Boat weight/truck weight issues.

[duke33]

I'm not much of a trailer puller. Always put stuff in the truck. I'm gonna have to learn now. In my research this is doable, but look. Cool how the stripes match.

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

looks ok but it is more about the tongue weight

 

[duke33]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

Novice here but seems very heavy. She made the trailblazer sag a good bit. She is just touching the frame, I know that ain't right. What is the rule of thumb on tongue weight? How far can she hang off the back safely? And, do I have to float her to do the adjusting? Moving her backwards that is.

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

In pic #1, is the boat keel touching the cross frame on the trailer?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

Novice here but seems very heavy. She made the trailblazer sag a good bit. She is just touching the frame, I know that ain't right. What is the rule of thumb on tongue weight? How far can she hang off the back safely? And, do I have to float her to do the adjusting? Moving her backwards that is.

Ayuh,.... I prefer 10% to 15% of the gross weight on the tongue,...

Ya gotta get the bow off the cross member, that'll wear a hole in the hull, in No time,....

To move the hull back, release yer tie-downs, tie the hull to something Solid, 'n tow the wagon ahead a few inches,...

 

[Maclin]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

The boat fits the trailer fore-aft ok in my opinion. You definitely need a keel roller in the crossmember from pic#1 in second set of pics.

Tongue weight needs to be 7-10% of load weight. If it is too heavy then in my opinion the axle needs to be moved towards the front a few inches or more. I say move the axle becasue the boat placment is ok fore-aft.

 

[duke33]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

Yes, That's one reason for moving it back. Plus the tongue weight.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

I see Bondo and I hit enter at about the same time.

Not all axle+fender assemblies are adjustable, hard to see from your pics if the axle assembly is u-bolted to the frame as a unit or if the axle spring mounts are welded to the frame.

 

[duke33]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

Thanks ya'll. Where can I attach to on the boat?

These?

 

[duke33]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

I'll check the axle. I was thinking of backing it up 5" to get it off the crossmember. Would that overhang to much?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

You need to weigh it and find your current tongue weight.
Moving ANYTHING now is about as smart as taking random medication just in case you might be sick

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

I'd move the boat (and winch post/bow stop) back an inch or two, you absolutely need to get it clear of the cross member. Once that is done, NOW get the tongue weight, and adjust as needed. If it is light, you won't be able to move the boat forward, the axle has to go back.

 

[duke33]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

This place/you guys amaze me everyday. So, Back it up a couple inches, go to the city dump,(scales),get my tonnage, do the math and strive for 11% on the hitch via an axle adjustment. Got it. Thanks. Oh yeah, you'll probably get tired of me before this boat floats. I try and research before I come on here and take up peoples time. Much appreciated.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

Without a motor on the transom you will never get the tongue weight correct You could put a couple of hundred pounds of sand bags in the rear of the boat but still the you don't know if you have the correct weight.

 

[duke33]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

Good point seeing how I don't know what motor she'll end up with. Thanks for the heads up. Can't be that much difference from that 50 to say a 70 is there?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

Add 300-350# to your total weight to account for motor, fuel and battery.

Properly adjusting the tongue weight may just have to wait till you have the boat finished.

It looks to be a late 60's or very early 70's Starcraft hull, right?

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

a farmers co-op should have scales as well.

 

[duke33]

Re: Boat weight/truck weight issues.

Gotcha on the added weight. With some help on here and the title she's a 68.