random trailer question

[iron21]

i was just thinking the other day about why some trailers are designed to keep the boat more elevated than others. For example, i've seen 18,19 and 20 footers sitting lower on a trailer than a 16 ft boat,(meaning distance from ground to bottom of boat). but, i have also seen it the other way around. so there has to be more to it than just clearance and keeping a lower center of gravity. anyone know why? are there any benifits of either or ?

 

[EZLoader]

Re: random trailer question

A boat with a deep V hull may sit higher since the V has to clear the axle and a semi-V or flat hull can ride lower on the trailer. Boats also have different freeboard side depths. The tire sizes on the trailer play a role since they affect the axle height. Boats on roller trailers may ride slightly higher than those on flat bunks. Good question...it makes your think.<br /><br />Try backing this one down the ramp...<br />

 

[jtexas]

Re: random trailer question

Instinct tells me you want your boat high off the road as possible to reduce opportunities for damage by debris or forgetting to raise the motor after loading onto the trailer.<br /><br />But a boat with deeper draft would have to be closer to the ground in order to float off the trailer at the same depth on the ramp as a shallower drafting boat.<br /><br />Or maybe you want it lower to improve visability while trailering in traffic?<br /><br />interesting question...

 

[jtexas]

Re: random trailer question

2x post, how'd that happen?

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: random trailer question

I want my trailer to put the boat as low as possible, for ease of launch and stability on the road. Generic trailers can dictate boat height by width between the fenders, as can selection of style (bunk vs roller) and hardware (2X4's flat vs 4X8 on edge). Ability to put the hull support in the proper place may also be a factor.

 

[rwidman]

Re: random trailer question

Originally posted by Nick in Spartanburg, SC:<br /> I want my trailer to put the boat as low as possible, for ease of launch and stability on the road. Generic trailers can dictate boat height by width between the fenders, as can selection of style (bunk vs roller) and hardware (2X4's flat vs 4X8 on edge). Ability to put the hull support in the proper place may also be a factor.

Yes - as low as possible. Low center of gravity means easier and safer towing. Also easier launch and recovery.

 

[phantoms]

Re: random trailer question

Low also increases the chances of not having to put your tow vehicle in the water. Seems as if most older trailers sit higher than most newer ones.

 

[rayjay]

Re: random trailer question

A lot of it is ease of fabrication. It is simple to make a high trailer. Making a trailer that carries the boat low requires a lot more design work and more complex fabrication. Simple trailer is cheap to build, complex is more expensive.<br /><br />My River Hawk is on your typical cheap, tall trailer and I have to back my truck into the water to get the boat on and off.

 

[Kalian]

Re: random trailer question

EZLoader, if that trailer in the pic you posted was any closer to the ground, it would be underground!

 

[fondafj]

Re: random trailer question

Low trailer ----- long tounge. A shallow launch ramp will require both.

 

[EZLoader]

Re: random trailer question

As you might guess I've always had EZ Loader trailers and I'm real big on their roller bunk trailer system. They are very popular here in the northwest where we run into all kinds of terrible ramp conditions. I actually enjoy launching and retrieving my boat.<br /><br />With a good roller trailer you never have to work too hard to launch. And you don't have to float your trailer up to the bunks just to push the boat off. Because I do a lot of salt water fishing down at the mouth of the Columbia River, I only back my trailer until the water is just below the axle and bearing buddies. I never want to suck salt water into my hubs nor do I want salt water on my trailer frame if I can avoid it. I then unhook the winch and safety chain and gently push the boat into the water. It slides off easily and all I have to do is hold onto the bow rope and guide the boat over to either the dock or shore. I may have to go back deeper in flat shallow water ramps, but those are rare for me. <br /><br />And even with side wind and currents, the trailer's pivoting and tilting roller system automatically guides and centers the boat onto the trailer as it's winched back on. <br /><br />I use my winch to retrieve the boat rather than attempting to drive it onto a hidden, sunken trailer. It only take a little extra effort and its much safer for the equipment. I don't get my feet wet, my car and/or truck stay dry and I never drop the trailer off the end of the ramp. <br /><br />I've had other boaters ridicule me while launching for not sinking my trailer further back into the water until they see that I'm already off or on my way while they're still "futzing around" trying to launch and getting soaking wet in the process. I also enjoy watching these guys try to line their boats up to power back onto their trailers. This form of russian roulette makes for great folly at the ramps when they miss their mark and scrape their hulls across the trailer's fender or hit the winch post sideways while everyone else scrambles for cover.

 

[budlin00]

Re: random trailer question

What about the angle of the boat? I had my hitch with the tongue coming out on the top side, because I first had a small jet ski. Then when I got my boat, I had to flip it upside down. Not only for ease of getting it on the trailer, but also to come into the water a little more leve. So the bow of the boat sits lower, and I can get in more evenly off the ramp. Do y'all recommend having the bow higher to that the motor is more in the water? I guess a few degree and an inch or two probably wouldn't make a ton of difference.