Setting up the trailer

[keninaz]

I recently bought a 12' aluminum boat.
The trailer setup underneath is not right, that I know.
The trailer has 3 large rubber rollers that I know belong on the center keel of the boat.
But the two outer supports are almost right next to the rollers. It leaves no support for the outside of the boat while being trailed.
Is there some sort of standard to go by, or directions?
In my opinion those tow rails should be outboard more and help guide the boat on and give some support while moving down the road.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Setting up the trailer

Move the outer supports to where ever they provide the most support. Consider this ......... a 12' aluminum boat really has very little weight...... maybe 12 lbs per ft? The boat needs to be tied down at the bow and both corners at the stern. Once you power the boat and load it up you will be basically doubling the weight of the whole rig.

No specific rules...... just support the hull at the transom corner's and the keel (or at least the back 2/3d's)....... it can be slightly off the very front keel roller (above)

 

[keninaz]

Re: Setting up the trailer

OK, I guess I will just move those rails out to where they can give some support on the trailer which is does not have now.
The way it was set up the outer rails had the thing lifted off the back two rollers by about 4". I have no idea why.
I know that was not right. And the two outer supports were within 6" or so of the center line which made no sense.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Setting up the trailer

Not sure how your small trailer is built, A frame type or I frame type with a beam running the entire length. Which will only effect where you can place the rollers or how many.

What I would do. With the boat on the trailer I would lower the bunks so that the boat is on the all the rollers then spread the bunks out so that they are positioned on a flat surface at least half way between the keel and the sides of the boat. Then adjust the bunks up to the bottom of the boat so that the rollers between the bunks are still in contact with the keel and can still be rotated but don't spin freely.

After that is done take it to the water and launch it then retrieve it. While loading watch to see that the bow is not hitting the trailer frame anywhere. If it does then you may have to raise the rollers and bunks, reposition the rollers or add another roller.

Hope this helps some. Best of luck with your project!

 

[keninaz]

Re: Setting up the trailer

The rollers, 3 of them, are fixed and right down the middle of the trailer.
The trailer is much more heavy duty than I have seen on most aluminum boats. I guess the guy that bought this Shoreland'r trailer wanted a good one when he bought the boat.
Thanks for the ideas. I am going to have to wait to try them as we have 13" of snow on the ground. Hopefully today it will warm enough that some of it will melt off.

 

[EJ42955]

Re: Setting up the trailer

Check this link...

http://www.shorelandr.com/pages/pf_trstep1.htm

It may give you some help.

EJ

 

[keninaz]

Re: Setting up the trailer

Thanks, step two on that link will help me get an better idea.
That trailer they show with all the nice rollers is just like what I had on my 23' cuddy that I sold when I left CA and the salt water I as raised on. Fond memories of the stripers, salmon and sturgeon fishing I used to do.
You have to live with what life gives you.
Oh well trout and bass it has to be.

 

[EJ42955]

Re: Setting up the trailer

Glad to help.

Payback for all the help I've received from this site, so far. It really is great.

Gotta love it.

EJ

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Setting up the trailer

Yes, very good info on that site. I'd seen once you select a model it gives very good info on how to adjust it. So which model is simular to yours?

 

[JimS123]

Re: Setting up the trailer

Not sure how your small trailer is built, A frame type or I frame type with a beam running the entire length. Which will only effect where you can place the rollers or how many.

What I would do. With the boat on the trailer I would lower the bunks so that the boat is on the all the rollers then spread the bunks out so that they are positioned on a flat surface at least half way between the keel and the sides of the boat. Then adjust the bunks up to the bottom of the boat so that the rollers between the bunks are still in contact with the keel and can still be rotated but don't spin freely.

After that is done take it to the water and launch it then retrieve it. While loading watch to see that the bow is not hitting the trailer frame anywhere. If it does then you may have to raise the rollers and bunks, reposition the rollers or add another roller.

Hope this helps some. Best of luck with your project!

That's how to do it. I'll just add one point.

Most aluminum boats have 3 "keels" (one down the middle and one on each side half way between the keel and chine. Position the bunks just outboard and just touching the outer keels. Then when you retreive the boat it will self center on the trailer quite easily.

 

[keninaz]

Re: Setting up the trailer

OK, it appears that may have been the way it was done too at one time but I was different in 1979 too.
Maybe things just slipped. I would have thought those outer boards would have been further out for support but what you are saying makes sense.
Now it this snow would just melt so I can get out and work on it.