Boat/trailer winch

[4spdragtop]

Hi all, our boat sticks out over the back of the trailer. I'm wondering if I could move the winch brace forward to make boat flush with trailer? I know there is room at the nose to move the brace up, BUT would that throw balance off?
I currently use transom buckle straps and would like to use a retractable set, but need to move boat up flush.
Pics
Thanks
Steve

 

[Tooljunkie]

I guess it all depends on tongue weight. It will increase some. Look at spring mounts, they are likely adjustable too. Move winch post ahead, if you feel tongue weight is acceptable then leave it. There are some that are pretty heavy. I see a variety of them, who ever rigs the trailers dont seem to care much about weight and balance.

 

[4spdragtop]

Thanks, I'll take a look at the spring mounts. If I do decide to move it up, it will be a pain in the arse. Had it 3 years now, so it might be just as well to leave alone.

I guess it all depends on tongue weight. It will increase some. Look at spring mounts, they are likely adjustable too. Move winch post ahead, if you feel tongue weight is acceptable then leave it. There are some that are pretty heavy. I see a variety of them, who ever rigs the trailers dont seem to care much about weight and balance.

 

[memike]

I would move it forward 5 inches, as long as it didn't move to much weight forward, is this a single axel?
How long is your beuityful boat ?

 

[4spdragtop]

Thanks Mike, single axle. Bought as a pkg from dealership. He told me the trailer was originally for that boat??

I would move it forward 5 inches, as long as it didn't move to much weight forward, is this a single axel?
How long is your beuityful boat ?

 

[memike]

From what I am seeing it needs to move forward, single needs tongue weight, looks like it can indeed move forward all you like, nizze boat

 

[mopardude62]

Steve, that’s sure a nice rig. I really like your boat.

Something to keep in mind when you move the winch post is to make sure you have enough clearance between the winch and the tailgate you can turn or go over a dip in the road without the winch hitting the truck.

edited: to add dip in the road

 

[4spdragtop]

Thanks guys, my concern/question was(see 2nd pic) where the brace is bolted to, it "sandwiches" the 2 side rails. I wasnt sure if it would affect strength/sturdiness of the 2 side rails, or the brace. Good points on the turning/tailgate.
Thanks!

From what I am seeing it needs to move forward, single needs tongue weight, looks like it can indeed move forward all you like, nizze boat

Steve, that’s sure a nice rig. I really like your boat.

Something to keep in mind when you move the winch post is to make sure you have enough clearance between the winch and the tailgate you can turn or go over a dip in the road without the winch hitting the truck.

edited: to add dip in the road

 

[Treblig]

 

[Daves69]

My tiedowns are just welded on 1/4" flats with holes.

Maybe extend your rails out with some flat?

 

[Mike69cuda]

You can put a bathroom scale on the tongue to see about what the weight is. Aluminum boats are fairly light, so it probably doesn’t matter that much.

 

[memike]

I would think it would be just fine on the front of the sandwich area, I would and would not have any concerns.

 

[67Dart273]

Also remember that due to the curve of the hull, you may/ probably will have to readjust the bunks/ rollers. One both my old EZ loaders, the axle/ springs are on a completely separate sub-assembly with big U bolts to the frame, so you can just "move" it.

 

[halfafish]

I can't quite see from the photos, but it looks like the rear of the boat is overhanging the bunk it rests on. That's not a good idea, as it travels down the road it will eventually dent the hull right in front of the transom. The entire rear of the boat should be on the bunk. Your boat looks almost exactly like mine, and I wouldn't worry about tongue weight increasing. I had to move my boat forward for the same reason and it amounted to nothing for handling or tongue weight.

 

[Tooljunkie]

To add, i made a transom saver that stays mounted to trailer, mount consisted of something similar to a 1/2” drive universal joint. And a hook/clip to hang it on. The guys kept losing them, once they were permanantly attatched they never lost them and always used them. Typically it was common to haul them on 50 miles of gravel roads.

 

[like_A_pike]

I moved mine up several inches! I was looking to improve handling as there was very little weight on the tongue. With the kicker, a very heavy floor mat, two bulky outriggers, battery, oil reservoir, and a full tank of gas, all way out back, it didn't feel right going down the road. Moving it forward helped loading when the wind was coming from the side too (before i added the guide rollers). I had to move my spare tire forward by the way but I've been much happier with it. I have the long flat bunks the boat rests on and they stick out about 3 inches now. I added two rollers with the contour of the hull to guide the bow and support any weight up front.

 

[4spdragtop]

My tiedowns are just welded on 1/4" flats with holes.

View attachment 1715960314

View attachment 1715960315


Maybe extend your rails out with some flat?
View attachment 1715960316

That's a good idea Dave, I may look at doing that. The reason I asked is I bought retractable straps to replace my buckle straps but they need to be mounted/bolted on and would be mounted "under" the boat if that makes sense.

I can't quite see from the photos, but it looks like the rear of the boat is overhanging the bunk it rests on. That's not a good idea, as it travels down the road it will eventually dent the hull right in front of the transom. The entire rear of the boat should be on the bunk. Your boat looks almost exactly like mine, and I wouldn't worry about tongue weight increasing. I had to move my boat forward for the same reason and it amounted to nothing for handling or tongue weight.

Thanks Zach, no the boat doesn't overhang the bunks, they are flush with the back of the boat. But like Del said, it may involve moving a bunch of stuff fwd with it too.

To add, i made a transom saver that stays mounted to trailer, mount consisted of something similar to a 1/2” drive universal joint. And a hook/clip to hang it on. The guys kept losing them, once they were permanantly attatched they never lost them and always used them. Typically it was common to haul them on 50 miles of gravel roads.

Frank, I have a transom saver that's mounted to trailer. Works great but gotta climb under everytime unloading and loading boat. Got a pic of yours?
Thanks all

 

[Tooljunkie]

That's a good idea Dave, I may look at doing that. The reason I asked is I bought retractable straps to replace my buckle straps but they need to be mounted/bolted on and would be mounted "under" the boat if that makes sense.


Thanks Zach, no the boat doesn't overhang the bunks, they are flush with the back of the boat. But like Del said, it may involve moving a bunch of stuff fwd with it too.


Frank, I have a transom saver that's mounted to trailer. Works great but gotta climb under everytime unloading and loading boat. Got a pic of yours?
Thanks all

No pic, built a few for the boats where i used to work. Manitoba conservation.