Trailer set-up for 20'

McGillicuddy · #1 03-07-2009, 06:19 PM

Any thoughts on trailer adjustments?
I'm a bit forward heavy on this rig but I'm fine with that - I think I need the weight on the ramp at least at low tide.

I'm not sure where my winch should be relative to the bow eye and if the bow eye should ride above or below the bow stop/support. Currently it sits too far back on the bunks. It seems to slide back while pulling it up on the ramp. Winch strap stretch?

Also where should the bunks be, longitudinally, in relation to the thru hull scuppers. Right now the scuppers sit on them. Bitch to change them and lame for draining during wash-down.

Should the bunks be under the inner stringers `or should I just drill a hole in each bunk?

Caymanboy · #2 03-07-2009, 06:44 PM

Just my opinion, but, first of all the tongue wieght should be about 100-150 lbs, the boat looks alittle far up on the trailer, I would like to see the bottom sit on the aft roller, the bunks should only be stablizing the load, not supporting all the weight, looks to be tough adjusting the trailer, everything is welded, the front winch should be pulling level, not up like it is, that being said, move the boat back, adjust the rollers, call it good. IMHO

Fr. Frank · #3 03-07-2009, 08:47 PM

1. Winch strap above the bow stop.
2. Install new Wolmanized bunks, and drill the hole in the bunk for drainage, then epoxy the inside of the hole in the bunk.
3. The transom should rest on the aftermost keel roller. Move the boat back about 3".
4. Tongue weight should be 5-7% of the gross vehicle weight, or 150 to 300 lbs. More tongue weight contributes to reduced trailer sway on the highway. My 20' Seafari has about 175 lbs tongue weight.

strick · #4 03-07-2009, 11:55 PM

In my opinion your bow stop is mounted too low. Moving it up about 6-7 inches would allow the boat to sit farther back off the bunks and clear the scuppers. You may find it hard to get holes drilled in the bunks to line up with the scuppers every time load the boat. The newer trailers all come with an adjustable winch/roller arm allowing you to move it up or down. Maybe you could torch off that old winch arm assembly and get one that's adjustable...or just mount it higher. I personally like the trailer bow stop slightly above the bow eye on the boat. I also moved my bow eye up about 6 inches from the factory installed location on the boat.

strick

McGillicuddy · #5 03-08-2009, 12:40 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys, and roger on the tongue weight. I prefer a little more weight because trailer swaying scares the cheetos outta me. Don't need the tail wagging the dog

I agree with what your saying, Strick, that moving the bowstop/winch up will force the boat aft, likewise moving weight aft. But the the scuppers won't be clear unless I make the bunks narrower or drill holes for them to drain out of. Had notches on them before but like you suggested they might not always line up.

I think I would like the bow eye slightly below the bow stop so the bow eye doesn't get hung up on the stop going on or off. Is there a reason why I wouldn't want to do this, Fr. Frank?

Caymanboy, regarding the keel rollers, I have always heard the the bunks should provide the support for the hull and the rollers just guide and facilitate the loading and unloading. Is this incorrect?

Any other thoughts on this? Thanks

Caymanboy · #6 03-08-2009, 07:23 AM

I guess it depends on the boat and your preferences, in the olden days boats used to be winched up via the roller, nowadays with float ons that aft roller doesn't do anything till you are out of the water, I've seen many lesser boats hulls cave in because of too much pressure/stress on the hull bottom, the keel usually/should be much stronger for the weight, as far as the bow roller goes, usually want the bow eye to nestle up in under the bow chock, suposed to keep the bow from jumpin up n down. I beleive FR Frank has the specific specs for tongue weight.