Why is it hard to load level?

[arks]

My trailer is a MagicTilt aluminium tandem trailer with rollers. It was properly fitted to my 23' cuddy by the dealer when purchased in 1998. It rides just fine, but I have a real problem loading the boat on the trailer level. It almost always sits lower on the starboard side. At first I thought it was my weight at the helm causing the problem, but I've been purposely standing at the centerline when powering on. There is no current at the ramp to push it and it happens even on days with no wind. My rollers are exactly the same side to side (I measured them from the frame). Could it simply be due to the rotation of the prop on the outdrive as I power on? BTW- I have NO intention of winching the 4500# boat all the way up.<br /><br />Any ideas?

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Why is it hard to load level?

I could be wrong, but lets see if this makes any sense.<br /><br />It could just be the angle at which the hull first makes contact with the rollers and the fact that the rollers only roll one way. Therefore, the boat has no choice put to load in the path of least resistance, ending up on the trailer at an unlevel position.<br /><br />I have an 18' center console on a magic tilt trailer that is bunked. (You know, the great big cypress beams) That thng is very easy to load, but as easy as it is, I noticed that if I go not have enough trailer in the water, the boat rides right up the bunks at whatever angle (level position) that it first hit them. Now when I load, I put a little more trailer in the water so that most of the boat still floats once the winch is tightened and it will settle down to a level position as it is pulled from the water.

 

[arks]

Re: Why is it hard to load level?

I was initially thinking the same way, but I've tried it with the trailer deep, shallow, and everywhere in between with the same result. When it is (finally) loaded level, the boat's keel is a little to the right of center of the keel roller, which is only adjustable up/ down, not left/ right. I find that kinda strange.<br /><br />I want to add that my trailer is equipped with vertical "guide rods" at the rear corners. Although it seems like they would help, all they really do is reference the boats position to the trailer. They don't help with alignment because they really aren't strong enough (2" square tubing) to push the boats weight against without bending.

 

[kdmiller8251]

Re: Why is it hard to load level?

Arks:<br /><br />I had the same problem, just about everytime I loaded the boat it would end up slightly off to one side. I wont give you the long version of all the problems, But long story short, I use bunks dont know if this will make a difference but I was putting the trailer in too far at the ramp. Once I stopped doing that, it solved my problem. And it took a year for me to have someone tell me this and figure it out. It was so bad I hated to go boating..<br /><br />Tallman

 

[Bondo]

Re: Why is it hard to load level?

Moving your Rear Rollers Wider will help the stern to center itself.....<br />I made a set of guide-ons out of Alu. conduit, PVC,+ Bungee Cords..... <br />Just the tension of the bungees keep my boat centered..... So long as the ramp is nearly even, side to side.......<br />I float my boat onto the trailer all the way to the Winch...... As I drive out, the boat settles in Centered as the trailer rises out of the water.....

 

[arks]

Re: Why is it hard to load level?

Hmmm...now I'm thinking that maybe I need to tighten up the guide rods so the boat is "pinched" into position as it loads. I'll also try Bondo's suggestion to spread the stern rollers a bit. <br />Thanks for the ideas.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Why is it hard to load level?

Reading the idea of the other gave me a thought. You may want to measure the set back distance of your roller stand from the edge of the trailer. They may not be placed evenly on the trailer and this could be causing the uneveness.<br /><br />I liked the idea of the bungees. A tension band to keeo the boat in the midle of the trailer, good thought.<br /><br />Knightgang

 

[pmueller]

Re: Why is it hard to load level?

arks, I have the same problem when raising my boat on its hoist. Always leaned toward starboard. It dawned on me that it was probably due to the gas tank being on the starboard side. Now if I stand completely over to the port side while someone else raises the hoist, it settles into the bunks evenly. Just a thought.

 

[mlslocks]

Re: Why is it hard to load level?

What if the ramp is not level. The boat will sit level on the water and the trailer will be tilted.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Why is it hard to load level?

mlslocks,<br />My home launch is Very Uneven.....<br />(Due to the Scour Hole dug by the Idiots who insist on Powering onto a trailer that's Not deep Enough) <br />With the Guide-Ons Snug against the boat, It Always Comes Up/On Straight......

 

[MrBill]

Re: Why is it hard to load level?

Roller adjustment should help center the boat more accurately....<br />And...I know a lot of people do it, but powering on has never been recommended in a trailer owners manual.