Trailer issues

GA_Boater

GA_Boater

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Re: Trailer issues

Move the front roller to the middle of the red circle.
 
zippy83

zippy83

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New Bunks

New Bunks

Since I have to do some real maintenance on the trailer I was thinking of replacing the bunks. From the looks of it they need to be replaced anyway. I currently have two 2x4 bunks positioned verticly. I was wondering if I could use 2x6 instead? I have a 16FT aluminum LOWE. I need to raise the bunks about 2" anyway so I was thinking that this would be easier if its ok.

trailer.jpg
 
GA_Boater

GA_Boater

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Re: Trailer issues

The front roller needs to be moved back, so kill two birds with one stone. What boat are you toting on the trailer?
 
zippy83

zippy83

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Re: Trailer issues

I got a fishing boat. LOWE 1605 all aluminum
 
GA_Boater

GA_Boater

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Re: Trailer issues

I looked at the trailer pics again. Add a roller on the A frame and move the front roller back to behind the bow curve up by 6-12 inches. You may not need to do anything with the bunks.
 
zippy83

zippy83

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Re: Trailer issues

GA_Boater said:
I looked at the trailer pics again. Add a roller on the A frame and move the front roller back to behind the bow curve up by 6-12 inches. You may not need to do anything with the bunks.
Click to expand...

After looking at the bunks today I may need to replace them. I think these are original bunks when this was purchased 17 years ago. The end of the bunks seem yo be rotten where the rear boat straps hook to..
 
GA_Boater

GA_Boater

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Re: Trailer issues

Before you replace the bunks with 2X6's, do the rollers. Then decide if you need the extra height with taller bunks. Just my opinion.
 
zippy83

zippy83

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Re: Trailer issues

That is actually a very good idea. I will try that before replacing them with 4x6
 
bonz_d

bonz_d

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Re: Trailer issues

zippy, doing a search on your Lowe I find 2 models, one weighs 360lbs the other with a side sterring console weighs 560lbs. For all practicle purposes that is a light weight boat. Add engine, fuel and gear and most likely it is still under 1000 lbs.

You have been given a lot of suggestions and recommedations with the one constant being that the one roller you do have needs to be moved back. It needs to get under the boat.

Next you stated that the bunk boards are getting rotted.. I say do it right the 1st time and be done with it. Replace the boards and replace the bunk board brackets with ones that will allow adjustment.

As this trailer is set up right now it is an easy fit and all that will really be needed are those items I stated above. Use 2X4 lumber same as is being used now. That boat isn't that heavy and doesn't require 2X6. Also the bunks are close enough together that adding a roller to the end of the trailer isn't going to aide any. Now I would add one of those roller bracket assemblies I linked and add it to the front crossmember. There are already holes drilled there to mount that bracket and roller to. Then move the front roller back 12" and level everything out.
 
zippy83

zippy83

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Re: Trailer issues

bonz_d said:
zippy, doing a search on your Lowe I find 2 models, one weighs 360lbs the other with a side sterring console weighs 560lbs. For all practicle purposes that is a light weight boat. Add engine, fuel and gear and most likely it is still under 1000 lbs.

You have been given a lot of suggestions and recommedations with the one constant being that the one roller you do have needs to be moved back. It needs to get under the boat.

Next you stated that the bunk boards are getting rotted.. I say do it right the 1st time and be done with it. Replace the boards and replace the bunk board brackets with ones that will allow adjustment.

As this trailer is set up right now it is an easy fit and all that will really be needed are those items I stated above. Use 2X4 lumber same as is being used now. That boat isn't that heavy and doesn't require 2X6. Also the bunks are close enough together that adding a roller to the end of the trailer isn't going to aide any. Now I would add one of those roller bracket assemblies I linked and add it to the front crossmember. There are already holes drilled there to mount that bracket and roller to. Then move the front roller back 12" and level everything out.
Click to expand...

Yes my boat without the trailer and outboard is 530lbs. It is so light that I can pick up the very front of the trailer without much troubles. Yes I am planning on replacing the bunks with 2x4's. As for bunk brackets I cant find anything that is adjustable in the same style as the one I got installed now.

So I would add one of these Seasense Panel Bracket Assemblies - iboats
To the middle of the trailer (sorry I dont know how that part of the trailer is called ) I see holes that are pre-drilled in the middle and in the back of the trailer. You said not to put anything in the back.
 
