26' Tiara Pursuit 7400# roll trailer possible lowering-PICS

[rothfm]

Sorry in advance, another Bunk/Roll post. Haha...but posting alot of pics for opinions

Longtime boater/trailer with alot of experience. New to me Pursuit 2600. Will test launch in Spring before deciding anything, even if I will keep it. Time will tell. I've only used, and am partial to bunk trailers. To me seem safer, and I have more contol.

I have a good procedure for launch/retreval where I dont drive on, and only winch the last few feet. Takes me under 2 mins with my previous bunks.

However, This boat is soooo High on the trailer ( I think). Only comparing it to my other 21' on Bunk trailer that I solo launch with Ease.I'm partial to bunks and am very comfortable with them. Side note: most always launch at good ramps with side docks and/or plan tides well.

To me the Transom seems so high up, that i'm wondering what kind of water depth its gonna take( or how far back is the truck going to go) before I can launch?

This is a very good Venture 3x5 frame 7400lb, 9300lb Gvwr trailer. I am considering stripping off the Roller hardware 70+ Rollers- Yikes the maintance!! To make it a bunk, in attempts to lower the whole rig.

Currently the axles are over the springs....Should I even be thinking this way, trying to lower it? Or leave it and get used to a roller trailer. I have loved my bunks on other boat, and seems it would be easier with a boat like this style....Plus alot less maintance.

Thanks for thoughts.

 

[Scott Danforth]

leave it..... use it..... go fishing

 

[alldodge]

See your issue, unless the ramp goes deep quick, rolling off may be easy enough, but getting back on might be an issue.

I to like bunks, boat goes on and for the most part stays, hard part is getting it off if depth is not deep enough.

Is there room to put springs under the axles?

 

[dingbat]

Mine is just as high if not higher. Never had a problem getting the boat on or off the trailer.

If you feel you need a bunk, sell this one and buy a bunk

 

[rothfm]

Ha ha I likes Scotts approach...In many ways your probably right! Thanks gave me a chuckle.

True, Getting it off it seems the second I unhook, it will go on its own. On my bunks, I've always mounted 5-6' Side bunks, as well as guide poles on the end. For better retrieval and center maybe I will go that same route, while backing in a bit more than usual for a roller trailer to minimize the amount of winching, as long as it centers properly when coming out of the water.

Thanks, for the inputs. I've gotton so accustomed to my long-time setup and bunk, I probably have the "new-to-me" jitters with this setup. Will do some test launches early spring. If I like it, will keep it, if not will keep old reliable.

 

[NHGuy]

Nice boat!

I see your quandary. I'm a little opposite of you in that I grew up with roller trailers. The one I remember liking the best was a 70' Holsclaw that could tilt up at it's center. That was great for retrieving the boat when the lake was low. Later my father in law would have me drive his cuddy cruiser right on to his Easy Loader roller trailer because it would self center. But now I just refuse to apply any power at the ramp because so many of our area ramps are dug out from power loading.

My 88 Formula is on a 2012 Venture aluminum bunk trailer. I got the two of them together in 2015. I did add some side guides because one of the marina ramps I used was not horizontally level! Now that I am a few years in and day dunking I have it down pretty well.
The bunks on mine have to be deep enough. I can gauge that by how deep my fenders and guides are in. I have it worked out that I can approach the trailer very slowly clicking the engine into forward gear a little at a time. The boat halts a foot from the bow stop. Once I am out I can winch it that last foot or so.
Finding the right depth to dunk the trailer was the main thing.
Rollers are even easier in my opinion. Just be sure to cinch that boat down well. Why not try them out before opening your wallet? Unless you are a purist that wants to keep the hull against flat bunks.

 

[JimS123]

Based on your pics I'd say that your trailer is ideal for that boat, plus whomever set it up did a fantastic job of adjusting it.

Often people have a bad feeling about rollers because they got a cheap trailer with too few rollers, or the dealer didn't adjust it right.

Our current family boat came with bunks, but I had the trailer rebuilt before we ever took delivery. The difference in height between the bunks and rollers assemblies wasn't even an inch. I always use a steel bow tie down in addition to the winch strap and safety cable, so that puppy ain't goin nowhere. No matter what the water depth is I merely back in until the trailer tires are wet, and then untie the straps and cables on the bow. Just touching the boat makes it launch by itself. While holding the lines I walk on the dock and watch the boat as it slowly glides by. Retrieving is effortless as well.

In my case, the end of the ramp has been so degraded from guys power loading that I don't dare back in too far or my wheels might fall off into oblivion.

As already said...use it and go fishing....