need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

[winterblues]

ok so my transom hangs about a good 2ft over the last set of rollers on my trailer. i need some tips on how to adjust this so its flush. sorry for being such a noob hahha

 

[Shrike]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

Move winch forward. Pull boat forward with winch.
If that doesnt put too much weight on the hitch.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

Well for starters, your bow rollers are BOTH supposed to be in contact with the bow. Looks like your winch strap should go between the two rollers rather than under like you've got it. From the marks on the hull in the rear, that would move it up a foot right there and it looks like that is where it's always sat. What's up with the cinderblock on the tongue? Holding it down? And it looks like the winch could easily be moved forward another foot. BUT! before we go crazy here you need to tell us how much tongue weight you have, it should be 10% of the boat weight. Pull the boat into it's proper position with the bow rollers both in contact and measure it.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

Good eye, dockwrecker!
Your front roller assembly should be positioned like mine with the strap running between the 2 rollers. You may have to move your boat slightly back so your roller will clear the bow eye. I figured a visual might be good...

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

Even an old blind squirrel like me occaisionally finds an acorn...

 

[rwidman]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

Well for starters, your bow rollers are BOTH supposed to be in contact with the bow. Looks like your winch strap should go between the two rollers rather than under like you've got it. From the marks on the hull in the rear, that would move it up a foot right there and it looks like that is where it's always sat. What's up with the cinderblock on the tongue? Holding it down? And it looks like the winch could easily be moved forward another foot. BUT! before we go crazy here you need to tell us how much tongue weight you have, it should be 10% of the boat weight. Pull the boat into it's proper position with the bow rollers both in contact and measure it.

Well of course. I wondered how the boat ever got that old with such a poorly fitted trailer.

The bar with the rollers swivels and both contact the hull of the boat.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

I will bet that who ever put the new winch on discovered the handle was too close or hitting the bow? Or they didnt like reaching so far under the bow to crank it. Or maybe they did not like the winch handle being on the passengerside so they turned the winch around.
So they drilled a new pivot point in the dual bow roller bracket and then started to load it against only the bottom roller?

 

[gozierdt]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

As stated, first get the bow rollers fitting correctly. I think after you do that your stern is still going to be a ways back from the rear roller. Loosen up the u-bolts holding the bow post and move the post forward. I don't think you'll need to, but you could even move the trailer jack behind the bow post if you need to pull it further forward.

 

[winterblues]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

thanks all for your reply! and yes i did get the boat all the way up. i have about 16" left from the rear roller to the transom. i do plan on moving the winch post forward soon. the bolts are pretty rusted up and im gonna have a helluva time doing that. but for now, its good til the meantime. thanks again!!

 

[rwidman]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

thanks all for your reply! and yes i did get the boat all the way up. i have about 16" left from the rear roller to the transom. i do plan on moving the winch post forward soon. the bolts are pretty rusted up and im gonna have a helluva time doing that. but for now, its good til the meantime. thanks again!!

It's important to have the rollers directly under the transom because there is a lot of weight and stress on the transom. Move the boat up sooner, not later.

Once you move the boat, you should get the tongue weight to between 7% and 10% (5%-7% for a tandem axle) of the total weight so it will tow safely. You may have to move the axle9s) to accomplish this.

So how did this get so screwed up?

 

[gozierdt]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

Squirt the u-bolts with one of the penetrating lubricants from an auto store or big box store. Do that for 3 or 4 days. Then use a good 1/2" socket or box end wrench. If they're still stuck, use a hammer on the box end if you don't have a torque wrench.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

If the nuts are that seized up, you may just want to use a socket with a breakerbar and maybe a pipe for an extension to bust the nuts off. Then just buy new bolts....

 

[ghamby]

Re: need help adjusting trailer w/pics...

If a good soak of PB Blaster doesn't loosen up the U bolt nuts, try a propane
torch. Get them real hot, let them cool a little and hit them again with the
penetrating oil. Also, wire brush the threads on top of the nuts as much as you can.