Delete trailer prop guard?
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50336
Printed Date: May-05-2024 at 10:28am
Topic: Delete trailer prop guard?
Posted By: DockDoc
Subject: Delete trailer prop guard?
Date Posted: October-30-2021 at 6:36pm
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New garage. Boat barely fits. Annoyingly, the trailer prop guard strikes the ground when backing in, because the angle of attack is down the driveway then back up into the garage. It needs about 1.5” extra height (blocked a 2x4 under the trailer tires and it cleared no problem). I removed the prop guard and the trailer backed right in, prop has plenty of clearance. Think it’s a terrible idea to semi permanently delete the prop guard to facilitate garage parking? On longer trips or unusual destinations I could bolt it back on. Other considerations - build some ramps out of lumber (works but a pain), buy bigger trailer tires (could work but not sure if they’d fit, also expensive and I’d have to buy 4 of them), lower my trailer hitch from a 4” to a 5-6” drop (could work but might negatively affect towing dynamics), store the dang thing outside. ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Replies:
Posted By: KENO
Date Posted: October-30-2021 at 6:46pm
You've already done it and it works, so your plan sounds reasonable to me. 
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Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: October-30-2021 at 6:50pm
Deleting the prop guard? It definitely works, just not sure if it’s a dumb idea to leave it off all the time. ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
KENO wrote:Posted By: KENO
Date Posted: October-30-2021 at 6:52pm
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Probably depends on how much ground clearance you have and if you go four wheelin' to get to the launch ramp
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Posted By: desertskier
Date Posted: October-30-2021 at 7:14pm
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I know someone that welded a couple of small wheels to the prop guard to handle a steep driveway. I think they did the job. ------------- 92 SN - Owned since 93 99 Pro Air 89 SN - Went to live on a lake in Texas 75 Donzi 16 - Sold in 93 |
Posted By: scootdogydog
Date Posted: October-30-2021 at 7:55pm
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If you lower the bow, the stern will rise. 4-6" drop and you'll be fine ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=7183" rel="nofollow - 1999 Python 1980 Ski Tique 1968 Mustang WIP |
Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: October-30-2021 at 7:57pm
That is an awesome idea. Could probably just bolt something on. Thanks ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: October-30-2021 at 7:58pm
Yeah I’ve got a 4” drop already which keeps everything pretty neutral, but might try a 5-6” to see how that works. Certainly an easy fix. Maybe an adjustable hitch is in my future. ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Posted By: MrMcD
Date Posted: October-30-2021 at 9:23pm
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Drop the hitch and see what it does for you. I had to drop my nautique hitch to get more weight onto the front wheels of my trailer so the brakes worked properly, I have a 2 axle trailer. I have towed with a variety of vehicles and have a collection of receiver hitches to use from straight to 6" drop. I think if you remove the prop guard you will be un lucky enough to have your prop kiss something it should not kiss and you won't be happy. I have seen wheels on the back of trailers many times to allow bad angles to roll on by. ------------- |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: October-30-2021 at 9:32pm
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RV's also weld on wheels for the same purpose. Bumper drag. ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: October-31-2021 at 8:23am
Yeah this is the approach I’m going with. Ordered a drop hitch and will give that a go. If it doesn’t work I’ll pursue the roller / caster route which seems pretty straightforward. Googled it and it seems to be a very common add on for these types of trailers. ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-31-2021 at 9:57am
| All my hitches are bolted on and unadjustable. |
Posted By: 67 ski nat
Date Posted: October-31-2021 at 10:18am
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Doc you’ll have clearance from prop to driveway until one day you forget and Don’t Leave it on BTW. What have you done with Pete |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: November-01-2021 at 10:59am
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Agree with 67, leave it on. I'm guessing that guard has saved my prop a few dozen times at this point. I love the idea of rollers on the guard, might look into that myself. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: November-01-2021 at 11:11am
yeah I agree too and will do so. Not worth trashing the bottom of the boat for this small problem. I'm really hoping a slightly lower hitch will fix the problem. Otherwise will look into rollers/casters, or even just ramps. ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: November-01-2021 at 2:00pm
I'm with HW, lower the hitch - it will be the next thing dragging. How about a lower ball mount or if yours can be turned over just do that..... ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: November-01-2021 at 2:41pm
My fault, I'm confusing hitch and ball mount... I'm getting an adjustable ball mount. ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: November-01-2021 at 8:06pm
Sell house, buy a more boat friendly residence 
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Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: November-01-2021 at 8:08pm
