how do I know if I have the proper trailer for the boat?

[mariob]

I've got a 20' pro-line , it came with a trailer from the dealership.

I just recently had someone winterize it for me , and when he saw the trailer he said they gave us the wrong trailer for the boat. The rollers under the boat aren't resting on the bottom of the boat.
so, what should I check for , to verify if he's right or not?
I'll post a few pictures when I get a chance.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg197/sparrow1778/img_0097.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg197/sparrow1778/img_0100.jpg

http:
//i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg197/sparrow1778/img_0099.jpg

so, from the pics, what do you guys think?

 

[MRS]

Re: how do I know if I have the proper trailer for the boat?

On my trailer the boat does not rest on the rollers it only protects the boat hull when loading and launching. Other than that the boat sets on the bunk boards witch I am redoing now.....

 

[ReelPlumber]

Re: how do I know if I have the proper trailer for the boat?

Those rollers are meant for the keel of the boat to roll over as you are loading and unloading. The boat is not suppose to rest on the rollers. If the rollers were not there the keel of the boat would hit the cross members and damage the keel. Your trailer looks correct as it is suppose to set on the bunks.

 

[mariob]

Re: how do I know if I have the proper trailer for the boat?

I don't think the boat hits the rollers at all when loading the boat.

when we pulled it out of the water , we were having a hard time lining it up. I thought it was supposed to align itself. We had to back the trailer up a few times before it would sit straight.
So , when the guy told me it was the wrong trailer it seemed to make sense.

if it doesn't roll on the rollers when pulling it up, then something's wrong , isn't it?

 

[Seon]

Re: how do I know if I have the proper trailer for the boat?

Your trailer should have 4 boards in lieu of the 2. Also, I would have insisted a tandem trailer with surge brakes.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: how do I know if I have the proper trailer for the boat?

I don't think the boat hits the rollers at all when loading the boat.

when we pulled it out of the water , we were having a hard time lining it up. I thought it was supposed to align itself. We had to back the trailer up a few times before it would sit straight.
So , when the guy told me it was the wrong trailer it seemed to make sense.

if it doesn't roll on the rollers when pulling it up, then something's wrong , isn't it?

No ... nothing is wrong if the boat doesn't roll on the rollers. ReelPlumber is correct. They are there "just in case" you come in at a more acute angle, which you may do at a different ramp or different tide. The problem I see with your trailer set up is that your side guides are not long enough to guide and center your boat. You may be able to extend them or add a second set forward of the existing ones. As Seon recommended, additional bunks would also be an improvement, in terms of better support for your boat and also helping to center it.

 

[HappierWet]

Re: how do I know if I have the proper trailer for the boat?

It looks like all the bracketry for your trailer is welded in place which I don't like. The bunks could be a little further outboard so they catch and guide the longitudinals better. As previously noted the windboards ( side boards ) could also be longer. I think the rollers should be a bit higher also. From a different viewpoint....What kind of tongue weight do you have? How does it tow?
As a cheap fix go to 4 bunk boards as previously mentioned, but IMHO start saving for a better trailer.

regards

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: how do I know if I have the proper trailer for the boat?

That looks like it is a bass boat trailer. I'd also guess the boat is way overweight for that trailer.

-E

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: how do I know if I have the proper trailer for the boat?

I agree that's a pretty lame trailer for that boat. Get dual axle and brakes. Rather than modify that one, go buy a used trailer--they're cheap--and then fix it up. I hope the dealer didn't sell that one to you new.

Study how other trailers with boats like yours are rigged. You want most of the weight on the keel rollers (for a glass V hull); the bunks are for support mostly.

The bueaty of rollers is keeping your trailer out of the salt water, or minimizing exposure. Consider a power winch with your new one.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: how do I know if I have the proper trailer for the boat?

Your trailer should have 4 boards in lieu of the 2. Also, I would have insisted a tandem trailer with surge brakes.

Agree, not enough trailer.

Should have bunks outboard of strakes.

Would like to see a stern shot pic.

 

[cribber]

Re: how do I know if I have the proper trailer for the boat?

If your trailer model number is PC2340BR it will take 4000 lbs with the additional two bunks for support
http://www.trailmastertrailers.com/trailmaster_models.php?brand=trailmaster_tube

the Pro-line 20 Express specs say 3950 on the trailer:
http://www.prolineboats.com/Boats/Express20.html

You could be at the max limit or over depending on fuel and payload. I'd save up for a tandem axle trailer that gets you away from the 4000 lb limit of your existing set up.