Tandem Axle Trailer FLOATS!! What can I do to sink it?

Slow Ride

Slow Ride

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 17, 2011
Messages
166
Re: Tandem Axle Trailer FLOATS!! What can I do to sink it?

I had the exact same problem on my trailer. I have a 31 foot fountain CC and I have to put it "way down in the water" in order to get the dang boat on the trailer. My problem was that I bought the trailer second hand. The previous owner put larger, light truck tires on the trailer thus displacing more water and causing boyancy. When I changed the tires back to normal size trailer tires, all was well. In the mean time I simply backdown a little less than I needed. Then when the boat was in contact with the trailer (about half way on) I would get in the truck and back down the rest of the way or have my buddy in the cab ready to back down some more. I wouldn't spend any money trying to fix this issue unless you are alone all the time. You might try adding a little weight. I'll bet if you reach out and push the trailer with your hand while its floating, it will only take 10-20 pounds of pressure to sink it. Check the tire size and if you absolutely have to fix the issue, buy the smallest available trailer tire for your wheel which has the correct load rating. DO NOT CUT HOLES IN YOUR TRAILER! It was sealed for a reason and you will cause corrosion beyond your wildest dreams if you do this.
 
S

sschefer

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 13, 2008
Messages
4,530
Re: Tandem Axle Trailer FLOATS!! What can I do to sink it?

Slow Ride, that's the ticket. I've got access to a 38' Formula that I take out once in a while and that system works the best for me too. If you're all alone, you just power it off the trailer. If you can't power it off, find somewhere else to launch or have a reliable friend with you.
 
jacoboregon

jacoboregon

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 6, 2011
Messages
226
Re: Tandem Axle Trailer FLOATS!! What can I do to sink it?

You stand a good chance of ruining your boat if you continue to keep it on that trailer. The heaviest part is from the stern to about 1/3 to 1/2 the length forward. You don't need any support in the very front, but you sure do in the very back! I agree with the buy a new trailer advice, and forget about this one floating.
 
hungupthespikes

hungupthespikes

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 25, 2009
Messages
814
Re: Tandem Axle Trailer FLOATS!! What can I do to sink it?

Your trailer looks close to mine. If it was built in the south then the bunks could be cypress like mine were. I replaced with pin oak, which is what they use around here and the floating is gone.
You could fix the bad fit too, with new bunks. Not a hard job at all, just need a dock for a day or two. Up here, this time of year most boats are out of the water till spring so a lots of docks open. Try a local sawmill (one of the small farm type) for the lumber, it's cheaper and a rough cut is all you need. I did mine for under a couple of hundred for all the material, and thats all new bolts, carpet, SS staples, and wood.

View attachment 117737

If you got the cash the aluminum bunks like Lakes84's are sweet.

huts
 
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