Very light tongue weight on aluminum boat

[Lion hunter]

The 16' aluminum boat that I've been restoring seems to be very light at the tongue (the one in my signature). I have viewed alot of other similar boats on the restoration forum and they all seem to sit the same way on the trailer so I am assuming mine is correct. I can't move the boat any farther forward either. It's not really a big concern for me as there is tongue weight there and it won't fly off the hitch when I release the ball, but I was just curious if alot of folks experience the same thing. I'm just hopng that this thing doesn't fish tail down the road once I fill the fuel tanks up. Have 6 gallons in now and will put another 6 in tommorow.

EDIT: Just went and weighed it out of curiosity and I have 13Lbs of tongue weight. I haven't got my spare mounted up there yet so that will add another 20lbs.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Very light tongue weight on aluminum boat

Add some weight to the tongue in the hull, like some bags of water softener salt...13# is not enough!!!

 

[JB]

Re: Very light tongue weight on aluminum boat

You may need to shift the axle cradle aft to get 10% of the total weight on the tongue. I am sure your rig weighs more than 130lb.

Adding weight inside the boat is not recommended. Get the trailer properly rigged. It is a hazard as is.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Very light tongue weight on aluminum boat

Was able to move the boat forward about 3-4" and raise the rear of the boat 3-4". After I mounted my spare and put the gear up front I'm at 65LBS of tongue weight. I think by the time I fill the cooler I'll be about right.