how does it fit??

[suzuki40]

I just found a used trailer for my 12' jonboat after 6 months of looking. I just finished putting the boat on the trailer today and noticed when I crank it down with the strap up front 2 things happen...(1)the middle roller doent hit the bottom of the boat by about 3inches.(2) The crank handle hits the front of the flatbottom jonboat before I can get the boat all the way up on the front roller. The back bunk boards are perfect?<br /><br />Thanks for any help,<br />Suzuki 40

 

[wayne h]

Re: how does it fit??

my rollers dont hit the bottom of my boat eather when i run it up on the bunkers.they are just there to load it before it goes onto the bunkers. as for the front roller is there a few sets of holes on the bottom of the winch were it bolts to the trailer ? there usually is so you can adjust it. look and see if not you might have to drill it or if it too far. have a plate welded so you can adjust the winch

 

[suzuki40]

Re: how does it fit??

The big problem is that the crank handle hits the bow of the boat, wich stops me from cranking it further?

 

[suzuki40]

Re: how does it fit??

never mind that last post..I understand what you are talking about..see there is the very back of the boat where there is just the bunkers running longways with the boat about 4 feet long. then there is a roller right in front of those in the middle of the trailer. then the roller up by the crank, the roller in front of the bunks doesnt hit the boat by 3 inches...is this a problem since the boat is sitting flush on the bunks and the bow roller by the crank?

 

[wayne h]

Re: how does it fit??

if its on the bunkers and the front bow roller is hitting the bow then thats right the middle rollers are only there when you load the boat at the ramp .since yours is a flat bottom it might not ever hit that middle roller.they are there for v hulls really so you dont hit the trailer before it goes on the bunkers. if you are flat on the bunkers there is no problem. just fix your winch so you can crank it.and you might wanna strap the back of the boat to the trailer them aluminum boats like to bounce on the trailers .i always strap mine from the left side of the trailer to the right,about a foot from the back of the boat.them ratchet straps work well for that.fast and easy

 

[suzuki40]

Re: how does it fit??

Wayne, Thank you very much for the information. this is the first trailer I have every had. I always just loaded the boat in the back of my truck when I went fishing. What a pain in my "6" <br />I was worried I bought a trailer that didnt fit. Thanks a gain for your help, I can sleep now.<br />Be safe,<br />Suzuki 40<br />P.S. I have a 4 hp johnson on the back with about 7 to 10 inches of clearance from the ground? is this going to ride ok without haveing to tilt it up all the time?

 

[wayne h]

Re: how does it fit??

hummm only u know that,i dont know how you drive. just remember its back there and going over speed bumps.you might not want to lock the engine down so if it hits it will bounce up. but i dont think you will have any problems.

 

[suzuki40]

Re: how does it fit??

Cool...again thanks, you been a big help.<br /><br />Suzuki40

 

[roscoe]

Re: how does it fit??

You have got to keep the motor locked down or it will be bouncing and pounding with every little bump. If you need more clearance, you would be better off just taking the motor off and laying it down in the boat. Strap it snug with a couple tiedowns.<br /><br />I've had the same winch handle problem with my new winch. I went with a shorter handle.

 

[neumanns]

Re: how does it fit??

does your trailer have a crossbeam that protects the skeg if so you should be fine if not it would bother me as all you have to do is hit one hard obstacle at speed and you will be missing vital parts of the lower unit and they are expensive.

 

[wayne h]

Re: how does it fit??

why dont people lock the motor up (tilt)?? is there any reason

 

[neumanns]

Re: how does it fit??

Motor mount brackets were designed to hold the motors weight in a vertical position, when you lock the motor in the tilt position you stress the bracket with the weight distribution and compound it by lever action and simple physics will explain why the lever is not a good scenerio (every bump and bounce is magnified) and this does not even tke into account the undo stress on the transom. but this is just my opinion.

 

[wayne h]

Re: how does it fit??

so then what is a good motor down distance from the street to the motor?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: how does it fit??

There is no safe motor down distance from street to skeg...imho. Buy or make a transom saver, the rod/support that holds your motor up without putting stress on the transom mounts. Cost less than $30 or you can make for very little $$$ also.

 

[suzuki40]

Re: how does it fit??

Stress? its only a 4 hp johnson seahorse. would that little motor stress anything if left tilted up?

 

[Mikevn1500]

Re: how does it fit??

Lock it up. Push up and down on the prop. Watch the transom. In PA you can times that movement by a thousand for a little 10 mile trip to the lake.

 

[BassMan283]

Re: how does it fit??

Check this site for jon boat trailer bow stop and support pad.<br /><br /> http://www.castlecraft.net/fishing_boat_trailer.htm <br /><br />Also type 'jon boat bow stop' into your search engine.