Transitioning Boat from old trailer to new

[det398]

I have an interesting issue. I would like to transition my 18 ft Sea Ray bowrider from the trailer it is currently sitting on to a new trailer that I am purchasing. The current trailer is a Load Rite Roller and the new trailer is going to be a bunk trailer.

I must accomplish this on land as the axle on the old trailer is broken.

I have thought of some ideas like taking the tongue assembly off of the current trailer and trying to back the new trailer up as far as possible, wetting the bunks and trying to winch it on.

Any ideas or experience will be well appreciated.

Are there any products that will assist in making the hull slide more smoothly across the bunks?

 

[guy74]

Re: Transitioning Boat from old trailer to new

Put WD-40 on the bunks it makes a big difference. I use it on my carpeted bunks, it lasts three or four dunks in the lake before I have to re-apply. Makes a big diference on how hard the boat moves on the bunks, and it's cheap.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Transitioning Boat from old trailer to new

jack the rear of the trailer up, block the transom of the boat. then lower trailer, now in steps jack the bow up, and slide the trailer out from under it. the reverse the procedure. or get a boom truck to come in and lift the boat. this will cost a lot, as you will have to adjust bunks to fit the boat. this is easily accomplished if the boat is blocked up.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transitioning Boat from old trailer to new

Are there any products that will assist in making the hull slide more smoothly across the bunks?

Ayuh,............

Soap.....................

 

[Capt. Valk]

Re: Transitioning Boat from old trailer to new

They also sell rolller bars that bolt to the bunks. Lifts the boat about 2 inches higher on the trailer but saves your bottom and self centeres the hull. you can leave the bunks a wee bit loose to let them flex as the boat goes on. Easiest way is to have the boat lifter and dropped onto the new trailer. Or just put it on blocks and take some measurements as to where you want the bunks to sit.

The roller addons really save the bottom of the boat. Ya can get em here: " http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/search.cgi?str=roller+bunks&r=search&x=11&y=12" or any West Marine etc. The yellow ones are nice and soft and don't mar the bottom. Also makes life alot easier when launching and retreiving. Just leave the bunk bolts a little loose and the will flex to the shape of your hull. Wouldn't own a bunk trailer without them. Just watch the transducers when loading. I just bolted mine right to the top of the bunks on my 16 ft jet skis.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Transitioning Boat from old trailer to new

those are actually bunk rollers to be mounted on a swivel bracket, mounted directly to the trailer, and are not flexible. i have used them, and will never again.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Transitioning Boat from old trailer to new

You have the right idea. Thats how I did it. Remove the winch post on the old trailer, pull the new trailer over the old as far as it will go, then winch the boat from old to new. I needed a 2x4 to pry the keel up onto the new trailer's rear most keel roller, then just start cranking. It did get stuck once, then I had my wife crank and I pushed on the transom and it got going again. The can of WD40 was used to spray the bunks to make them slipperier. But soapy water or silicone spray would probably work as well if not better.

 

[another fish tale]

Re: Transitioning Boat from old trailer to new

It Is Easy Back Up To Telephone Pole Or Tree Put Rope Around Wrap Around Cleats Slowly Drive Trailer When Boat Almost Comes Off Trailer Put Cinder Blocks Under Stern Pull More Put Block Under Boat Then Drive Away Then Back New Trailer Unhook From Car Crank Winch And Then Trailer Will Go Under Boat It Is That Easy About 22 Minutes To Complete