two trailers, one decision

[bigmaac73]

I may have gotten in over my head. I recently acquired a 1986 SEA OX 200 center console boat. Doing a little research I found that the boat has a hull weight of 2400lb and a beam width of 8'. The trailer that came with the boat is a moody drive on. Here is where the problems start. I am not a trailer guru. Really don't know anything about sizing a trailer for a boat. I have no idea where I can find info on this trailer such as its recommended weight or year or anything. The boat transom overhangs the bunks by about 18 inches. First off, is this a problem. The boat fits well width wise but is very front heavy. The bunks on the trailer are non-adjustable I believe, at least height wise, and I don't think that would be a problem except for the fact that with the keel rollers under the trailer sitting 5-6 inches above the rollers, the front of the boat is putting a ton of weight on the front roller and has broken the bracket. I really like that this trailer has torsion brakes on it though. The second trailer that I got will fit the boat length wise but the sides of the boat will stick out past the tires. Is this a problem? This trailer is a Super loader, and again I don't know the year or any of the specs. I really don't know if either trailer will work for this boat or what I am doing in choosing a trailer, or even if I have given any of the info someone would need to give educated advice, though that is what I desperately need. Thanks, here are some pics of the two trailers. The blue moody had the sea ox on it now, and the super loader has a 20' bayliner capri that is on its way to the junk yard.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: two trailers, one decision

The Moody is definitely too small for your boat. It looks like a bass boat trailer. Designed for one boat and not adjustable. The Super loader has lots of extra adjusting room at the winch post if you need to locate your boat farther forward or back. Also the axle and suspension should slide fore and aft, if you need to adjust the tung weight.
As long as the fenders clear the hull, a little extra width at the gunnel shouldn't cause a problem.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: two trailers, one decision

what's your registration say relating to GWT (gross trailer weight)? if it says 2500lb, I'd consider installing a new 3500lb axle.. it's not hard to do.. the pic with the bayliner on it, shows (4) rollers per side.. seems there should be more... these guys can offer more about bunk fabrication.. I'd be concerned about the GWT... get that resolved if need be..

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: two trailers, one decision

The bunks definitely need to extend at least under the transom, a few inches farther back would be even better. Not many single axle trailers are rated for over 3,500 pounds because that's a standard axle rating.

 

[bigmaac73]

Re: two trailers, one decision

The Moody is definitely too small for your boat. It looks like a bass boat trailer. Designed for one boat and not adjustable. The Super loader has lots of extra adjusting room at the winch post if you need to locate your boat farther forward or back. Also the axle and suspension should slide fore and aft, if you need to adjust the tung weight.
As long as the fenders clear the hull, a little extra width at the gunnel shouldn't cause a problem.

Are you saying that it is ok for the gunnels to stick out past the fenders as long as the fenders don't touch the boat.

 

[bigmaac73]

Re: two trailers, one decision

what's your registration say relating to GWT (gross trailer weight)? if it says 2500lb, I'd consider installing a new 3500lb axle.. it's not hard to do.. the pic with the bayliner on it, shows (4) rollers per side.. seems there should be more... these guys can offer more about bunk fabrication.. I'd be concerned about the GWT... get that resolved if need be..

Here in TN we do not have to have our trailers registered. They get passed around like a three dollar hooker. That is why I do not know anything about these trailers and don't know how to find it out.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: two trailers, one decision

It's not an issue if the boat hangs over the tires, whether hull or gunwales, so long as the boat doesn't scrape the tires/fenders or bounce on them.

It's not an issue if the transom hangs off the trailer unsupported for a short distance even though some people say it will. It's a matter of degree, however, and less hangover is better (just like for us!).
Roller trailers NEVER support the boat all the way to the edge of the transom; many bunk trailers are fitted and sold that don't, and boats on lifts often hang over. Of course, a boat on a lift isn't bouncing, but the hanging weight is the same.
The potential problems of hanging over is (a) the bouncing on the trailer while driving, which is solved by securing the boat to the trailer, and (b) developing a "hook" or curve in the hull from an extreme hangover, a heavy motor, and weak construction.
You have to wonder how long the boat has been hanging over on that trailer with no ill efects--or are there?

The best way to care for a hull like that is to have the keel supported and most weight on the keel rollers. That's the strength of the boat.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: two trailers, one decision

... and the super loader has a 20' bayliner capri that is on its way to the junk yard.

Music to my ears....

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: two trailers, one decision

Here in TN we do not have to have our trailers registered. They get passed around like a three dollar hooker. That is why I do not know anything about these trailers and don't know how to find it out.

If you dont know GTW on current axle. Easy...install new axle and u will know.. 3500lb axle. Round $150

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: two trailers, one decision

get the boat and trailer weighed on a truck scale at any of the bigger truck stops... next pull one hub off and measure bearing sizes... last look at the sticky at the top of the trailer page to figure out your axle rating

 

[wrench 3]

Re: two trailers, one decision

Thanks for the spelling correction H.C.. I couldn't get it to come up on the "spell check". I never could spell. In high school I had a school record - seven spelling mistakes on a math exam!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: two trailers, one decision

Lots of people write that because that's how it sounds. It's probable better to write "gunnel" than to say "gun-whale."