Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

[erikpn]

The bunks supporting it are almost flat and don't straighten out the boat if I am slightly canted as I drive onto the trailer. I pretty much need a second person and a dock to straighten out the boat to get it loaded on the trailer properly. Is there a simple tip or something I am missing?

 

[DaveyHAZZ]

Re: Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

i would get side bunks also...will help the boat stay in line witht the bottom bunks. good luck

 

[jfadool]

Re: Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

guide-on's would help or just don't back the trailer in so deep. Get out and use the winch to pull the boat all the way on.

 

[SSScout]

Re: Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

I agree - guide-ons are the ticket ...

 

[lncoop]

Re: Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

Something like this is all you need.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true You can find them at Academy Sports for a little less without the lights on top. All you have to do is get the boat between them then run it right up onto the trailer. You'll wonder what you ever did without them. Simple no-drill install too.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

winch it and it will straighten out.

 

[shwoop_soobie]

Re: Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

when i was a kid we would get the boat on the trailer and when we were pulled out my dad would have us all get out and literally shove and rock the boat until it was centered on the trailer... (it wasn't a flat bottom though...)
now that i have a boat.... guide on's mean perfect loading every time...

 

[clarkbre]

Re: Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

Something like this is all you need.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true

Although those will work, I prefer the bunk style for my aluminum boat. I like the bunk style better because you can mount them closer to the hull for more exact postioning. On my trailer, they are mounted about 1 1/2" away from the boat on either side. Retreiving is really simple. I've found that as long as I get the keel on the roller, the guide ons do the rest.

 

[pootnic]

Re: Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

If your using steep launches I'd stick with the higher guide-ons.
Some launches your boat still won't hit the lower bunk ones.
You can make them yourself out of PVC/ABS as well as aluminum.
Heres a picture of ones I made out of scape ABS.

 

[arks]

Re: Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

Yeah, put on a pair of guides.
I also think a keel roller at the back of the trailer helps, even flatbottoms have a center rib.

 

[Bass Tracker TX17]

Re: Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

Not sure how big your boat is but guides really help. Especially in windy conditions.
Winch the last foot.
I have about 2" on each side and i just give it a little push in the back to center it. I don't have to but it's so easy to slide on the wet bunks i just do it.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Retreiving a flat bottom boat?

Yeah, put on a pair of guides.
I also think a keel roller at the back of the trailer helps, even flatbottoms have a center rib.

I agree...and one of the newer "self-centering" keel rollers would help too, in addition to the side bunks or guideposts.

I'm thinking about getting one of these for my 12' boat trailer.