too short?

[jonesg]

I have this Escort trailer under a 20' cc

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/jonesg_photos/my boat/20footboat.jpg?t=1211414453

the transom overhangs the rear of bunk by 16 inches, there is no front roller for the keel/bow area.

Can I just extend the tongue with a new 3x3 , I think its alum but not certain yet. The crank post is just bolted on, can I move that fwd too and install a roller for the bow keel?
Seems to me it ought to have a roller someplace but theres none.

Or just install longer bunks.
Needs a new ballhitch and jack at the front too I guess.

 

[Fingernip]

Re: too short?

I have the exact same issue.. almost the same amount of overhang as well. 18" for me . I have no motor in my boat right now so i dont yet know how the weight is balanced. You will likely have to consider where the weight will be if you move the boat forward on the trailer. You may end up with too much weight on the tongue.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: too short?

There are two ways to adjust tongue weight. Light tongue - move boat forward or move axle rearward. Heavy tongue - move boat backward or move axle forward. What you don't want to do is lengthen the bunks -- for the simple reason just extending them provides no additional support because there is nothing supporting the bunks (e.g., you have a spring-board).

 

[External Combustion]

Re: too short?

Having the transom overhang the bunks is begging to have a hogged hull. I question whether the trailer is rated for the weight of your boat. Having such a small trailer for the rig should raise red flags. What is it's capacity? What is the weight of your boat?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: too short?

a better picture of the boat and trailer and the rear bunk and transom situation would definately help, give you the best advice. what is your tongue weight at the present time?

 

[jonesg]

Re: too short?

a better picture of the boat and trailer and the rear bunk and transom situation would definately help, give you the best advice. what is your tongue weight at the present time?

YEh I'm gonna take some detailed pics later today and post tonite.

I dunno the tongue weight, how do you find out ?
I'd say its on the heavy side, I have a hard time lifting it to get it on the ball.
But theres no motor on it yet .

I plan on replacing the U brackets at the axle so I'll be able to shift it either way.

If I add a 140hp outboard but move the boat forward, wouldn't it tend to balance itself out somewhat?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: too short?

you need to get the motor on it, or some people to sit on the transom, that equal the same weight. a 140 weights close to 400 lbs, so, you should be able to move forward a little.

 

[jonesg]

Re: too short?

Alright I took some pics today, the rear overhang and the winch.
Winch is not welded in place so it can be relocated.
I think this is galvanized steel.

 

[JCF350]

Re: too short?

Gotta get the trailer under the transom (which ever way you need to). Your just asking for a hook in the hull with like that.

 

[JCF350]

Re: too short?

Having the transom overhang the bunks is begging to have a hogged hull.

Displacement hull boaters

 

[External Combustion]

Re: too short?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Yeah, what can I say? But at 35 RPM it makes for a murderous trolling machine!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: too short?

looking at it, using 2x6 bunks, you can extend to where you need to be with out extending the tongue. although a long tongue is always nice, on a bad ramp. that tongue connection need some major work. the trailer looks like it is on the verge of being too light for that boat.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: too short?

It also looks like you need to add a set of lights. Is the total weight high enough that you need to add trailer brakes to comply with your state laws? If so selling that trailer and buying another good used one that will better fit your needs may be the answer you are looking for.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: too short?

And did anyone notice it has CAR tires on it?
That looks like a really heavy boat for that trailer...

 

[jonesg]

Re: too short?

It also looks like you need to add a set of lights. Is the total weight high enough that you need to add trailer brakes to comply with your state laws? If so selling that trailer and buying another good used one that will better fit your needs may be the answer you are looking for.

yep, I'm going to look at a 17' boat on an oversized trailer with a 110 outboard, I need the engine and trailer, I could do a swap with my trailer and sell the 17' boat cheap. Heres the listing,

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/boa/691840660.html

have to measure everything.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: too short?

that trailer may be too short also. unless it has movable axle. doesn't look like it.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: too short?

Is it just me or does it look like the rear rollers on the trailer are pushing up into the hull?

 

[Idona]

Re: too short?

This is jonesg (Gerard) , I am posting from my wifes computer, signed her up.

We spent the morning working on the boat, fighting with the trailer etc, I told what the folks here have said about it and she said sell the boat and get something better, gave me another $2K to push our budget up to $6K total.

Thanks and let that be a lesson for you.

 

[bomar76]

Re: too short?

That trailer was way too short for that boat, and I would wager way under capacity too.