Setting up my trailer (pic)

[Mano del Sol]

This is my boat and trailer: (keep in mind that a 10 HP motor will be on the boat)

(you can't see it very well but the bunk boards are just laying on the trailer. I was trying to line everything up so I can mount the bunks.)

I recently fixed up the trailer (boat is next) and as I look at it I wonder if this trailer is right for the boat. It seems short or something.

Should the transom be over the rear of the trailer? If I am supposed to have the bunks under the transom then how far should the bunks be allowed to stick out past the rear of the trailer?

I seems like if I put the boat where I think it looks right then it will be too far forward and make the tongue too heavy.

Thanks in advance. I don't know squat about trailering and I need all the help I can get.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Setting up my trailer (pic)

i have run bunks 2 feet past the trailer 2x4 turn on edge. 3 feet 2x6 on edge. that trailer is perfect for that boat. put some guide ons on it. like these

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Setting up my trailer (pic)

The boat looks just about right - I might move it back a few inches so the bunks support the transom better. I'd definitely do that if it were a bigger / heavier boat, but it won't be a problem on your little tinny with a 10hp outboard.

There are two things to keep in mind about the tongue weight. First, when you add the motor and gas can the tongue weight will be reduced so install those things before you decide it's not right. The other thing to keep in mind is that the boat's position on the trailer has nothing to do with proper tongue weight. Position the boat correctly, then move the axle to achieve the desired result.

On a smaller rig like that it's not so important so I wouldn't worry too much about it. In other words, close is good enough. If nothing else, too much tongue weight is better than too little.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Setting up my trailer (pic)

You do need to rearrange the winch post so the strap goes under the bow stop and the bow eye is also under the stop. With the winch strap over the bow stop, a sudden stop or even a minor crash puts the boat up and over the bow stop and into the back window of your car or into the bed of the truck. Tie downs at the rear are also a must.

 

[Mano del Sol]

Re: Setting up my trailer (pic)

You do need to rearrange the winch post so the strap goes under the bow stop and the bow eye is also under the stop. With the winch strap over the bow stop, a sudden stop or even a minor crash puts the boat up and over the bow stop and into the back window of your car or into the bed of the truck. Tie downs at the rear are also a must.

Now that you mention it, it does seem pretty obvious. This boat was given to me by my step-father and I think that he always had it above.

So do I move the arm with the roller on it up and put the winch below? Or do I raise the roller arm up above the bow eye and run the strap behind the roller?

Thanks for all you guys' help. I don't know what I would do without you!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Setting up my trailer (pic)

bow strap should go thru under the bow stop.