Ugh literally just finished this brand new garage!! Couldn’t convince the wife to move out to the lake so oh well ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Posted By: Jonny Quest
Date Posted: November-02-2021 at 3:15pm
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I fabricated a mount for the R/V type "butt dragger" steel roller wheel. I have one wheel on each side of the prop cage. The axle on the roller wheel has a grease zerk for lubrication. The location of the roller wheel is about 3/4" below the prop cage. I also have an adjustable ball mount so that I can drop the trailer tongue fairly low to get the a$$ end of the trailer (and prop cage) up with additional clearance if needed.  ------------- Current 2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
Posted By: MrMcD
Date Posted: November-02-2021 at 9:47pm
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That looks bout perfect JQ. Nice work. ------------- |
Posted By: Jonny Quest
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 12:11am
Thanks McD. Those wheels are one of the best mods I've done on the trailer. I have a fairly steep driveway, so the butt-dragger wheels are used many times during waterski season. I got real tired of the scraping and grinding of the prop cage and the marks left on the concrete. JQ ------------- Current 2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
Posted By: MrMcD
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 2:04am
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Your welds look better than mine. I am still working on that skill set. I have a frame to modify, will give me lots of practice.
Where did you find the grazeable rollers? ------------- |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 10:45am
| Where do you guys find adjustable hitches? |
Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 11:14am
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I bought this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SMGAJ6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details" rel="nofollow - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SMGAJ6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 11:21am
| Linky no worky |
Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 11:27am
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Weird. try this one. Cheaper on amazon though. https://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/C45900.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20%7C%20Search%20-%20Ball%20Mounts%20-%20SKU&adgroupid=97010688675&campaignid=1867191965&creative=420700515992&device=c&devicemodel=&feeditemid=&keyword=curt%2045900&loc_interest_ms=&loc_physical_ms=9009947&matchtype=p&network=g&placement=&position=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5oiMBhDtARIsAJi0qk2XPeOALssmr2T-dL75Hgg220ipZ2fhJsnicSslwzVUeul0hbTw2hYaAo73EALw_wcB" rel="nofollow - https://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/C45900.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20%7C%20Search%20-%20Ball%20Mounts%20-%20SKU&adgroupid=97010688675&campaignid=1867191965&creative=420700515992&device=c&devicemodel=&feeditemid=&keyword=curt%2045900&loc_interest_ms=&loc_physical_ms=9009947&matchtype=p&network=g&placement=&position=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5oiMBhDtARIsAJi0qk2XPeOALssmr2T-dL75Hgg220ipZ2fhJsnicSslwzVUeul0hbTw2hYaAo73EALw_wcB
------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 11:31am
| That’s not a hitch. |
Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 11:31am
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Fixed the Amazon link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SMGAJ6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details" rel="nofollow - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SMGAJ6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 11:35am
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Yeah again because I'm an idiot and keep confusing "hitch" with "ball mount". My bad. ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 11:41am
| It’s not just you |
Posted By: MrMcD
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 12:39pm
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I always thought the term for ball mount was Receiver? ------------- |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 1:08pm
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Well you thought wrong. What receives what ? Ball mount = drawbar Hitch = receiver |
Posted By: Jonny Quest
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 1:35pm
Ultra Micro Steel Roller Wheels by Ultra-Fab https://ultra-fab.com/product/ultra-micro-steel-roller-2w-x-2d-1-pk/ Can also be purchased at Amazon or ETrailer JQ ------------- Current 2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
Posted By: agetech
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 10:47pm
| I had the same problem, angle of driveway caused the prop guard to drag. I ended up putting inflatable air bags under the leaf springs, 15" tires, and 6" drop hitch. I air up the springs before I pull into or out of the garage, lower the pressure before hitting the road. I was able to build some mounts for the springs that didn't require welding or drilling on the trailer. |
Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 11:05pm
Yikes that sounds like a huge pain! I’m really hopeful the drop hitch will solve the problem - although it creates a new problem because with the truck on the down angle of the driveway, the hitch gets too low for the trailer kickstand to reach it without bottoming out. Frustrating. ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |
Posted By: agetech
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 11:22pm
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I feel for you. I had an 8" drop hitch, but then the hitch drug with the weight of the boat. I also tried the 2x6 under the tires method which helped, but the I had lumber laying on the driveway.
