is too small for that load.