Tilt Trailer -- How Effective?

[76SeaRay]

I have an old 70's vintage Shorlander trailer. It has a release lever on the tongue under the bow of the boat of my 76 SeaRay 22ft Hardtop. So, I am assuming this is a tilt trailer (not sure how far it tilts). I will soon be pulling the trailer out from under the boat for sandblasting and painting of the trailer so I can also find out if and how well the tilt works. Boat is in restoration so can't try a launch with the tilt. However, before launching I want to make sure if the tilt is the way to go, that it is working and what needs restoration.

I used to have a 24 ft sailboat with a fixed but shallow draft keel that I had to back into the water such that the entire trailer and rear axle of the truck was in the water before the boat would float off the bunks. My question is this, is the tilt all that effective and/or needed on a boat this size? Does it make it easier to launch or load?

 

[The John]

I have an old 70's vintage Shorlander trailer. It has a release lever on the tongue under the bow of the boat of my 76 SeaRay 22ft Hardtop. So, I am assuming this is a tilt trailer (not sure how far it tilts). I will soon be pulling the trailer out from under the boat for sandblasting and painting of the trailer so I can also find out if and how well the tilt works. Boat is in restoration so can't try a launch with the tilt. However, before launching I want to make sure if the tilt is the way to go, that it is working and what needs restoration.

I used to have a 24 ft sailboat with a fixed but shallow draft keel that I had to back into the water such that the entire trailer and rear axle of the truck was in the water before the boat would float off the bunks. My question is this, is the tilt all that effective and/or needed on a boat this size? Does it make it easier to launch or load?

I had one on a 14ft Klamath boat that I used for duck hunting and such here in Oregon (lots of coastal bays/estuaries/rivers with unimproved launches) and it was helpful as I could just about pull up anywhere legal and drop and retrieve the boat.
I don't know how useful it would be for you, considering the weight of your boat and such. There are stories of the single bolt holding the tongue breaking and separating in traffic so if you dont intend to use the tilt I would add an extra bolt (that is properly rated) to ensure this doesn't happen.

 

[76SeaRay]

Thanks for the info. I live in SW Washington so I know what you mean about unimproved launch areas. Interestingly, in community college in the late 60's, I designed a telescoping trailer for just just for this issue when I was studying mechanical engineering. Mine has a safety chain in case the latch releases. When I restore the trailer, I will likely look closely at the "hinge" bolt to make sure it is grade 8 and the steel tongue tube is reinforced. Anyway, I haven't had any experience with tilt trailers for larger boats so hoping others will comment on the larger sizes and how well they work.

 

[GA_Boater]

Don't be surprised if the bolt is worn almost through from the bolt and frame rubbing.

 

[JimS123]

I used tilt trailers on 14, 16 and 19 foot boats. Best idea since sliced bread. If they still made them today I would be first in line to buy one.

The caveat is that I have no experience with a 22 footer.

The other caveat is that all my trailers either had a stop bracket or a chain that stopped the tilt at maybe 20 degrees. You want the boat to move slowly with no effort needed, but not go off so fast that the transom impales itself on the bottom.

 

[76SeaRay]

Thanks for the info. I will be doing some checking on the angle of the tilt etc. as soon as I get the boat off the trailer. I have to replace some rollers (if not all) and replace carpet on the bunks. I think I will look to see if there is a better way than a bolt at the hinge point.

 

[roscoe]

Benefit of a tilt trailer really depends on the depth of the ramp and the height of your bunks.
On deep and steep ramps, you won't need it.

On shallow or very gradual ramps, it will be a help.

It the pin/bolt on the tilt hinge has lasted 50 years, just replace with new.
No reason to re-invent the wheel.

Your receiver hitch insert on your tow vehicle is likely held in with a single 1/2" pin.

 

[ahicks]

Benefit of a tilt trailer really depends on the depth of the ramp and the height of your bunks.
On deep and steep ramps, you won't need it.

On shallow or very gradual ramps, it will be a help.

It the pin/bolt on the tilt hinge has lasted 50 years, just replace with new.
No reason to re-invent the wheel.

Your receiver hitch insert on your tow vehicle is likely held in with a single 1/2" pin.

Agree on the ramp. Anything close to a decent modern ramp won't need a tilt trailer - especially when dealing with a heavy 24' boat.

 

[I.Yogi]

Living in NW Ontario, I've used my old tilt trailer so many times. I sold that boat this spring and have since upgraded, and miss the tilt trailer. A couple of lakes it is awesome in.

 

[Searay205]

I had one on a old welcraft air slot. made by McClain trailers. I had zero luck with it, it tilted but not enough to do anything to help.

 

[briangcc]

Many, many moons ago we had a late 80's vintage tilt trailer under the MFG in my signature. We launched in cottage country in Northern Ontario on what could loosely be called a boat ramp....in reality, it was a sand path to the lake. Tilt trailer didn't help one bit on those launches because the tires were too tall for the very gradual "ramp".

Years later I launched at the same lake using an Escort trailer (non-tilt, full bunks) under my then Bayliner and had no issue...because the trailer was physically lower in the water.