Trailer Too Short?

[Pacfanweb]

Hi, I'm new here, been out of boating for awhile and just purchased a used one for the family.
01 Ebbtide 2300 Mystique.

Now, I am not all that pleased about how far off the back of the trailer the bunks extend.
That said, I just towed it over 6 hours home, with no issue, but I am still not happy with how it looks.

Seems to me it could use a longer trailer. I moved the winch bracket as far forward as it can go. Not sure what
other adjustments I could make.
The GVW of the trailer is 6k, so no issues with that, but those bunk just look awfully long to me.

They do go just a bit past the transom, so the boat is supported.

Would love some thoughts about this. I've seen other trailers done this way, but I don't know...maybe it's
fine, but I don't like the way it looks. Am I nuts or is this an issue?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,..... The wheels look abit to forward,.....

I'd go buy a length of 3"x4"x 1/4" box tubin'(or whatever the tube size is), 'n replace the neap, then move the winch post forward,.....

After that Weigh it on truck scales to see what the balance point is,.....

I prefer 10% to 15% of the weight on the hitch,.....
Never go less than 7%, or the tail will wag the dog, givin' ya a white knuckle ride, you'll never forget,.....

 

[MTboatguy]

Looks have nothing to do with how it trailers when you are towing, you said you had no problems, if that is in fact true, I would not worry about it.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Looks have nothing to do with how it trailers when you are towing, you said you had no problems, if that is in fact true, I would not worry about it.

Well, they may or may not have anything to do with it.

There is about 32" of overhang, and about 30" of that has boat sitting on it. That seems to be a bit far from the anchor point to me, which is why I asked.
It's not an original trailer, clearly.

And yes, I had no problems, but I can't tie it down in the rear unless I'm going to have the straps tight against the hull. That doesn't seem like a good idea, either.

So nothing holding it on by the weight of the boat and the winch strap. Which obviously held fine, as I was rolling down the highway, but I'm thinking long-term effects here.

 

[JimS123]

Contact the manufacturer of the trailer and see if that model is designed for the length of your boat. If it is, don't worry about it.

Regardless, don't ever drive without transom tie downs or a gunwale tie down. It's just common sense, plus its the law in many states.

 

[Pacfanweb]

How would I get the tie downs on there? Have them run up against the boat to the trailer?

 

[MTboatguy]

How would I get the tie downs on there? Have them run up against the boat to the trailer?

I have a set of rubber pads that I used on one of my previous boats, they fit around the edge of the transom and the bottom of the boat and looked like angle iron, just slapped them on and ran the tie down from the trailer, up and over the angle rubber to the ski hooks on the transom. Worked out just fine.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Used it yesterday. Got some straps, cut up a pool noodle and put that between the strap and the hull. Seemed to work okay, didn't see any marks left.

 

[Scott Danforth]

looking at the pic, the only thing I see wrong is lack of transom tie down.

nothing wrong with the trailer as shown since the two cypress beams are quite stout.

 

[Lou C]

I have seen bunk trailers set up like that, I would not have a concern using it that way as long as the bunks are not rotted and in good shape/positioned correctly and the tongue weight is adequate. I would like to see a longer tongue on it but that tends to lower tongue weight which will be a limiting factor with that trailer/boat. Keep in mind you have that heavy V8 and Bravo III hanging off the end of the trailer frame....

 

[Bt Doctur]

It`s a bit short for me.Your hanging the transom, engine, and drive off the trailer ,bunk or no bunk
This is the preferred length
click to enlarge

 

[boating maniac]

This is your standard cookie cutter trailer. I see this a lot, the trailer makers save money on aluminum by making them like that. Also the total cost of the boat is cheaper too. The good news is the boat won't be as likely to hit the rear crossmember when loading. Does it look dumb? Yes, but as far as functionality is concerned, it works.