transom overhang

[billjd]

I have a Vectra with a glass modified V and a pontoon type deck. I have a 115hp Suzuki . My transom overhangs the bunk boards by 4 inches. I always use a transom saver when the boat is trailered. I moved the winch post up to lessen the tounge weight on the ball which inturn moved the transom back off the bunk boards. I travel with the motor mostly down with the transom saver. Question: will it hurt the transom to be off the bunks by 4 inches? I may be able to reduce it from 4 inches to 2 inches by moving the winch post back a couple of inches and still have good tounge weight.
thanks a bunch.
Billjd

 

[JB]

Re: transom overhang

Get the bunks under the transom. Then move the axle as necessary to achieve the correct (7-10%) tongue weight.

Moving to Trailers and Towing

 

[JoLin]

Re: transom overhang

What does the trailer manufacturer's specs call for? Shoreland'r (I have a roller trailer, not bunk) calls for a 4-inch overhang at the transom. I got a copy of the trailer manual by contacting them directly, and that's how I was able to make sure things were set up correctly. You might try to do the same.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: transom overhang

replace your bunks with one that are long enough.

 

[jtexas]

Re: transom overhang

Just a word of warning, jolin, the trailer manufacturer doesn't know how strong your transom is, how much weight you have hanging on it, or how long you want to keep it.

 

[billjd]

Re: transom overhang

Thanks guys, I think I'll reduce the overhang by an inch or two and then replace the bunks with ones that are 6 inches longer. Now I need to look at HD or Lowes for the rust proof staples and see what type of bunk carpet will be best for launching and bringing her back on.
Thanks a bunch !

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: transom overhang

this should help you if you cannpt launch the boat long enough to change the bunks.
Getting Boat Off Trailer

you don't need stands.

1/you can lower the tongue to the ground. i would get some 6x6 or old railroad crossties cut the +- 12 inches, now block up the transom. 2/

Raise the tongue of the trailer the back of trailer will drop away from trailer. this is the tricky part. between the cross braces of the trailer block the keel lower trailer, boat will be suspended on the blocks.

3/ pull forward, lift bow again, and reblock i a different place. repeat until trailer is out from under the boat.

4/ to reload, just reverse the procedure.

if you were just working on the bunks, or painting the bottom. you could just do the first 2 steps.

 

[JoLin]

Re: transom overhang

Just a word of warning, jolin, the trailer manufacturer doesn't know how strong your transom is, how much weight you have hanging on it, or how long you want to keep it.

Good point, jtexas, but the dynamics of a roller trailer differ significantly from a bunk, which is why I suggested a look at the manufacturer's specs.

On a roller, you don't want to put the edge of the transom right on top of the rearmost roller. Any forward load shift while trailering (like from a loose winch strap or misadjusted bow eye to winch-post position) can push the bow up and force the transom to get wedged in front of the rearmost roller. Maybe not a big deal with a small boat, but on a boat like mine you'd need to jack up the back of the boat so the trailer can roll forward and sit on top of the roller again. Errr... or so I've heard...