Trailer weight distribution question

[Scott Danforth]

see post #7, you are over your tow rating

with only 108# of tongue load (only 1.3% tongue weight vs the 5-10%), any wind load (drag) on the boat while towing will make this number negative. you should have much closer to 500# tongue weight

since you cant move the axles, then slide the winch post forward, trim your bunks so they dont take out your transducers and trim tabs

 

[Commander_47]

I think the main question of this thread was about the ability to increase tongue weight by making a change in the axle position, since the boat position did not have much, if any, room for adjustment.

The OP subsequently indicated that there was 108 lbs of tongue weight without the boat and 'negative' weight with the boat on the trailer. Certainly explains the white-knuckle ride characteristics.

A third axle may provide a solution, but a new trailer may be the better overall solution.

I don't believe the boat is un-naturally heavy in the stern.

Having said that, the Mercruiser 5.7, stern drive and all the tanks, are behind the rear axle. I would say the aft cabin, commode and kitchenette area are right over the axles. The big, hollow bow cabin is all forward of the front wheels.

The boat completely fills the trailer. The end of the transom is right at the end of the trailer. In fact, the stern drive hangs off the trailer, so maybe even more of the aft cabin is shifted to the back.

it's a nice trailer. May have to spend the summer trying to sell it. I see where new ones are around 5,000 and up here. Ouch!!!

 

[Scott Danforth]

I don't believe the boat is un-naturally heavy in the stern.

Having said that, the Mercruiser 5.7, stern drive and all the tanks, are behind the rear axle. I would say the aft cabin, commode and kitchenette area are right over the axles. The big, hollow bow cabin is all forward of the front wheels.

The boat completely fills the trailer. The end of the transom is right at the end of the trailer. In fact, the stern drive hangs off the trailer, so maybe even more of the aft cabin is shifted to the back.

it's a nice trailer. May have to spend the summer trying to sell it. I see where new ones are around 5,000 and up here. Ouch!!!

is the transom at the end of the bunks? because the stern drive should always hang past the trailer

step back, take a pic of the side of the trailer and boat. you can step back about 30 feet farther than you think to get the whole thing in the pic (we can zoom in, we cant zoom out)

 

[Commander_47]

I thought you all would like to know the outcome of this. I was able to trade my trailer for much nicer one.

This trailer is so much easier to drive with the boat. No more swaying. In fact, it tracks straight as an arrow at 70mph.

The weight did indeed, need to be moved more forward. With this trailer I have many adjustments. I need to get busy putting in new bunks, a fender for the port side, and brake adjustment.

Thanks again for all the help, it was very very helpful and welcome.