Hunter H240 trailer sway problem.

[GL-WindPower]

I've been having trailer sway problems so I got my trailer weighed. Trailer weight is 4080# and tongue weight is 240#. From what I have read, the tongue weight should be about 10 percent of trailer weight, or about 408#.

I am thinking of two different Plans to shift more weight to the bow (AKA Front of the trailer).

Plan A: Moving the batteries as plan A: I am thinking about starting with the heaviest items in the boat first and that is the two batteries. They are both mounted in the stern storage area, one on the port side and one on the starboard side. I am thinking about moving both of them to the bow storage area under the V-Berth. Together they weigh 100#'s. End result is moving 100# from stern to bow. The one pic that shows the boat strip and water line. At the stern the water line is down 6" from the stripe. At the bow the water line is only 2" down from the stripe. Would I be adding to much weight on the bow making the nose ride deeper in the water. Will that be an issue with Plan A?

Plan B: Moving the bow support/Ladder on my Magic Tilt boat trailer forward about 6"is Plan B. This would involve moving the front bracket of the ladder/bow support on to the the sliding trailer tongue. I new use the sliding tongue so mounting the bracket to it would not be an issues as far as that is concerned. To strengthen it I could drill a hole through both the 3" channel and sliding tongue and bolt them together. The blue tape in the pic would show the new locations of the front of the bracket. I can only go 6" forward because of the jack stand bracket. I think this will shift considerable boat weight forward and get me closer to my 400# of tongue weight.

Has anyone done either of these mods to shift more weight toward to front of the trailer? Open to other ideas as well!

 

[GL-WindPower]

Actually found a better pic of it sitting in the water, Looks pretty level with the water line front to rear.

 

[Rick Webb]

I moved my batteries just as you are considering, it did indeed make the boat sail better as it brought it to a more level attitude.

Instead of moving the winch post I'd suggest moving the axle back. That could be done with no welding. I actually switched mine over to a tandem axle.

With a simple 4" grinder you can remove the welds on the axle hangers then put bolt on ones and move your axle back on a few inches aft of where it presently sits.

You are actually about 500# over capacity on your trailer keep that in mind as well.

 

[GL-WindPower]

You are actually about 500# over capacity on your trailer keep that in mind as well.

Oh That sucks. The label on the trailer is so faded I could not read the GVW info. I just purchased new ST205/75R14 D rated tires and new rims on the trailer and now I'm really bummed that I am 500# over capacity of the trailer. I don't even have 500# of cargo on the boat, (well the batteries are 100#).

 

[SkookumZac]

I know it's a pain in the ass but it helps to pull the outboard off the stern and lay it down in the v-berth. That's 60-100 lbs hanging way off the back.

Also agree moving the batteries to the bow will balance the boat on trailer and in the water.

-Z

 

[rgranger]

If you are pulling with a truck, put the O.B.in the bed of your truck.

I have had the same problem with my H26 and for me it only required a minor shift of weight to really change how the trailer behaved. Before you go to a lot of trouble shifting batteries and axles, try stowing all of your gear in the V-berth and taking the O.B. and fuel tanks off the back end. If that does not work, then you can try these other ideas.

 

[GL-WindPower]

Thanks everyone, great ideas. I will reply with the results by the end of the week.

 

[Rick Webb]

Just occurred to me I did not mention the issue with just moving the winch post forward.

Your bunk boards are not flat. The bunks conform the curve in the hull. If you move the boat forward it will not be supported along the whole length.

When I moved the batteries forward I placed them on a piece of Starboard sitting on top of the ballast tank in that forward locker.

Was also wondering what sort of motor you have if you have a heavy four stroke 9.9hp motor not only is the weight creating issues the moment cause by all that weight all the way at the stern exacerbates the issue.

Moving stuff forward in the boat is twice as good as removing weight but removing weight should be considered as well.

Let us know how you made out.

