Always loads port of centre on bunk

[oceansbreeze]

I've had the pleasure of retrieving my boat about 9 times so far since I purchased it...

I've used it at 4 different launches so far... each time it does this, and also, when it was sitting at the dealer, I pointed out to the guy that it was sitting "very snug to the wind board" After our test run, we powerloaded it at their ramp, and he had to have the guy back it down again a bit, while holding boat in position as we drove out of the ramp....

Launching alone I'm perplexed by this. This picture probably does not help:

It is flush to the left board, with 5-6 inches on the right side. I only back the trailer down until the rear foot of the bunks are submerged, and retrieve it with the winch, so even when I crank it on, it does this.

this is a factory matched trailer, it tows beautifully, but I would like to get it to load centre every time ..... any ideas? Need a different camera angle?

PS: yes, this launch I am using is very level, as were the last 2. Both bunks submerged at equal depths...

 

[FishOn123]

Re: Always loads port of centre on bunk

Weight distribution maybe the problem. You may have to move items in the boat around to balance the weight.

 

[FishOn123]

Re: Always loads port of centre on bunk

I should have added that if it always loads to far to the passanger side then there is too much weight on the drivers side of the boat. I had the same problem (side console aluminum) and moved my battery and heavy items to the passenger side and the boat loads level now. If you have a livewell on the passanger side try filling it before you load or ask someone to sit on the passanger side while loading and see if it helps.

 

[109jb]

Re: Always loads port of centre on bunk

My starcraft would do that, but I always idled on to the trailer. It would do it when I drove on while sitting in the captain seat. If I stood up in the center of the boat while driving on it would go on straight. You said that you winch it. By any chance are the batteries on the starboard side of the boat? Does the boat sit level in the water? You can maybe try putting some weight on the port side as an experiment to see if it balances it out a bit.

 

[109jb]

Re: Always loads port of centre on bunk

I forgot to mention that I would tighten up the guide bunk boards. I have the guide bunks on my current boat set so that when the boat is perfectly centered, the side bunks are only about an inch away from the hull.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Always loads port of centre on bunk

I forgot to mention that I would tighten up the guide bunk boards. I have the guide bunks on my current boat set so that when the boat is perfectly centered, the side bunks are only about an inch away from the hull.

Right on, mine are set to touch on both sides.

 

[oceansbreeze]

Re: Always loads port of centre on bunk

Thanks for the input. Yeah, the boat sits perfectly level on the water, well it sure feels level (when I am standing in centre)

I was going to say I don't have very much on board when I retrieve, usually fishing rods and tackle box, not much else. The anchors are stored in the bow under the deck, the livewell is centred equally in the bow - and always empty when retrieving.

But, both the battery and the oil tank are on the starboard side under the transom seat...

I will try putting the anchors on the port side next retrieve and maybe a few other things to try and offset the battery and oil weights, and see what happens - and I will look at adjusting the boards, I need to recarpet the port side one anyway! Thanks for the input, I will update once I tried this!

 

[oceansbreeze]

Re: Always loads port of centre on bunk

I never did update this thread. All summer, no matter what, the boat loaded to the side. What I did was put 2 small bumpers (one on each windboard) when retrieving, this kept the boat centred... then I pulled the bumpers off after.

Just before getting it winterized, I noticed the bottom bunk was finally broke on one side. Decided it was best to replace the bottom bunk AND the now rotted windboards. The bottom bunks are now 2x8 PT wood, and carpeted with marine carpet and adhesive. I removed 1x6" that was flimsy as heck.

I also decided to extend the windboards by adding a small length of 2x4 between the rait and the board... to solve the drifting issue.

Attached you can see the final product...

As for photos, I also added a rear view of the one rotted board, and one shot of the old board on the other side...

I have room for one finger clearane on each side now.. this will definitely make retrieving so much nicer next summer!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Always loads port of centre on bunk

I was going to have you check the bunk boards, to make sure they were both mounted equidistant from the center of the trailer, and on the same angle.

Looks like you have her fixed up nice.

Now go get some real transom tie down straps and stop messing with that silly rope. Or put them on your Christmas list.