Boat and Trailer mismatch, (difficult to load)

[Ditch Angler]

Issue:
The problem I have is when I retrieve my boat the front part of the bunks do not get wet and it is very difficult to winch my boat up against the roller near the winch. And when it does, once the boat comes out of the water onto level ground, a gap remains between the boat hull and the roller near the winch.

I bring the trailer in such that the fendors are just under the surface of the water.

Background:
I have a 1989 Glastron Sierra 160 and with it came a 1978 shorelander trailer. The trailer is rated for a 14 to 18 foot boat but the boat really doesn't sit right. A question, does anyone know what type of trailer typically came with this boat originally?

This trailer has a long V-roller in the rear of the trailer and dog bone type rollers up from there. And a carpeted piece of pressure treated wood on either side for support (as bunks). The bunks span approximately 2/3 of the boat length (starting from the rear of the boat going forward). Is this to much? The trailer wheels appear to be small and very wide, much wider than your typical trailer wheel, perhaps twice as much.


Any insight would be most appreciated.
Thanks
David

 

[skargo]

Re: Boat and Trailer mismatch, (difficult to load)

So you can't back the trailer in further, to wet the bunks, then pull forward to your normal retrieval position?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Boat and Trailer mismatch, (difficult to load)

How about some photos of what you are trying to explain.
A picture is worth a thousand words, or even more when trying to explain something like this.

 

[mik1947]

Re: Boat and Trailer mismatch, (difficult to load)

David,
I'm having a similar problem with a much lighter and smaller boat. I created a thread asking if replacing the carpeted bunks with roller bunks could help me, but no one has responded to me. Maybe this could be an option for your situation.
Mike

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Boat and Trailer mismatch, (difficult to load)

I can't tell you the best position of your trailer to make loading easy and efficient, sometimes you just need to experiment.

I replaced the carpet on my bunks with plastic and it helped loading immensely. I did this rather than roller bunks because I felt it would be better to stick with bunks for my boat. I can't remember the exact type, but it's available through most online boat gear sellers, but I bought and custom cut mine at a local plastics company.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Boat and Trailer mismatch, (difficult to load)

A picture of the trailer would really help.

These work great for winching the boat up the bunks.
http://www.surfixinc.com/surfix_trailer_bunkslides.html

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat and Trailer mismatch, (difficult to load)

And when it does, once the boat comes out of the water onto level ground, a gap remains between the boat hull and the roller near the winch.

Ayuh,... That's totally Normal, due to the angles involved...