Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

[Scubacruiser]

Just bought a 1994 Campion 18' bowrider with 4.3 VP. The trailer has been set up the same for at least 3 years. But to me it looks like it is set up incorrectly. The boat sits about 10-12" forward of the rear end of the bunks.

I know I should just measure total weight and tongue weight, but I haven't had opportunity to pull it to a scale yet.

Does it look right to you?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

Considering you can see the rust lines on the tongue where someone moved the bow stop - it used to be set further back.

 

[gm280]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

Just bought a 1994 Campion 18' bowrider with 4.3 VP. The trailer has been set up the same for at least 3 years. But to me it looks like it is set up incorrectly. The boat sits about 10-12" forward of the rear end of the bunks. View attachment 230501

I know I should just measure total weight and tongue weight, but I haven't had opportunity to pull it to a scale yet.

Does it look right to you?
View attachment 230502
View attachment 230503

My opinion is that it is correct to my thinking. I don't see anything wrong, but others will let you know what they think shortly... The transom section of your boat is lined up with the end of the last cross member and so it looks okay to me. Bunks can be lengthened or shortened for your wishes, but all looks right to me... I think what might be throwing you off is the fact that the trailer side metal extends beyond the last cross member. JMHO!

 

[AgnotGt]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

Hello

So I am new to all this but the best thing to do is just as you mentioned. Get the total weight and then check the tongue weight and adjust if needed. It's the only way to correctly know if your boat sitting properly; weight distribution wise.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

There is no way to tell just by the picture, but it sure looks like a whole lotta boat in front of the axle.
But regardless of the boat position, the governing factor will be tongue weight.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

Only way to check it is to find out the tongue weight and compare it to the total weight. I don't see anything inherently wrong with it as is, because it's better to have more tongue weight than too little, especially with a single axle trailer.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

It looks like it was moved forward so the transom straps don't rub on the hull.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

Until you have your weights you can't decide anything.

A little bunk sticking out the back is a non issue tho as long as nothing hits..... You've been pulling it that way for 3 years so I guess nothing hits aye?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

That's an odd set-up. I htink the PO was trying to put the last transom weight on the bunks over the vertical support--which probably isn't necessary. It also looks like he replaced the rear cross member (rusted out?) and installed it too far forward--but maybe the ends of the trailer was rusting too? Salt water trailer?

Maybe he did that to fit better in his parking space?

One question is how does it drive and how far and how often do you drive it? that may determine whether it's worth fixing or replacing.

 

[erie_guy]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

Assuming the boat weighs in at 3,000 pounds and the trailer adds another 400 pounds, your total weight should be about 3,500 to 4,000 pounds. tongue weight of 7 to 10% yields a total of 245 to 400 pounds. If you can easily lift the tongue, its probably too light. If not, you should get a bathroom scale and see if it max's it out. I would try it at 250# to see if it handles well on the road. Make sure your trailer tires are at Max allowable pressure before any testing.

Best of luck with your new boat. It looks great.

erie_guy

 

[Scubacruiser]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

Considering you can see the rust lines on the tongue where someone moved the bow stop - it used to be set further back.

Since I don't know the history beyond 2 years back, the PO before the PO may have bought the trailer used. It could have been set up for a different boat.

 

[Scubacruiser]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

Until you have your weights you can't decide anything.

A little bunk sticking out the back is a non issue tho as long as nothing hits..... You've been pulling it that way for 3 years so I guess nothing hits aye?

Well, I just bought it so I've only pulled it home. It handled fine, even with a brief run up to 90 km/h.

I do know that the PO had the trailer set up just like this for the past nearly 3 years, though I don't know how often they pulled it.

 

[Scubacruiser]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

That's an odd set-up. I htink the PO was trying to put the last transom weight on the bunks over the vertical support--which probably isn't necessary. It also looks like he replaced the rear cross member (rusted out?) and installed it too far forward--but maybe the ends of the trailer was rusting too? Salt water trailer?

Maybe he did that to fit better in his parking space?

One question is how does it drive and how far and how often do you drive it? that may determine whether it's worth fixing or replacing.

The rear crossmember was not moved so far as I can tell. The trailer has a fair bit of surface rust though, but it is only on the surface. I'll be refinishing it once I can get the boat in the water. This is a freshwater trailer and boat only.

It is possible that someone set it up like this to try to fit in a garage. Not sure on that one.

It hauled perfectly fine on my short trip home from picking it up. I didn't notice any issues even up to 90 km/h briefly.

 

[Scubacruiser]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

Thanks for all the responses. It's still kinda cold here - lakes are still frozen over and the river is at flood levels. I'll try to haul the boat to a scale and take some measurements soon and I'll report back here.

 

[Scubacruiser]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

Assuming the boat weighs in at 3,000 pounds and the trailer adds another 400 pounds, your total weight should be about 3,500 to 4,000 pounds. tongue weight of 7 to 10% yields a total of 245 to 400 pounds. If you can easily lift the tongue, its probably too light. If not, you should get a bathroom scale and see if it max's it out. I would try it at 250# to see if it handles well on the road. Make sure your trailer tires are at Max allowable pressure before any testing.

Best of luck with your new boat. It looks great.

erie_guy

The boat should be more like 2000lbs plus trailer equals ~2500lbs. Feels about right after my brief tow home. So 7-10% is 175 to 250 lbs.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Boat sitting too far forward on trailer?

Plus batteries, plus fuel, plus anchors, plus coolers, safety gear, etc....