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limitout

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Re: New Bunks

Re: New Bunks

zippy83 said:
Since I have to do some real maintenance on the trailer I was thinking of replacing the bunks. From the looks of it they need to be replaced anyway. I currently have two 2x4 bunks positioned verticly. I was wondering if I could use 2x6 instead? I have a 16FT aluminum LOWE. I need to raise the bunks about 2" anyway so I was thinking that this would be easier if its ok.

View attachment 216122
Click to expand...

I have the same basic setup as you for my 15ft semi-vee flatboat you just need to add 2 of the keel rollers (5 inch is all you need) like in that link you had to the two cross braces you have.

because of the shape of your hull you need more height on the bunks so just raise them up higher until they reach the hull.

start with the keel rollers, you want to bring them up so the bracket is an inch above the frame cross member then bolt them all at the same height. this gives the keel the space it needs above the frame and also supports the boat while you replace the bunks.

then buy new bunk brackets of the length you will need and new bunk boards can be bought or made and covered with carpet and ss staples. yes buying treated 2x6's might be the cheaper way to get the height you need and there is nothing wrong with that its just a little overkill for the weight load.

use a tape measure or spacer block to mark off and match both sides height evenly and space them evenly out from the keel and when its all done you loosen the roller brackets and let the boat sit firmly on the bunks.

now bring the "loose" roller brackets up tight against the keel but not lifting it then mark it and jack it up an 1/8 inch more just to give it support but not lift because its just there as a guide. now your done

the reason you are having trouble is your trailer is designed for flat bottom boats and the deep vee really works best on a trailer with a vee shape to its cross members to give you more clearance
 
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zippy83

zippy83

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Re: Trailer issues

bonz_d said:
zippy, doing a search on your Lowe I find 2 models, one weighs 360lbs the other with a side sterring console weighs 560lbs. For all practicle purposes that is a light weight boat. Add engine, fuel and gear and most likely it is still under 1000 lbs.

You have been given a lot of suggestions and recommedations with the one constant being that the one roller you do have needs to be moved back. It needs to get under the boat.

Next you stated that the bunk boards are getting rotted.. I say do it right the 1st time and be done with it. Replace the boards and replace the bunk board brackets with ones that will allow adjustment.

As this trailer is set up right now it is an easy fit and all that will really be needed are those items I stated above. Use 2X4 lumber same as is being used now. That boat isn't that heavy and doesn't require 2X6. Also the bunks are close enough together that adding a roller to the end of the trailer isn't going to aide any. Now I would add one of those roller bracket assemblies I linked and add it to the front crossmember. There are already holes drilled there to mount that bracket and roller to. Then move the front roller back 12" and level everything out.
Click to expand...


Ok so I have moved the front roller 12" back and added another roller in the middle of the trailer. When I did that the boat came off the bunks a little in the front (first 12" or so). Next thing is getting the new bunks installed and raised to the right levels so that is all even.

Thanks you
Zipp1.JPG2.JPG
 
zippy83

zippy83

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Trailer Bunks Position

Trailer Bunks Position

Hello All,

I was wondering if it would be a smart idea to position my new bunks just two inches on the outside?
Picture is below, the new bunk would be on the ote added peace to the hull..

3.JPG

Thanks
Zipp
 
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limitout

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Re: Trailer issues

yes, you want the bunks to extend at least to the edge of the transom and a little past it is best that way the transom and the bottom hull are supported together and they don't flex separately on bumps.

I was told its ok to have as much as 12" of board extending beyond where the bracket support is and the board still retains its full strength and stiffness but I try to limit it to 6" and I wouldn't go beyond 8-10" myself
 
zippy83

zippy83

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Re: Trailer issues

Ok so this would be easier on me to install and then just adjust a little when I get out on the water
 
Last edited:
smokeonthewater

smokeonthewater

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Re: Trailer issues

limitout said:
yes, you want the bunks to extend at least to the edge of the transom and a little past it is best that way the transom and the bottom hull are supported together and they don't flex separately on bumps.

I was told its ok to have as much as 12" of board extending beyond where the bracket support is and the board still retains its full strength and stiffness but I try to limit it to 6" and I wouldn't go beyond 8-10" myself
Click to expand...

you were told wrong... the board gives virtually no support at all past where the bunk support is... you can hang em out there as far as you want but the transom should be right at the bracket if you want it supported

That said, if I read zippy's question right he was actually asking a totally different question... I beleive he was asking if he could set up a second set of bunks beside the old ones and then remove the old ones after launching the boat

Yes that would be ok but would be a LOT more work than just launching the boat in the yard to put the new bunks on and I think you are probably better off with them inboard of the strakes like they are now

looking at your pic you need to move that boat forward on the trailer though.. you have quite a bit of overhang... not good
 
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