2 bunks vs 4 bunks

[GlasV162]

Hello,
We recently purchased a brand-new Crownline 19XS. Part of the purchase was a trailer upgrade. The stock trailer was painted, and we upgraded to an aluminum Load Rite trailer. The stock trailer (made by Heritage) has 4 bunks, but the Load Rite trailer we bought has only (2) 4x6 8-foot bunks.

The boat is extremely difficult to load onto the trailer. We've tried all different water depths, and no matter what we do, the boat goes on crooked, and the only way we can get it reasonably straight is to back it back down into the water so the boat is floating again, and at that point I pull it with a dock line while my wife drives the truck back up the ramp. Also, while going down the road, the boat moves from side to side, sometimes 4-5 inches. We're using heavy-duty ratchet tie downs rated for 2500 lbs. each, but it still moves. I've been trailering boats for nearly 35 years, and I've never had this happen with any other boat/trailer rig.

Before we bought the boat, I asked the dealer about getting 4 bunks on the upgraded trailer, and he said it wasn't necessary. There must be a reason why Crownline orders their trailers for this boat from Heritage with 4 bunks, but I cannot get any info. Would the 2 extra bunks make it easier to load the boat straight, and keep it straight in transit? And, is it necessary to have 4 bunks, in spite of what the dealer advised?


Thanks!

 

[GlasV162]

Attached is a photo that shows current bunk placement, done by the selling dealer.

 

[jimmbo]

It is easier to set up a 2 bunk trailer than a 4 bunk, but some dealers can still bungle it. However it does look like the bunks on your trailer are way too far apart. Moving them closer together will help the self centering
Take it back to the Dealer and tell them to set it up better. I really don't think you need 2 more bunks, keep in mind your Hero(dealer) has to get them set correctly to evenly share the weight, and he's not batting a 100 right now

Most of the time loading difficulties are the result of backing the trailer in too far resulting in the boat floating above instead of having some of its weight on the trailer. My 19 ft Glastron loads very easily on a 2 bunk EZLoader, self centers well(I stand in the center while going on to the trailer and rock side to side as it goes up) usually ending up within 3/4" of being centered. I usually don't back in this far(I don't like getting my shoes wet).

 

[GlasV162]

Thanks, Jimmbo, for the advice.
Would moving the bunks closer together still provide adequate support? Also, won't moving them closer together make the boat more tippy on the trailer? I previously asked Crownline for advice on bunk placement, but have gotten nowhere with them.

 

[jimmbo]

Here's how mine are spaced. Boat's not perfectly centered, but it has never been an issue. Sometimes I get a bit better, other times it is off on the other direction. As for tippyness, it sits rock solid and stable.

This year, I have had it 17 years. It has a 5.7 V8 in there



Without the boat. And a new Axle(torsion)

 

[JimS123]

Its not a matter of 2 vs. 4 bunks, its a matter of placement. The bunks need to be positioned so the hull strakes ride up next to the bunks, preferably between them.

Once that is accomplished, install EZslides on the bunks, and add self-centering Stoltz keel rollers on each cross member.

If you do that, the boat will self launch and load right up the center every time.