trailer loading-recovery

Anyone out there have this problem? I have a 93 ski nautique and a single axle nautique trailer with the single turnbuckle. If the ramp is not perfectly level (they usually never are) the boat never sits evenly between the fenders on the trailer. As much as we try to push it over as we drive up the ramp it is simply too heavy. Any hints on loading the boat when using uneven ramps? Thanks!

I normally load the boat with the trailer fenders just underwater (every ramp varies a bit). Attach and tighten the winch hook. Then if my rear end is off center, I back the trailer in a few more inches and center it while my wife pulls us out. Works great if you've got 2 people. Hope that helps.

Get a couple guys to help- rock it, one, two, three and you should be centered. It's really that easy to move it over on the trailer (86 SN)
-Brad

Sometimes I can center my boat on the trailer by turning the rudder all the way to one side and giving it a little gas while it is on the trailer. Otherwise, the boat usually centers itself on the trailer on the way home. One or two bumps in the road and it's close to where it needs to be.

On my 84 w/ the #3 trailer
While Bunks & Boat are still wet, I simply drive a short distance and hit brakes hard.
Mine will slide into the nose stops and settle itself perfectly on the bunks.
Not sure if a 93 will work the same?

I use Scottb's method and never really have a problem, if I do a few bumps on the way home and it's centered.

I also have a #3 trailer and that's a good fit for the older boats. I suspect that newer boats may have more of a problem because of the range of trailer brands that different dealers put underneath them. They all have to be adjusted where the old Correct Craft trailers were pretty much drive on and go.

93 Ski,

My 93' had a Ram-Lin/CC trailer that if not loaded perfectly centered it would just about end up on top of the fender, the hull was a very tight fit. What I would do is like mentioned above when loading turn rudder as required to center boat, then while you are being pulled out slow and steady watch the distance from the trailer guides to rub rail, if a bit off just push or pull from the guide to re-center the boat. Also as mentioned, do not pull in to far, I would leave the tops of the fenders exposed if possible.

Dude- no tie downs- maybe a good idea though.
I don't have any place to anchor tie downs to the boat back there. Maybe one strap that mounts to the trailer near the lights and goes up and over the boat above the back seat?
thanks.
-Brad

Yes, You don't want the trailer bouncing up when the boat is falling down, stress is minimized when they move as a pair.

I use a gunnel strap to tie down the rear of my boat, and it still bounces a little while driving down the road.

I have a 90 Nautique and the ramp we use is deeper in the middle than on the edges. The ramp is wide enough for two boats to be launched at the same time. What we do to help get the boat on straight is as follows: a$$ume we are using the right side of the ramp as we are looking from the tow vehicle. We start by backing the trailer in straight. Just before the trailer fender closest to the middle (deepest part of ramp)is almost covered with water, I turn the trailer away from the edge of the ramp and toward the center of the ramp. The result is that the trailer wheels closest to the edge are going into deeper water faster than are the trailer wheels closer to the middle. The result is that the trailer is aimed toward the middle of the ramp; but the wheels and trailer fenders are level and the boat goes on the trailer straight. For any ramp, you just turn the trailer slightly toward the deep part of the ramp and the boat will usually go on straight. If I was a little more savvy with downloading/uploading pics, I would post a pic or diagram.

jhatem wrote: I have two problems. My boat fits below the fenders when it is on the trailer. My ramp is so steep that the top of the fenders are under water if the trailer is in deep enough for the boat to settle forward enough. The boat can drift over and settle on top of the fenders if you are not careful. The guides are not narrow enough to stop this. So far, I have been in the water guiding the boat as it comes out of the water. Also, when the stern settles down and the bow comes up as the trailer and boat are pulled out of the water, the tension on the attached turnbuckle increases to the point where I am concerned about the bow eye.

You can't tighten that turnbuckle until the boat is out of the water, I just hook mine incase theboat wants to slide back although it never has. I also think you are backing in too far, Try it a little shallower and power the boat up, it should go right up.

If you're having problems centering your boat, you have the trailer too deep. Dunk the trailer in order to get the bunks wet. Pull up until the front third of your bunks are out of the water. Drive the boat up, it'll center itself.

Mojoman wrote: Dunk-1/3rd out-drive on-secure with roap or chain-rag down-sinch up with turnbuckle, get home... Happy boating everyone.... Moj'

Oops, I forgot the parrallel parking part hahahahaha......

Moj'

Nice pic !!!!