Is my boat too light for the trailer?

jrucks

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Apr 28, 2014
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I just boat a used trailer for my boat. The trailer is made for a heavier boat than mine. The trailer is rated for net carrying capacity of 2875lb. My boat is including motor, batteries, etc is around 1500lb. The tongue weight is at 10% right around 150lb. Do you think I will have any issues with the boat being 1300lb under the capacity of the trailer? Will it possibly bounce around or sway when being towed?
 

jrucks

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Apr 28, 2014
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Information from trailer sticker:
GVWR 3420lb; GAWR all alxles 3420lb with ST205/75/R15C tires @ 50 PSI

Boat is a 1985 Lund Nisswa catalog weight 910lb with 2005 Mercury 4 stroke 60hp weight 245lb
 

alldodge

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Mar 8, 2009
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Don't see any issues, other then loading and launching. If it sits the boat high you just need to get deeper in the water
 

ronward

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Jun 24, 2013
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If tongue weight is right you won't have towing issues. But if the trailer capacity far exceeds the boat weight then the trailer won't know the boat is even there. You will more than likely be towing a basically empty trailer, and yes it will bounce around.
 

ronward

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Jun 24, 2013
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All due respect to All Dodge... Yes the trailer will handle it just fine. Deeper in water.. But, you WILL be bouncing the hell outta that poor boat on the road
 

alldodge

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All due respect to All Dodge... Yes the trailer will handle it just fine. Deeper in water.. But, you WILL be bouncing the hell outta that poor boat on the road

The thing that is best about iboats is everyone has an opinion
 

frantically relaxing

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Nov 19, 2011
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699
... you WILL be bouncing the hell outta that poor boat on the road
concur. Think hardtail Harley... the boat will barely compress the springs on that trailer, the tires will be the 'suspension'. I would at least look into replacing the springs...
 

jrucks

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Apr 28, 2014
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Thanks for the advice. Sounds like I should probably resell it and look for another trailer.

Or maybe I should just convince the wife i need a a bigger boat to fit the trailer. ;)
 

fishrdan

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Jan 25, 2008
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Sounds like I should probably resell it.....

Nah... You just need more essentials in your boat, 112# trolling motors bow and stern, 3-4 TM batteries, 40" LED screen (TV) fish finder, dozen rods and 4 tackle boxes, couple cases of beer, etc. Just the bare necessities :joyous:
 

Cat nip

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Jul 25, 2015
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You will be ok. I had a 1500# boat on a 3500# trailer and it towed great and didn't bounce at all. The best part was when I went camping and loaded the boat with gear I wasn't worried that I was over loaded . And if its an older trailer that you got the springs are most likely a little worn and not necessarily as springy as when new.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
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Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,657
It'll be fine.
Strap the boat down tight and hit the road.

Boat and trailer become one when strapped together.

You will do far more damage to the trailer, tires and boat if the trailer is undersized.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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they sell new springs every day........
 
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