Adjusting Bow Winch to Boat Question

[tahoejag]

With regard to the below answer to another post. My trailer is a -bunk only- trailer and the bunks are non-adjustable. The trailer is matched/built for the boat. When under warranty, dealer replaced bow winch for it had a vertical tilt to one side. Since then, when loading boat there is a downward pressure on the bow of the boat in order to match up to the roller. Another example is when sitting on the trailer, if I release the winch strap the bow of the boat will come away from the winch rollor aprx 3 inches. I also noticed this when I winterized the boat....I released the pressure on the bow winch strap. The boat visually appears to be sitting on the bunks evenly, however I did notice that one end (fwd end) of a bunk board was split under the carpet. My guess is that there is too much weight of the hull on the fwd ends of the bunk boards and that is the reason why it split.

My ? is.... should the bow winch stand support the bow of the boat and is it presently too far fwd? If so, how far should I move the winch stand under the bow?

Thanks all in advance.....
John

Re: Setting up my trailer

I agree with HC.

The steps for adjusting a trailer are:

1. Position the boat so that there is support under the transom. In your case the last roller right under the transom. Position rollers or bunks to support the hull with the keel resting on keel rollers, if any.

2. Position the winch stand so that the bow stop supports the bow above the bow eye.

3. Position the axle cradle so that 8-10% of the loaded (ready to launch) weight is on the tongue.

4. Prepare a safety chain or cable that can tie the bow eye firmly to the trailer frame (not the winch stand). A turnbuckle allows adjustment when loaded. Your rig does not have this, but it can save your vehicle and boat in an emergency or collision.

5. Prepare transom tie downs that attach the transom firmly to the trailer frame.

6. Go catch fish. ​

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Adjusting Bow Winch to Boat Question

Some pics of your set-up would be nice.

I set my winch height so the strap is straight as possible to the eye. That way I'm not pulling the boat down or up. And the stop is above the eye to stop the boat from riding up.

I'm presuming your winch is low and the trailer frame is being flexed up when the stop meets the bow.

My thoughts, others will chime in.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Adjusting Bow Winch to Boat Question

i agree that you want as straight a pull as feasible at the winch. The way you describe, something is bending and it may be the hull. With that kind of tension you increase the risk of something popping loose.

As for how you adjust it, all set-ups are different so play around with it. You don't want to drag your cable against a roller while winching it on, either. it sounds like your adjustment will be a few inches, so trailer balance probably won't come into it.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Adjusting Bow Winch to Boat Question

I would think that when you tighten the bow hook and it pulls down the bow it is taking weight off the stern rollers, making the center of the boat support most of the weight. But as stated before, a few pictures would help us a lot.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Adjusting Bow Winch to Boat Question

unless you also crank down the stern straps (he said the hull seems "level" on the bunks). Things should be secure but not under spring tension.

 

[Fed]

Re: Adjusting Bow Winch to Boat Question

Another example is when sitting on the trailer, if I release the winch strap the bow of the boat will come away from the winch rollor aprx 3 inches.

You're bending the trailer or the boat, put up pictures.

 

[tahoejag]

Re: Adjusting Bow Winch to Boat Question

Sorry guys...went to get pics, -camera broke-. However from looking at the bow winch, it seemed to be a bit too forward, so I moved it aft about 3 inches. Seems to be a lot better and less, if any, strain on the strap. I'm kinda stuck as far as winch adjustment goes though...it slides fwd/backward on beam of trlr and thats it....no height adjustment. Only height adjustment would be the strap itself.....if I unwound the strap all the way and re-wound it back in the opposite direction....feeding off the top of the roller vice the bottom.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Adjusting Bow Winch to Boat Question

pics.My friend.