how do I make boat load on trailer easier

[reddog349]

I have a 1974 18' Holiday Starcraft on a shoreline trailer. The trailer has those flexable rubber rollers (16x) and are set to grab the boat only one way, if it doesnt start right it wont go on right.<br />Any ideas to make it easier to load? It unloads like a dream , in fact I can push it right off the trailer with little effort.<br />I have a electric wench which I currently have to crank by hand because I need a power cord which I will be replacing.<br />I considered rollers for the keel but theres no place to really attach them.

 

[Omega-1]

Re: how do I make boat load on trailer easier

Reddog,<br />From what you describe, it appears that once the boat hull is on the trailer and the rollers are configured to the hull contour, that you have no problem with removing the boat from your trailer. Does this imply that your rollers are not flexible enough to configure to the hull when they come in contact with the hull? If so, then have you examined the roller attachments for impairements to free movement, or are the angles set properly to configure to the hull when loading? Once you have checked over the roller attachments and free movements and set angles of the rollers to allow for easy loading, and you are unable to determine a solution, you need to call the shoreline trailer service department and talk with them about the problem. You may need to replace some of the rollers if they are not functioning correctly. Another tip: quit straining yourself with the winch and get a power cord; that's cheaper than trying to treat a damaged shoulder or back. Good luck, be safe!

 

[fondafj]

Re: how do I make boat load on trailer easier

Omega-1 has good advice but it may also be that the trailer is too deep in the water during retrieval. I had similar problems and the fix was pretty simple... I was getting the trailer to deep and the boat didn't load onto the rollers straight. Now I make sure the boat is only 1/2 to 2/3 on trailer before require winching or power load. For my trailer it is when the fenders are just out of the water 3"-5" . Since you indicated that you can push your boat off the trailer by hand, and it is a roller trailer, it sounds too deep in the water. What I have found is that a properly submersed roller trailer will require using the winch to get the boat off the trailer as well as on.

 

[Omega-1]

Re: how do I make boat load on trailer easier

Centsless, you are right on with the trailer being too deep for loading. I know in my own trailer, if it is too deep the hull does not engage the guide boards to load correctly. Mine loads best with the trailer fenders level with the water. However, I still cannot resolve the question of the rollers. Normally they will correctly orientate themselves to the hull configuration when bow pressure is applied to them in loading, either in or out of the water. Somehow, there seems to be some impediment to the rollers orientating themselves to the hull configuration as the hull comes in contact with them. This may be due to rust or corrosion in the pivot points or improper angular adjustment of the rollers on their brackets. A close inspection of the bracket and roller mechanism is in order here.

 

[gutshot grouper]

Re: how do I make boat load on trailer easier

I've had all kind of wenches, but never an electric one.

 

[reddog349]

Re: how do I make boat load on trailer easier

Check this out- the ramp ive been using has a shallow slop(pitch) and maybe I havent been backing in fair enough.My trailer has high fenders and is very low .Ive been putting the first 8 rollers in the water <br />My last boat trailer had post so it loaded like a breeze.