unstreight boat on roll trailer what is my problem

[dkorzun21]

only happens some times what is my problem? Is it because im putting the boat trailer to far in the water when taking it out? how far do you guys usally put your trailer in when retreiving the boat

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: unstreight boat on roll trailer what is my problem

Sounds like there is a pretty good chance that you are backing the trailer in to far. I found with my old roller trailer that if i hooked the strap up and winched it on, it would load straight everytime. The rollers on the bottom should line the keel up as you pull it on. If you are in to far and the keel is not hitting any rollers as you load then the back will float all over untill you pull out and it sits down on the trailer wherever it happened to be floating at.

As far as how far to back it in, I have found that every ramp and trailer is different. But i usually back my bunk trailer in to just below the top of the wheel wells.

Hope that this made sense. Next, try experimenting some by starting to not back in as far. Also, you can watch other people at the ramp with similar sized boats and trailers and see what works for them.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: unstreight boat on roll trailer what is my problem

Agreed, I've had the most alignment problems when I hauled (or launched) from deeper than normal. Every boat/trailer rig has a "sweet spot" for depth, you need to figure out yours. That said, a set of PVC pipe type guide-on's go a long way in minimizing the issue.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: unstreight boat on roll trailer what is my problem

slef centering keel rollers are sweet also. but a lot of roller trailer do not have keel rollers, so how do the really expect to keep a boat centered.

i have converted all my rollers to bunk trailers.

 

[bassman284]

Re: unstreight boat on roll trailer what is my problem

I always put my roller trailer in until the back set of rollers is just barely under water. Doesn't really matter how steep the ramp is.

 

[wellsc1]

Re: unstreight boat on roll trailer what is my problem

After you find the sweet spot for your trailer in the water, mount PCV boat guides on your trailer. The help me in high current and/or high winds. Get the kind with galvanized mounts that has PVC pipe slide over it, and make sure there is a air bent high up on the PVC, else prepare to watch them float off the galv. mount.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: unstreight boat on roll trailer what is my problem

I might add that not all ramps are created equal. Some aren't entirely level.

If you back the trailer in and notice one fender top is lower than the other, your boat will most likely load a little cockeyed.

 

[Floatsum]

Re: unstreight boat on roll trailer what is my problem

Make sure all the pivot points are free to move. Should make it self centering.
Just got one where everything was tight. It was horrible to load anywhere near straight.
Losend, grease, lubed everything and it's a dream now. I can't get it to load more than 3/4 inch from center. I tried.
Non-level (within reason), current, winds... Don't matter.

With my hull design I back down pretty deep when I can. Usually within 2" of tops of fenders if possible.