Do I have a proper trailer for my boat?

[tmfd]

Starcraft SF 160, NADA lists it as only 650 dry wgt. It sits on this roller trailer with only 3 sets of rollers. One set towards the front, about halfway actualy and the other two at the rear, the last one is at the back edge of the hull. Is this the proper setup or should I convert to a bunk trailer for this aluminum boat? I havent even launched it yet, been busy getting it ready, wiring up electronics, disconnected the vro, flushed out the fuel system, changed lower unit oil etc. My previous boat was on a bunk trailer, never launched from this type yet either.

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[roscoe]

Re: Do I have a proper trailer for my boat?

Looks great.
I would probably add some sort of bunk or "pad" up front, to take some of the weight off the keel roller.
They have a tendency to cut if too much weight is on them.

A bit more of an issue would be the front bow stop roller.
It should be above the bow eye of the boat, so the winch strap would be pulling down on the eye, and the bow stop roller would be just above the eye.
This would prevent the boat from shooting over the roller and into the tow vehicle in a sudden stop or collision.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Do I have a proper trailer for my boat?

Your trailer looks fine. A word of caution when launching with a roller trailer. NEVER unhook the winch strap until the trailer and stern of the boat have entered the water. Releasing the strap on a steep ramp can result in your boat sitting on the ramp.

 

[tmfd]

Re: Do I have a proper trailer for my boat?

Thanks for the info, as I said I've never launched from this type of trailer before, not a huge or heavy boat, but I'll be nervous the first time, lol.

 

[ozzgood2001]

Re: Do I have a proper trailer for my boat?

where ya launching it at which lake?

 

[rs1lollie]

Re: Do I have a proper trailer for my boat?

it looks to me that it sits a little high in the front. Looks as if you can lower the front rollers a bit. maybe lower all rollers a bit so it sits lower on trailer. just my 2 cents.

 

[tmfd]

Re: Do I have a proper trailer for my boat?

I'm not sure where first launch will be, probably not till labor day weekend up north, might make it over to Lake Lansing before then.
It did seem to pull nicely when I trailered it home about 65 miles. It doesnt have any center keel roller under the front end, that seems odd.

Ozzgood, nice restoration project on your Starcraft, very nice.

 

[ozzgood2001]

Re: Do I have a proper trailer for my boat?

its coming along ill be launching down towards gregory pickney area myself. are you near lansing?

 

[tmfd]

Re: Do I have a proper trailer for my boat?

Yes, I live in Lansing, grew up just outside of GR though. Most of my fishing/boating is on Sapphire Lake near Lake City, mother in law owned a cottage that we still have use of. Great to know your so close by in case I need some knowledgeable help. I've been reading your resto thread and trying to pickup what I can.