First time trailer setup, anyone have this boat???

TwoBallScrewBall

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So, I have a sparkly new 2005 Load Rite 5 Starr trailer in my driveway, waiting for Saturday to be loaded with my new Wellcraft. <br /><br />It's a 1997 Wellcraft 23 Excel. Similar if not identical to the Coastal 23. <br /><br />Can anyone give me some measurements as far as roller spacing and winch location (forward/aft and up/down) to get it relatively close on the first retrieve? I've never pulled this boat out before, the trailer is brand new so it's set as it was from the factory, and the boat owner always had it hauled. <br /><br />Am I paranoid? Can I just not worry about it for the first time and adjust it later?<br /><br />HELP!!!<br /><br />and THANKS!!!
 

Lou C

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Nov 10, 2002
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Re: First time trailer setup, anyone have this boat???

What I would do is try to find a similar boat and take measurements of where the chines and strakes are, the deadrise angle and the bow entry angle. This can help figure out where the rollers or bunks should be located. I just re built my old 94 Loadrite trailer, and added 8 rollers to the rear, for a total of 24. What I did next was go around to various boatyards until I found the same hull as mine, then took some digital photos of the bow and stern. I then scaled them down to 1"=1', and so could figure out about where the rollers should be located to miss the strakes. You could try floating it on gently to see if it looks about right, then bring it to a yard where they can lift it off and adjust them the right way. I'll see how close I got mine when I pull it out in a month. Ramp is closed because of damage from the remnants of Ivan!! So can't check it yet.
 

KaGee

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Re: First time trailer setup, anyone have this boat???

After dropping all that coin, maybe another $100 or so to have the boat hoisted and then lowered on?? You can align as needed???<br />Just a thought.
 

TwoBallScrewBall

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Re: First time trailer setup, anyone have this boat???

Thanks guys. Like I said I'm a first timer at this, didn't even think of the hoist idea. I really don't want to screw this up. I'm going to start driving around looking for another 23' excel to get some measurements, that's a good idea. <br /><br />I'm still hoping that someone here has the same boat on a trailer, and can at least give me center-to-center measurements on the rollers for a baseline. The winch, I'm going to start with it back all the way, pull the boat up, then see how much further it needs to go at which point on level ground I can unhook the boat, move the whinch forward the appropriate amount, and then just pull the boat up to the bow roller. It's the hull rollers I'm most concerned about. I'm having visions of bad things happening...... <br /><br />Thanks again!
 

TwoBallScrewBall

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Re: First time trailer setup, anyone have this boat???

Picked up the boat today! <br /><br />Had it hoisted and set on the trailer. Was a lot easier than I imagined. Set the winch height and distance, and the rollers. Sits real nice. Going out tomorrow so it'll be the first test of a true load and unload. :D
 

TexomaAv8r

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Sep 15, 2004
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Re: First time trailer setup, anyone have this boat???

"chines and strakes deadrise angle and the bow entry angle"<br /><br />Would someone define these terms for me?
 

TwoBallScrewBall

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Re: First time trailer setup, anyone have this boat???

Chines and strakes are the ribs on the bottom of the hull, basically. <br /><br />Deadrise andle is the angle of the "V" at the transom. <br /><br />Bow entry angle, I think, is the angle of the "V" where the bow meets the water.
 

TexomaAv8r

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Re: First time trailer setup, anyone have this boat???

Originally posted by Steve Huminski:<br /> Chines and strakes are the ribs on the bottom of the hull, basically. <br /><br />Deadrise andle is the angle of the "V" at the transom. <br /><br />Bow entry angle, I think, is the angle of the "V" where the bow meets the water.
Thanks you very much
 

KaGee

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Re: First time trailer setup, anyone have this boat???

How did it trailer?<br />Did they sock you much to hoist it??
 

TwoBallScrewBall

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Re: First time trailer setup, anyone have this boat???

It was $73 bucks to hoist it and position on the trailer. Well worth it I think, especially considering the ramp I had to work with there. Had to spread the rear rollers by about 6". Aside from the sheer weight, it trailers better than my 19 footer did. I think it is a combination of the dual axles here and the fact that this boat seems to balance better on the trailer. Handling and braking is great. I was crapping my pants on the first ride home, but after that first ride I have been fine. :)
 

KaGee

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Re: First time trailer setup, anyone have this boat???

First time is always nerve racking. Every rig has it's querks. Takes a little while to get used to them.<br /><br />I'm totally jealous!
 
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