Hunter 18.5 trailer modification help

[lbsailor]

We have a hunter 18.5 that we would like to have the original trailer modified for easier retrieval. I remember reading about raising the winch and lengthening the tongue. Does anyone have recommendations for how much higher and longer these should be? Anything else need to be done?

Thanks

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

One of the problems with the original 18.5 trailer was the keel guides would in advertently hang up the wing bulb keel on launching and trailering.

As for retrieving the boat, the trailer is at an angle and for the most part, you will never get it to come up correctly in the bow roller. As for a longer extension since some felt the original tongue was too short, generally a 6-8 foot extension would aid you but there are many ways to add that permanently or simply chock the trailer tires while keeping the chains attached, release the boat trailer from the tow vehicle, remove the chains if boat trailer is not moving, move the tow vehicle up and add the extension between the trailer and boat.

dave condon

 

[lbsailor]

Is there another trailer that would work better for these sailboats?

 

[Brian M H23]

The problem isn't the trailer..it's just the nature of having a fin keel.
things like extension, large (6"+) drop-receivers. Put something slick like UHMW under the keel. Make sure your bunk-keel height adjustment is correct.

The core of this problem is that the boat needs to come up "past" the winch post with the trailer on the ramp, to be in the right place when level. This is obviously difficult!