Does this trailer setup look ok?

[A.Hoj]

I've had this boat for a year now and it's been ok on this trialer so far. I tow it about 2 hours per week during the summer. It's a shorline and built very stout. I'm always wondering if I need to shift the boat further up though so the back rollers are closer to the transom. Obviously I'd need a longer tounge and to shift the axle a little which is not a big deal. I'm just worried that the trailer isn't big enough in general. Also, are there enough rollers? theres eight per side. The boat is 18' and heavy for its size, not sure of the actual weight. What do you guys think?

 

[EJ42955]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

Replies I've received, regarding similar questions, were if the aft rollers are within 6 inches of the back of the transom, it'll be good to go.

That said, your trailer does look a bit small for your rig. Suggest doing some serious research into your trailer's capacities. It doesn't look like there's enough room to move the boat forward, anyway.

EJ

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

Trailer does look to small (that front keel roller should be under the boat). What is the tongue weight? It looks as if the tongue weight may be to light as it sits. If that is the case the tongue could be extended to allow the boat to move forward a foot or so.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

I'm with everyone else so far, it looks like the trailer is to small and the that the boat should be moved forward BUT we need more info, what is the tongue weight and how does it feel on the road?

 

[A.Hoj]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

Thanks for the replies. The trailer has a 3500lb axle. I can't get that keel roller any further under the boat because the keel is so deep on this boat.The tounge weight is 250lbs. I have an 8 foot peice of galvanized tube to use for a new longer tounge, my main question I guess is if this trailer frame would be ok with the boat shifted another foot forward? Oh and it feels good on the road not too much or too little tounge weight, tracks straight without any swaying.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

I have an 8 foot peice of galvanized tube to use for a new longer tounge, my main question I guess is if this trailer frame would be ok with the boat shifted another foot forward?

What is the nature of this tubing (diameter, wall thickness, type of steel)? The tongue extension is going to take a lot of strain and needs to be up to the task.

 

[soldier side]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

T I have an 8 foot peice of galvanized tube to use for a new longer tounge,

for your safety and the safety of others, DO NOT use galvanized anything on a trailer, it will crack, it will break, and some will likely get hurt. at minimum you need to use a 3x3 16ga steel square tube. depending on the total weight, you might even want a heavier steel than that

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

for your safety and the safety of others, do not use galvanized anything on a trailer, it will crack, it will break, and some will likely get hurt. At minimum you need to use a 3x3 16ga steel square tube. Depending on the total weight, you might even want a heavier steel than that

huh???

 

[soldier side]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

galvanized steel is too weak to handle the stress that a boat trailer tongue is put through, the metal will crack and eventually break; which if you're doing 40mph up a hill when it does break, some one could be killed. the best option for a trailer addition or repair is 3" x 3" square cold rolled steel tube with a 1/8" wall thickness. Not to sound like a *** or anything about it, but I've seen too many accidents and lives lost due to sub-grade building materials.

As far as shifting the boat foward on the trailer and extending the tongue, you have a very good idea, and very possible with some work, i would suggest finding a set of scales and balancing the trailer out (move you axle back or foward if need be). I've found that the best balance is 60/40, 60% of the weight on the font of the axle and 40% behind the axle, but be sure not to exceed your hitch working load, or the working load of the trailer tongue.

good luck, and be safe.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

galvanized steel is too weak to handle the stress that a boat trailer tongue is put through, the metal will crack and eventually break; which if you're doing 40mph up a hill when it does break, some one could be killed. the best option for a trailer addition or repair is 3" x 3" square cold rolled steel tube with a 1/8" wall thickness. Not to sound like a *** or anything about it, but I've seen too many accidents and lives lost due to sub-grade building materials.

As far as shifting the boat foward on the trailer and extending the tongue, you have a very good idea, and very possible with some work, i would suggest finding a set of scales and balancing the trailer out (move you axle back or foward if need be). I've found that the best balance is 60/40, 60% of the weight on the font of the axle and 40% behind the axle, but be sure not to exceed your hitch working load, or the working load of the trailer tongue.

good luck, and be safe.

Why do they build galvanized boat trailers? Galvanizing is nothing more than a chemical coating that is applied to steel. The strength is dependent on the steel that was coated, not the fact that it is galvanized.

 

[garzilla]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

Why do they build galvanized boat trailers? Galvanizing is nothing more than a chemical coating that is applied to steel. The strength is dependent on the steel that was coated, not the fact that it is galvanized.

X2.....galvanized is nothing but a coating....grind it off, all you have is metal.




Side bar.....weld on it once without removing the coating.... try to have a gallon of milk handy.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

Wow my trailer is galvanized!

 

[bitterboater]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

X2.....galvanized is nothing but a coating....grind it off, all you have is metal.




Side bar.....weld on it once without removing the coating.... try to have a gallon of milk handy.

I know that welding Galvanized Steel without the proper vented helmets and overhead ventilations is very bad for the person doing it.
But what's with the milk? I've never heard of this before.

 

[wifisher]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

X2.....galvanized is nothing but a coating....grind it off, all you have is metal.




Side bar.....weld on it once without removing the coating.... try to have a gallon of milk handy.

Galvanizing is not a "chemical" coating, it is a zinc coating. Nothing more than zinc plated steel.

Be very careful when grinding or welding anything galvanized. When heated it releases very poisonous gas. It should only be done in an extremely ventilated area with a respirator.

 

[garzilla]

Re: Does this trailer setup look ok?

the milk counteracts the sickness .....I believe they call it. "fume fever "