Buying EZ loader. How to prevent keel from sitting on metal crossbar>?

[ianmoore]

Hello,
I've found an EZ Loader pretty cheap. My current trailer is not a salt water trailer and is starting to rust.
I have a Glasspar Seafair Sedan that is 17 1'2'.
The trailer is in pretty good shape and could be in great shape with a small bit of money and time,
My concern is that the current boat's keel is sitting on the metal cross piece as you can see in the pic below.

I'm sure there are a number of different solutions to this. I could move the bowstop back, which would elevate the keel line. It also seems that there could be some more rollers further up towards the bow, but I'm not sure where exactly would be best to mount them.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Ian

 

[tpenfield]

Move the rollers in towards the center about 1-2" and buy/install a single bow roller for where the keel is touching the frame. You may also want to (or need to) adjust the rear set of rollers in a similar fashion to keep the boat level.

 

[alldodge]

I'm thinking redesign, but maybe the easy fix would be to add a 1/4 or so piece of nylon to the top of the brace, or install a piece of keel guard on it. I might still touch but it souldn't gouge the gelcoat.

Other wise I would install a roller and bracket behind it and a bit higher.

 

[jimmbo]

Just move the front rollers inward closer to the keel. The will raise the bow up, no other roller needed. It would just add a place for misadjustment. You will also then need to adjust/reposition the bow stop and winch height, easy on and EZLoader. I would also rewind your winch so the cable feeds from the top of the winch roller not from underneath. And add a safety chain, in case the winch cable breaks

 

[ianmoore]

Thanks guys! I ended up not buying the trailer.
I have a Steel trailer, that though prone to rust, is a much better design. I'm gonna spruce that up and take a slower look at some other trailers, with the hope of getting a dual axle sluminum at a good price
Thanks
Ian

 

[jimmbo]

That EZ Loader looked like a Galvanized model.

 

[Patfromny]

I have heard dual wheel trailers are harder to maneuver. When buying a new trailer, if not from the same type boat, you will need to do some type of adjustment. There are lots of brackets available and tons of threads here where people have dealt with this same issue. I wold see if that trailer is still around and spruce that up while using your old trailer. You said it was cheap right? A galvanized trailer cheap is a good starting point. Just my .02