Winch Stand

[DrDecay]

I am needing to move my boat forward on my trailer for more tongue weight. The current winch stand is as far forward as I can move it. I have heard there is a SPLIT RAIL or SPLIT LEG winch stand that I can purchase which moves the bow stop further forward. Does anyone know about these and where I can purchase one? I am having trouble locating one... maybe because I do not have the correct name for it.

 

[Expidia]

Another option is to move your trailer axle back. Check your trailer for bolt holes to move it back one hole (mine has holes to do this) or if its clamped to the frame. Back increases the tongue weight and visa versa.

If your rig is heavy just bring the proper wrenches, your board and scale and go down early to a launch site and tie up your boat, launch and tie up the boat then go to the parking lot to move the axle (don't do it on the ramp).

If U-bolt clamped, move it back like 2-4 inches. Then put a small board on a bathroom scale to check the tongue weight it each time its moved to get the proper %. Then you might have to move your winch again.

I think I set mine at 10%, so the boat does not rattle around while Im towing it. Google "trailer tongue weight".

This article says 9-15% of your gross weight of your rig including gas and gear etc

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-p...gue-weight.htm

 

[DrDecay]

Cannot move the axels because of the fenders. Any one else have input?

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

How much more tongue weight do you need? Can you move some weight around in the boat when it's being tow?

 

[GA_Boater]

I think some pictures are called for. Your winch stand for starters. Also most fenders are mounted so they move with the axle if you move it fore and aft.

 

[DrDecay]

I actually have negative tongue weight. I have to sit on tongue to connect to my hitch. This is a reused trailer aluminum I-beam trailer from my previous 21' boat. New boat is 23.5' but fits within the trailer 6000# specks easily. Just needs to be rebalanced. I took it to a trailer shop and they are the ones who suggested putting on a split leg or rail winch stand. That will move the front U-bolt of the winch stand onto the front part of the tongue anterior to where the I-beams join together. The back U-bolt will still be behind the junction of the I-beams.

The shop will be happy to do the work but that was 3 weeks ago. They are backed up. Supposedly they have the winch stands in stock. It is not a hard job, but they have the scales and the hoist to lift and reposition the boat. They were also going to do brakes on the trailer too. The total approached $1100. I figure if I could find the stand, I could move the boat forward, use bathroom scales to get 6% tongue weight. I can always do the brakes later. I just cannot locate the split leg/rail winch stand.

This is a photo I found on Google of a winch stand which has a small split to it's anchor feet. This is similar to what I'm looking for.

 

[GA_Boater]

Now I really want to see your current stand. And most likely the axle needs to be moved back, fenders in the way or not.

 

[dude11]

Well,I guess we all thinking,which way is the now stand pointed?Toward the truck I would assume.A pic.could really help.

 

[airshot]

I reached my tongue weight by mounting the spare tire to the winch stand. The added weight of the spare and mount was just what I needed. On your trailer is the back of the boat even with the back of the trailer or does the boat hang over the back of the trailer?