Tilt trailet help

[btbrunk9]

I just purchased a 18 foot project boat and I got a 20 foot tilt trailer and wanted to know how do you launch with tht kind of trailer and wghat are the advantges and disadvangtes to this trailer

 

[64osby]

Re: Tilt trailet help

I have had a few tilt trailers, never have used the feature. They are for use at shallow water launches, others use them for launching in salt water where they don't want to get the axle wet.

As far as I'm concerned there are no disadvantages.

Shallow water launch, back trailer into water as far as you dare. Have motor up, Get boat in at least 10" of water or at least as much draft as you have. Undue strap, release the tilt lock, push boat back and maybe up. Boat is in the water.

Loading, back trailer in, release tilt, crank boat up and on. Make sure it latches and your good to pull out.

If I missed something, maybe someone who uses the function will chime in.

 

[btbrunk9]

Re: Tilt trailet help

Oh ok thanks for your help

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Tilt trailet help

one thnig about tilt trailers is the stern goes in at a steep angle so you don't want it going in too fast or it might submarine. ALso, don't load heavy gear in the stern. I stay with the bow line and sometimes pull down on it.

You can also adjust how much it tilts with the chain at the latch.

Sometimes you don't need to tilt it for the retrieve.

be sure your bow line is tied off when you launch b/c if the boat gets moving it can snatch the line right out of your hands.

Really, it's going to take some practice and advice from someone with experience standing right there; there are so many variables. I started off with tilts as a boy so it's hard for me to think through the whole drill even though most of my trailers now are not tilts (a load-rite is similar, though).

 

[btbrunk9]

Re: Tilt trailet help

Is it safe to be in the boat when launchibg

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Tilt trailet help

Is it safe to be in the boat when launchibg

How much do you trust the equipment and driver? Also, is it a bunk or roller trailer? I'd rather be on the dock waiting for an inexperienced driver backing a rusty roller trailer down. A newer boat with a well maintained bunk trailer and experienced driver, not a problem being in the boat.

As far as the tilt trailer though, I've owned a couple, and not once did I ever need to use them. They all ended up with a bolt through the hole for safety. Their main purpose is for extreme shallow water launch/retrieval, if you have a normal ramp they just complicate things.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Tilt trailet help

Is it safe to be in the boat when launchibg

with a tilt trailer, better not to be, and you will need to move around--like standing on a seesaw.

And Smoke make a good point; depending on the circumstances we didn't always unlock the tilt, especially on retrieval. However, I feel more comfotrable with them on a steep ramp rather than shallow.

Practice practice