I purchased a 97 Tige Pre2150WT for my first boat back in February! When I purchased it, I noticed that the trailer (Dorsey Single Axle) had a dent on the left fender, and the boat had some gelcoat scratches. These scratches appeared to be from putting the boat back on the trailer. Well after taking the boat out 3 times already this year, I now see why. (I know some of it is the operator, but the trailer doesn't seem to be helping the process...) Has anyone modified a trailer to help ease trailering the boat after use? Any advice would be much appreciated!
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Do you have guide posts at the end of the trailer? if not, they can be easily added. I did this to our old boat and it really helped.
Pics?Friends don't let friends POWERTURN -
X2 about the guide posts.
Are the backs of your fenders covered with a carpetted panel? If so, feel the backside of your fenders and see if there's any screws sticking out from the back side of the fender. You may need to make new back panels for your fenders. I made mine out of 3/8" marine plywood and marine carpet.
Welcome to Tige Owners!The luck is gone, the brain is shot, but the liquor we still got.Comment
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How far are you backing the trailer into the water? How fast is the boat moving while approaching the trailer?
Just trying to get an idea of what exactly is going on. The "fender" are nice and allow you to line up the boat before you get too close to the trailer.
Welcome to Tigeowners.
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Thanks for the welcome!
I do have guide posts on the trailer. I've been backing it down where the fenders are submerged but still visible. The backside of the fenders are covered in carpeted panels.
I will post pictures (hopefully tomorrow)!
Thanks for the advice so far!Comment
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Ramp steepness changes things but, I back mine in until the half of the rear bunks are submerged. Then pull the on till it stays on the rear bunks. Next I have someone backing the truck up slowely as I whinch the boat on. It takes a minute or two longer than power loading but, greatly reduces the risk of damage to the boat or trailer.Comment
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It does really depend on the ramp as stated above to gauge how far to put the trailer in. I really like AJs comment above, especially for the steep ramps. I've seen a lot of first time boaters really 'cockslam' their boats on the trailer, and even seen a few thrash their props on their trailers.
These older boats do not sit deep in the water at all, so your trailer doesn't need to be too deep in the water. Also make sure its slow and steady putting your boat on, I usually cut the motor once I pass the guides and it just glides on the the bunkers. Sometimes when I have to drive the boat and trailer (ie just me and the GF), I will back the trailer right next to the dock and walk my boat onto the trailer.
I'm not exactly sure where the damage is, but to me it sounds like your boats not centering on the trailer. This is usually due to to much weight on one side of the boat. Have everyone sit in the middle of the boat. Make sure who ever is pulling you out does it slooooow, this will help the boat center properly. If its not centered have the driver slowly back in again and try it again. (Usually the side with less weight will end up closer to the trailer fenders). Another possible cause could be your trailer bunkers. Next time you put your boat in the water take a good look at the bunkers, are any missing? Are any loose? Tweaked? Broken? Are you missing bolts/nuts?Comment
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