Boat not loading evenly

[sadutil]

I have a 22 ft Cuddy Cabin Four Winns that I often have trouble getting to load properly on my trailer. The trailer is a dual axle seabird that is complete with a new set of rollers. I also have a lower keel support and a upper keel support with a keel roller. I was wondering what kind of advice could you give me to help get this boat loaded more evenly. How far should the rollers on the back of the trailer be from the back of the boat? Where should that upper Keel support be in reference to the winch hook on the boat? How far should I have this trailer in the water to load? Please help. Sometimes loading it is such a pain.

 

[larky]

Re: Boat not loading evenly

this season I have put on trailer guides and man what a difference. do a search for "trailer guides' and see if they can help you line it up better.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat not loading evenly

the use of guide one, set with a clearance of 1 inch on each side, and self centering rollers, has made my loading a real pleasure. i have 2 self centering keel rollers on my trailer the very rear, and 2 nd roller this puts the bow where it belongs, the guide ons keeps the stern in line. if you are driving on as i do, it takes a lot of practice. get far enough out in the water, then site down the center line of the boat to line it up. come in at idle, don't oversteer. also trim up the outdrive so you don't buy a prop.

i have 3 trailers set up this way, 14' 18' 23' boats.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Boat not loading evenly

lot of loading troubles caused by backing in too deep...general rule of thumb, shouldn't need to be as deep to load as you are to launch. Every boat/trailer combo is a bit different. Find your optimal depth through trial & error. But mentally mark the spot on the trailer, not the depth of the wheels, as it may vary on different ramps. I too am a big fan of self-centering rollers and guide-ons.

Another general rule of thumb, your transom should be supported all the way to the end. If you do move your boat forward or aft on the trailer, pay attention to the effect that has on tongue weight. Might have to compensate by moving the axles. My experience, tongue-light trailer will sway a lot, tongue-heavy trailer shakes the tow vehicle noticeably. It's an important safety consideration.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Boat not loading evenly

I have a colored tape band on the guides at proper launch depth. You can see them in the mirrors, as soon as the tape hits the water she's ready to go.

I often use the same ramp but it seems accurate on the oddball ramps too.