 

[Rick Webb]

Hunter 23.5 Owner Modifications and Upgrades (sailboatowners.com)

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

A permanent solution is to move the winch stand forward but not attached to the extension bar. If that does not remedy the weight distribution, suggest moving the axle backwards on the trailer. Remember 10% of the trailer and boat weight should be on the tongue for safety from swaying

 

[scottscotty]

batteries to the front, (if you have a ob motor, can you fabricate a motor mount at the front of the trailer?), I simply take the motor off mine and have the wifey' balance it on the skeg off to the side while I back the trailer and boat up so I don't have to lift and tote, just lift. question is why is it tongue light? It should have been well balanced from the factory for travel. what is causing the in balance and can it be moved or removed?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The 240 hull had a larger water ballast tank for better performance over the 23.5
Not sure if your trailer is a Magic Tilt but if it was, the design was off for positioning the boat on the trailer. As a dealer I had to straighten out the trailer. Rick Webb and Rob Granger and others are giving you good advice. Hunter built the trailers for the 23.5 but some made their way to the 240 before Magic Tilt. Ron and I were involved with those few trailers

 

[GL-WindPower]

Yeah, thanks for confirming Crazy what I have thought all along. I've always thought my H240 never fit the trailer the way it should. Here's an update on my sway issue. So I ended up moving my batteries forward under the vberth where the porta-potty was (never used it anyway). In addition I moved all my cushions, bumpers,sails and other gear up to the front as someone suggested. Very happy with the results. Got the boat and trailer reweighed. The Trailier axle weight is now 3900# and the tongue weight is 400#. I took some things out of the boat that I will carry in the truck until we get to the dock (Gas tank, anchor, tools, etc.,) According to Magic Tilt I am still over GVW but I did upgrade to Class D tires and wheels for a total of 4400# load as far as the tires go. I am going to run with this and see how it tows on my next trip. 400# tongue is with the motor still on the stern which is where I am going to leave it for the time being.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions.

 

[GL-WindPower]

A permanent solution is to move the winch stand forward but not attached to the extension bar. If that does not remedy the weight distribution, suggest moving the axle backwards on the trailer. Remember 10% of the trailer and boat weight should be on the tongue for safety from swaying

I can't move the winch stand forward. It is as far forward as it can go without moving it onto the extension bar. Some have suggested moving the axle back but that looked like a lot of work, I would have to cut the fender brackets off and have them welded back on as well as the leaf spring shackles.

Interested Dave in what dealers like yourself did to make the 23.5 trailer suitable for the 240 until Magic Tilt got the message it was not a good fit. I think the trailer is a little under rated for the H240.

 

[Rick Webb]

I can't move the winch stand forward. It is as far forward as it can go without moving it onto the extension bar. Some have suggested moving the axle back but that looked like a lot of work, I would have to cut the fender brackets off and have them welded back on as well as the leaf spring shackles.

Interested Dave in what dealers like yourself did to make the 23.5 trailer suitable for the 240 until Magic Tilt got the message it was not a good fit. I think the trailer is a little under rated for the H240.

To move the axle back you would need to remove the fender brackets. I know it seems daunting but really is not that bad to grind the welds off to remove them. Replacing all the hangers and brackets can be done with ones that bolt on. If you do go that route, seriously consider adding a second axle it's a night and day difference when towing. Good winter project.

I don't think it should have ever been sold as a single axle package the boat is #2,000ish empty with no gear the trailer is just under #1,000. Put #300 on the ball just to be generous that only leaves you with #800 for motor, gas, anchor, etc... Yes, it meets the single axle capacity but not realistic in a real-world usage.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

@GL-WindPower

The bunk board position on the hull cannot be moved much as they were designed to fit to the hull. Never touch that extension either. If need move the axle out but changing the tire load range was good. Sounds like it is resolved.

Suggestions. Tie the motor up to the stern rail during transit to keep motor from bouncing up and down. Never strap down the foredeck to trailer or you could damage the seal to the water tank lid Only strap down the rear of the boat. Go 10-20 miles and check boat and trailer. Carry spare tire on rim

 

[Revv up]

I made a mount that holds two 5 gallon cans and keep them full of water during the summer season, made a big difference in tongue weight

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

That is a temporary situation which I have seen before falling off damaging trailer and in one case a car behind the boat. Also I question the amount of water is enough without evidence of weights. Sorry
@Revv up but I disagree. Prior to being a sailboat dealer, I was a respected investigator plus I was the top dealer for all Hunter water ballast sailboats as I heard and saw a lot.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Can you take a pic of the top of your winch stand? Sometimes you can make some adjustments that can shift the boat forward a bit. 6" forward made a big difference for me

If you move the axle forward, you'll have to make sure the axle is aligned properly. I image it may take a bit of trial and error to get it reasonably correct

Moving 100lbs can make a noticeable difference but usually not a big difference. Sometimes it's enough.

What are you towing this with? Some vehicles have underrated suspension. My SUV is a nightmare to tow anything without suspension upgrades