On the level

[Divecon]

I can't seem to get my Catalina 250WB level on the trailer without several attempts. There is about 16 inches from side to side after the keel has gone by the keel guide on the trailer. Would closeing this gap to about 6 inches get me striaght and level or should I concider some sort of rollers on the outside.

Divecon in Florida

 

[caguy]

Try using a drop hitch that would lower your tow ball about 6 to 8"s. This worked for me and made retrieving the boat much easier.
Frank

 

[porsche]

closeing gap

would help but make sure that the boat does not float above them,there for causing it to settle over to one side. This happend to me with a swing keel some years ago. I now trailer a cat 22 wing keel with no guides and after many launches I now have it down to a science and load perfect every time. I lower the trailer just so the front of the bunks are still out of the water and then winch as far as I can which alows for the bunks to line up the boat . I then back in just a little more and winch the rest. My ramp is real steep and the water is black so you can't see 12inches down.

 

[Timo42]

ix: I just like to use that smiley, but a picture of your trailer would help. I mounted guideons to the trailer at the widest point on the boat just in front of the trailer wheels to keep the boat centered while hauling out, but having the keel guide narrowing as it goes forward on the trailer will work. I leave the keel down a couple of inches since my trailer dips at the center and that helps as well. Tim