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Posted By: desertskier
Date Posted: November-03-2021 at 11:27pm
Airbags? Someones been watching too many episodes of "Texas Metal" . I put a set of bolt on wheels on my RV. Easy and work great. If they can support an RV a boat trailer is no problem.------------- 92 SN - Owned since 93 99 Pro Air 89 SN - Went to live on a lake in Texas 75 Donzi 16 - Sold in 93 |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: November-04-2021 at 7:10am
Hollywood being a ball buster
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Posted By: KENO
Date Posted: November-04-2021 at 8:35am
Since a picture is worth a thousand words or something like that, how about a few thousand words worth of pictures?
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Posted By: agetech
Date Posted: November-04-2021 at 10:48am
I don't think wheels on my prop guard will support the weight of the boat, the trailer tires would be completely off the ground. The ability of the prop guard to carry that weight would be in question. You don't know the angle of my driveway.
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Posted By: desertskier
Date Posted: November-04-2021 at 11:19am
I guess it depends on what trailer you have. My prop guard can handle the weight of the boat and trailer no problem. I use it as a jack point all the time. Mine is box steel.
 ------------- 92 SN - Owned since 93 99 Pro Air 89 SN - Went to live on a lake in Texas 75 Donzi 16 - Sold in 93 |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: November-04-2021 at 11:22am
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I'm going to add wheels, love the way that install looks. I end up dragging and lifting the entire boat/trailer occasionally, no damage to the guard. Having said that, it's a pretty huge shear load without the wheels so I think adding them will make the prop guard much less likely to be damaged. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: MrMcD
Date Posted: November-04-2021 at 12:25pm
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Hollywood, you better call E Trailer.com and educate them. They call it a Drop Hitch Receiver and damned if the picture does not look just like your Ball Mount = Draw Bar
CORRECTION: Hollywood is correct: A simple google search does show Drop Hitch Receiver with a picture of the typical ball mount drop hitch like I stated but I am wrong. If you actually search Ball Mount it shows the part and is worded "BALL MOUNT exactly as Hollywood pointed out initially. The search feature gets you there using any combination of descriptions, receiver, ball mount, Hitch but the proper term does appear to be Ball Mount, I will update my vocabulary thanks to Hollywood.  They do offer drop hitch receivers but those actually allow mounting a ball mount down lower, I guess for those super high lifted trucks using heavier steel to lower the ball mount location.
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Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: November-05-2021 at 4:09pm
| Y’all’s balls too high.period. |
Posted By: DockDoc
Date Posted: May-24-2022 at 12:39am
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By way of update… problem was solved by welding on some brackets and then installing some heavy duty nylon casters I found on McMaster. Had a mobile welder fabricate and weld up the brackets. They’re a lot beefier than they need to be and likely overengineered but they do the trick. I was worried the steel rollers might scar up my concrete garage floor hence the Nylon. Poly would be even better but much more expensive. Now when I roll out of the garage the casters carry the weight for a foot or two. It’s barely noticeable from the tow vehicle and doesn’t make a sound or leave a mark. Win! Update thread https://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50631&PID=605407 ------------- 1993 Sport Nautique PCM 351w, no ProTec |