Bought 86 w/ no trailer Bought trailer and then looked at all Pictures I could find. Modified trailer to accept boat. Problem 1. Boat wont come forward at ramp to sit on trailer all the way to stempost. Does the keel rest on the center bed of trailer at this time or do i adjust the bunks so the keel does not rest on center support. If this is so do I the shim the keel to trailer or let the keel stay unsupported If we need pics I will post tommorrow. Thanks David
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Keel must be supported
There is quite a bit of info on this in the archives. Roughly 60% of the boat's weight should bear on the keel or you risk damaging the hull. The boat not coming up to the stempost is not unusual. One method discussed is the "go 5 mph in the parking lot and slam on the brakes" solution. This gives you that last 8 or so inches!
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There is quite a bit of info on this in the archives. Roughly 60% of the boat's weight should bear on the keel or you risk damaging the hull. The boat not coming up to the stempost is not unusual. One method discussed is the "go 5 mph in the parking lot and slam on the brakes" solution. This gives you that last 8 or so inches!
)sitting right on the trailer
Generally speaking, the tongur of the trailer should be 10% of the weight of the boat and trailer when towing. If I recall, it was set up at about 235 pounds for the wing keel 23. That is where you start. You may have to move the bow support or in some cases the axle as some trailers are not welded to the frame. Everyone assumes that the bunk boards should hold alot of wieght. Not true. They shuould support the boat sideways and of course a little weight. The keel tray should be strong enough to carry the weight and if it saggs, beef it up. Make sure that the bunk board supports are equal in distance upwards to the bunk boards and make sure all bolts are tight on the supports and where bunk boards are bolted on as sometimes new trailers you will find them not tight. I do not know if you have a tongue extension but there are a few tips on that one if you need for any responses. Some states require brakes on trailer and boats and in NC and VA for example, they are required only on one axle for total weight over 3000 pounds except for Pa which requires brakes on all axles. Suggest surge brakes. When pulling without brakes on the trailer in a keel version, I do slow down as the center fo gravity is higher and the boat has a tendacy to be affected moore by wind. IF the trailer did not have brakes and it starts to sway, the tendacy is to brake first but that is bad as you will loose control. I have often speeded it up to pull the boat out from weaving and then braked slowly. Be aware when tractor trailers pass you, it will pull your boat toward the truck which is more evident with one axle; therefore, give a wide berth but do not go off the road. Do not go over 55 with this boat. Good luck and happy sailing. Crazy Dave Condon
Generally speaking, the tongur of the trailer should be 10% of the weight of the boat and trailer when towing. If I recall, it was set up at about 235 pounds for the wing keel 23. That is where you start. You may have to move the bow support or in some cases the axle as some trailers are not welded to the frame. Everyone assumes that the bunk boards should hold alot of wieght. Not true. They shuould support the boat sideways and of course a little weight. The keel tray should be strong enough to carry the weight and if it saggs, beef it up. Make sure that the bunk board supports are equal in distance upwards to the bunk boards and make sure all bolts are tight on the supports and where bunk boards are bolted on as sometimes new trailers you will find them not tight. I do not know if you have a tongue extension but there are a few tips on that one if you need for any responses. Some states require brakes on trailer and boats and in NC and VA for example, they are required only on one axle for total weight over 3000 pounds except for Pa which requires brakes on all axles. Suggest surge brakes. When pulling without brakes on the trailer in a keel version, I do slow down as the center fo gravity is higher and the boat has a tendacy to be affected moore by wind. IF the trailer did not have brakes and it starts to sway, the tendacy is to brake first but that is bad as you will loose control. I have often speeded it up to pull the boat out from weaving and then braked slowly. Be aware when tractor trailers pass you, it will pull your boat toward the truck which is more evident with one axle; therefore, give a wide berth but do not go off the road. Do not go over 55 with this boat. Good luck and happy sailing. Crazy Dave Condon
other tips
If you don't like the "brake stomp" method of moving your boat forward on the trailer, here are some alternatives. - Put dish soap on the bunks to make them slicker. - I replaced the carpet covering my bunks with rubber which is slicker. - Of course you need to get your trailer as deep into the water as possible. - BUT DON'T move the stem post backward to meet the bow of the boat. The boat will sit too far back on the trailer and will tip when you climb up the transom. Don't ask me how I know this? Lastly, the keel MUST rest on the floor of the trailer. The bunks are only there for lateral support.
If you don't like the "brake stomp" method of moving your boat forward on the trailer, here are some alternatives. - Put dish soap on the bunks to make them slicker. - I replaced the carpet covering my bunks with rubber which is slicker. - Of course you need to get your trailer as deep into the water as possible. - BUT DON'T move the stem post backward to meet the bow of the boat. The boat will sit too far back on the trailer and will tip when you climb up the transom. Don't ask me how I know this? Lastly, the keel MUST rest on the floor of the trailer. The bunks are only there for lateral support.
safer idea..
If you are able to get on a slight incline forward, I have found it is relatively easy to winch the boat forward to meet the stem post. I say relatively.. I have done it from the ramp but so much easier if I can pull to a spot with my truck downhill slightly from the trailer.
If you are able to get on a slight incline forward, I have found it is relatively easy to winch the boat forward to meet the stem post. I say relatively.. I have done it from the ramp but so much easier if I can pull to a spot with my truck downhill slightly from the trailer.
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