Trailer Set Up

[Ozzy613]

Hey guys and gals,

Recently picked up a new to me trailer for my 14’ aluminum V-Hull boat. I have some set up questions and hoping for some insight from anyone that cares to input their advice!

First things first, my winch post needs to be adjusted upward to be pulling straight forward at 0° angle or slightly upward (10°?) secondly, I need some ideas on where/what keel rollers to use. I’ve purchased a new 12” keel roller and I will upload a photo to show. My thought are to mount it directly to the cross member instead of the wood it is currently on, the wood is already kinda poop and is flex-y. Thirdly(?) I think I need to add new bunk carpet and possibly look at some bunk slicks. With my poor keel roller placement and the angle the winch is pulling at (downward into keel roller rather than riding up the roller) there is a ton of friction and it’s going to make unloading/loading a nightmare in its current state.

Please see attached photos and I am open for any suggestions or criticism. Thanks!

Ps: I’ve had to shrink the files on my iPhone to a smaller size to upload. Quality probably went to crap!
- Austin

 

[airshot]

That front roller is doing nothing but get in the way. I would add a couple keel rollers to the crossmembers, I am a believer in extra rollers rather to few. If n 60 plus years of boating, never dented an aluminum hull from rollers ! Adjust your winch stand however to get a straight pull, you could even add a bow eye so you would not need to raise the winch as much. Make sure those bunks are solid and put fresh carpet on them. If you back your trailer in and wet the bunks before loading, slip pads won't be needed.

 

[Ifishmuskie2]

How heavy is the boat? If it’s less than 800 lb then launch and load shouldn’t be very hard.
Yes the winch needs to be raised.
Check how the boat sits on the bunks and rollers. You want it supported evenly as you can get.
If you raise the bow roller it might take the boat up off the bunks. Then you would have to raise the bunks.

 

[redneck joe]

0 to 2 degrees on the winch angle

 

[roscoe]

Just buy a new appropriate (taller) winch post and winch.
No sense in trying to make that one work, it is used up.

 

[JimS123]

You definitely need a bow eye. That setup with the eye up that high is certainly odd.

I like the idea of the bow roller, but it needs to be lowered. The keel needs to sit on it, not against it.

New carpet for sure. A roller on each crossmember is how my trailers are set up. I also prefer Glide Slicks on the carpet.

 

[FLATHEAD]

You can make that work with some $ and time. If it was mine I’d get rid of the rear roller. That boat has plenty of support on the bunk set up. I’d set up the front roller for support once the winch and bow eye are done. A new winch tower is needed as well as a lower bow eye. The existing bunks need new carpet at the very least. Can’t see how bad the bunk mounts might be. I’d replace the side bunks with 2x4 and recess the bolt heads and cover with carpet. By the looks of that trailer in general I’d be willing to bet bearings and races are needed. Tires are probably suspect as well.