|
|
Posts: 152
| I have a 1991 16' 9" Tuffy Stinger and a similar year K-Dee EZ Launcher trailer. From time to time, depending on if the launch is too steep, I have had a lot of issues with the bow not going above the top roller when I am loading. I could get it up there if I power load, but that is not always an option at some landings due to landing regs and motor restrictions. I just got this boat late last fall, and have never had a trailer with a bow double roller before and looking like the guy who has never loaded a boat before at the launch when it is busy is never fun.
Does anyone have any tips or guidance on how to load the boat to fix/avoid this issue?
Thanks |
|
| |
|
Posts: 5874
| 1. Next time you launch the boat, spray the bunks down real good with silicone. It'll dry while you're out catching that 50. Silicone makes them slippery, and easier to load the boat. Be careful unloading though. Don't disconnect until the boat is in the water.
2. Having a similar boat/trailer, I always backed the trailer in until the tops of the fenders were just at the water level. Seemed to be optimum.
3. When loading, guide the boat onto the trailer, and give it just enough throttle to put it up to the bow rollers, and go to the bow to connect the winch strap, and winch it up tight. Throttle down, put in neutral, turn it off, and tilt the motor.
4. Pull away from the launch, and prep for trip home. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 152
| Thanks Shep. I will have to try that silicone trick out this weekend. I have a tiller though instead of a console so keeping the throttle in gear by a tick to provide any propulsion is probably out the window. I will have to try out letting the trailer just down to the top of the fenders though and using silicone.
Do you back the trailer in the same depth even if it is a steeper launch? Also, I am not sure if your trailer is a K-Dee or similar, but do you or anyone else know what the cable exposed on the trailer's main beem in the middle is for? I don't think it is part of the emergency braking system, but I could be wrong. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 32930
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The top roller of the double bow roller bracket, if the trailer was adjusted properly, belongs above the bow eye. The cable you see along the frame lifts the launch roller for very shallow launches. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 152
| Thanks for the info on the trailer cable Steve. Right now, I believe it is adjusted "properly" then because I do hook the winch strap between the double roller and the top roller is above the eye.
My issue was, when I am pulling the boat to the winch, the bow comes in directly between both rollers and the top roller is above the rubber trim on the bow of the boat, which then causes me to have to winch the boat up and over the roller if I have no other option, but is hard on the rubber trim on the bow and the winch. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 32930
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Sounds to me like you need to have the trailer in a bit deeper. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 152
| That could very well be the issue. I have only got to take the boat out 3-4 times this year while I have been in school, and when I have, the launches have been a mad house where I just wanted to get it out.
I am hoping to experiment a little with it this wekeend.
Thanks Steve and Everyone else! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 5874
| I've always set the trailer to the top of the fenders pretty much every launch, steep or not.
The cable lifts the rear rollers for shallow launches, as Steve said. That's the "Launcher" part of the K-Dee Launcher model. Never try to load the boat with this roller up.
You may have a throttle tension adjustment on the tiller, so that would make it easier to leave it running in gear to hold it against the bow rollers.
I don't recall if the bow rollers are adjustable up and down on the stand or not. I don't recall having any issues of the top roller getting above the rub rail. I do know there were some times when I pulled he boat out and had to winch it up to a foot to get it locked down. |
|
| |
