Is anyone here trailering a 25' full keel boat and launching from boat ramps? If so, how long should the tongue extension be?
with rollers really important the trailer is correctly designed. rollers cause a 'point load' where a bunk distributes the weight. an incorrectly designed 'roller' trailer can damage the hull.Nice video, One thing that makes it easier is the rollers instead of bunks.
I have a trailer mod that eliminates this issue. Once I set up one more trailer and test the design on a different keel than mine and the patent office excepts the paperwork, I will explain. I don't plan to manufacture this design so one offs by individuals will be OK. I hope to have the testing complete by the end of Feb.. A deeper/steeper ramp will make launching easier, as the trailer won't have to go in the water as far, but the increased angle between the trailer and water surface can make retrieving more difficult on a steep ramp, because starting off, the bow will be at the bow stop, but as the boat settles on the trailer as it pulls out, it can often move back. (Had this problem with the Santana almost every time. He has like a 3' tray for the bottom of the 2' long keel bottom to sit on. As long as the keel sits more than 1/2 way on the tray, we can get it forward to where it needs to be on the tray.)
Brian,Karyon, I don't think rollers make it any easier than bunks to launch sailboats. Powerboats, yes, sailboats, no. Most sailboats are not a flat run aft from amidships the way power boats are (well, new style sleds are, but most recreational sailors don't have a sled inspired trailerable boat) so the deeper midships portion of the boat still needs to float over the aft rollers.
These are the best pics I got right now. That centre channel has w smaller diameter tube steel inside. The hitch is on the smaller one. To extend, block trailer tires,pull one keeper pin, and slowly pull forward. After 10' or so, there is another hole for the pin.Thanks for your reply Chris Mac. Would you happen to have a pic of your extension set up?
Ok. Thanks.These are the best pics I got right now. That centre channel has w smaller diameter tube steel inside. The hitch is on the smaller one. To extend, block trailer tires,pull one keeper pin, and slowly pull forward. After 10' or so, there is another hole for the pin.
In the spring I'll take a better pic if I remember
You should find the answers in the threads below:Is anyone here trailering a 25' full keel boat and launching from boat ramps? If so, how long should the tongue extension be?