need help with new trailer

[beezee28]

I just bought a 'new' used trailer for my 18' I/O boat. I have to change out some rusted hardware on the bunk and then swap the boat over to this trailer. The trailer was used for a 21' center console outboard boat and I have make a few adjustment to position the winch and bunk to suit my 18' boat. What do I have to look for as I do the adjustment? Also the trailer is a tandem trailer verses a single trailer that I had. I need to know how to seat the boat so that it is 'centered' and weight distribution is correct. Any help and suggestion is welcome.

 

[JB]

Re: need help with new trailer

The first step is to get the boat positioned on the trailer so that there is bunk support under the transom, BZ. Adjust the bunks to support the hull but keep the main weight on the keel rollers (if it has them).

Then position the winch stand so that the bow stop is firmly against the bow above the bow eye and that the bow eye can be used to secure the bow to the trailer frame with a safety chain and turnbuckle.

That takes care of initial positioning of the boat and winch stand.

Now weigh the tongue. You want 7%-10% of the total weight of the rig on the tongue. You may move the boat and winch stand forward a few inches as long as the transom remains supported by bunks and a keel roller.

You will probably need to move the axle cradle back for your 18', since it was set up for a 21', to get correct tongue weight.

Use floor jacks on the back corners of the frame to take enough weight off the axle cradle so that you can unbolt it and move it to new bolt holes (you might need to make the new bolt holes).

If you remember enough from high school physics you can calculate how far you need to move the cradle, but most of us use trial end error.

Good luck.