Uneven Boat Ramp

[amanphoto]

My marina has an uneven boat ramp. What I mean is that the launch is not level. When you put your boat on the trailer and pull it out, the boat is crooked on the trailer. I'm pulling out at 27' x 8,000# boat. Once its out, it's hard to adjust. Even if you power load, it crooked. I have bunks on my trailer.

My idea I wanted to run by you folks. I want to install airbags (2 for each axle) on the passenger side of the trailer. This is the low side of the ramp. When I get to the ramp, I air up the side that is low, making it even. Once the boat is on and straight, I let the air out for the ride home. Thoughts on this?

 

[Silvertip]

You are making this way to difficult. Back the trailer at an angle to the ramp to level it with water rather than backing straight in. If the ramp slopes to the right as you look at it from land, back the trailer at an angle to the right. This leaves the trailer wheel(s) farther up the ramp than those on the other side and the trailer is therefore level. If the ramp slopes to the left, do just the opposite. If you use the same ramp frequently you will quickly determine what angle is best.

 

[Stumpalump]

Don't put the trailer as far in the water. Use the winch to pull it up and it will straighten out.

 

[doyall]

... I want to install airbags (2 for each axle) on the passenger side of the trailer. This is the low side of the ramp. When I get to the ramp, I air up the side that is low, making it even. Once the boat is on and straight, I let the air out for the ride home. Thoughts on this?

Sounds like an expensive, time consuming PITA.

I have the same problem with my 22', 4,400# boat. After much experimentation here is what I sometimes have to do: Back trailer in a little shallow. Power boat up to the bow stop (w/o the ability to power load this will not work), have an assistant hook the strap and winch tight. Put in reverse, turn the wheel so the back of the boat will pull to the side where it needs to go, then bump the throttle a bit. It sits down perfectly on the bunks. May need to briefly hit the throttle in forward to make sure boat is far enough up. I'm good to go after that.

 

[jkust]

Are you using a roller trailer or bunk?

 

[frantically relaxing]

If you don't have trailer guides, get some-- if you do have trailer guides, they can be adjusted to compensate.

 

[ggray]

Don't put the trailer as far in the water. Use the winch to pull it up and it will straighten out.

I have the same problem at my neighborhood ramp; and I crank it up "all the way". Doesn't matter. If it starts out leaning, that's how it ends up. At least my boat does.

Simple thing you can try is to have somebody on board standing on the side that the trailer is low to match the heel (I'm a sailor ) of the trailer. Then load it.

 

[kjsAZ]

If you don't have trailer guides, get some-- if you do have trailer guides, they can be adjusted to compensate.

+ 1 to trailer guides! I prefer the long ones with two mounting poles as they also prevent that the bow will go sideways under poor conditions. Very well spend $125 to make life easier

 

[airshot]

Sounds like your trailer is not setup to match your boat. Something on the trailer needs adjusting or added to make the boat center itself. Without actually seeing the trailer it is hard to give any ideas. I see a lot of that at my local ramps, people fighting to get their boats on correctly when some simple mods would make everything so much easier and less time consuming for others waiting their turn.

 

[midcarolina]

It sounds to me like you may be backing in too far and the boat is wandering before you pull out. I fyou do not have guides I would get them........if you do have guides then you need to adjust them to hold the boat in position.