Small boat on big trailer?

[kochjt]

Is it safe to tow an 18' boat on a 24' trailer?

I know, I know, I need a bigger boat. However, I work with what I have, an 18' Crownline. I rented a cabin at Lake of the Ozarks for this coming weekend and my trailer axle just failed a couple days ago. A friend has a trailer for a 24' 4 winns that he would let me borrow. I'm just unsure how safe that would be.

Any advice?

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Small boat on big trailer?

It should work as long as the boat is supported properly and secured correctly. Make sure the boat is up against the bow stop.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Small boat on big trailer?

Better than the other way around for sure.

 

[gtochris]

Re: Small boat on big trailer?

It should work as long as the boat is supported properly and secured correctly. Make sure the boat is up against the bow stop.

You dont want that, the boat would have 7ft of bunk behind it and potentiall damage the outdrive.

Boat should be balanced for tongue weight, most of it will be back. Get some heavy duty straps and secure the boat from the bow eye BACKWARDS toward the stern of the trailer effectively preventing the boat from sliding forwards along with the stern tiedowns and the winch strap.

 

[drrpm]

Re: Small boat on big trailer?

Its possible but you'll have to be careful to get the tongue weight right. You'll need some extra heavy duty straps as well since the boat will need to be somewhere in the middle of the trailer and it will need to be secured in a way that prevents both forward and backward movement. The outdrive should be OK if its got bunks and the gaps are big enough.

 

[kochjt]

Re: Small boat on big trailer?

Turns out the axle I need will be delivered today. With any luck, I'll be on the road this afternoon/evening with my trailer. Thanks for the advice and ideas. I'd rather lose a day at the lake and wait for my trailer to be fixed to travel with a little less worry.