Trailering a Saturn FB385

BigTexan

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Oct 25, 2021
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I have a Harbor Freight Jon Boat trailer that is a little narrower than I would like, so the bunks sit under the floor rather than the tubes. Would it be bad to turn the bunks side to side on the trailer rather than front to back?

Also, the boat has an inflatable keel and the keel hits on the rail that runs front to back and makes the boat "wobble" side to side. Would towing it with the keel deflated be bad for the boat?
 

Sea Rider

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Sep 20, 2008
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Both tubes should sit on top both bunks, not side them as will damage the floor's fabric under both. Turn both banks for that to happen. Towing with a deflated keel will go same route as the floor's fabric lying under the keel...

Happy Boating
 

BigTexan

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Oct 25, 2021
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I honestly have ZERO clue why I wrote that it is a harbor freight trailer. I got it from Academy Sporting goods and it is a McClain Trailer. I have added the top cross bunks. It is janky, but I want to get fishing. Do you think it will be ok for this year?
Boat Bunks.jpg
 

Sea Rider

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Sep 20, 2008
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Some issues :
How far do you plan towing that 385 Mtr Sib, with or without attached motor and what HP ? Will be launching it from a ramp, marina, beach ? If you sit right now the Sib on top trailer, the tubes will only rest at upper and lower horizontal stringers the rest will be suspended on air...

Happy Boating
 

BigTexan

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Oct 25, 2021
Messages
4
Some issues :
How far do you plan towing that 385 Mtr Sib, with or without attached motor and what HP ? Will be launching it from a ramp, marina, beach ? If you sit right now the Sib on top trailer, the tubes will only rest at upper and lower horizontal stringers the rest will be suspended on air...

Happy Boating
200 miles will be the furthest I tow it. I will keep the 15 horse yamaha in the bed of the truck. 98% of the time I will launch at a marina.
And finally, am I messing up up if I were to tow the boat with how I currently have the trailer set up?

Edit: 90% of my towing will be under 30 miles.
 

Sea Rider

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Sep 20, 2008
Messages
12,345
To start with both front and rear transversal wooden stringers should not be mounted on top both front and rear horizontal ones, all 4 should sit eeven flat for the Sib's tubes to rest with a better trailer support. Can't tell by watching a pic, but as of right now seems the Sib will rest on top both wheel tire covers, right ?

Happy Boating
 
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