Boat Placement on Trailer


A

avxflyer

New member
Looking for two cents on this issue. I have a 2004 260BR on a Magic Tilt dual-axle trailer. The dealer set the boat on the trailer when I bought it, but I've always thought that maybe it isn't set right. The back 6-8" of the hull doesn't rest on the bunks, it overhangs the end of the bunk. My instincts tell me it would probably be better if the entire rear of the boat was supported on the bunks rather than having this overhang. I'm just wondering if it's that big of a deal to leave it as is. I can move the bow stop on the trailer forward some, but I'm then concerned about the increase in tongue weight and the load shift on the tires. Any thoughts?
 
I would call formula assistance to get their input. I started my setup with understanding boat's center of gravity point to balance across the axles.
 
I do not have too much faith in the way dealers set up trailers. Tongue weight is important and should be no more than 10 percent of the total boat and trailer weight. That being said, the boat's transom should be supported by the bunks. If moving the boat forward causes too much tongue weight, the axles should be moved forward to support the weight of the boat properly.
Hope this helps.
 
I had a similar issue with my previous boat (24' Maxum). Trailer was set up by dealer but I always though the boat should be more forward on the trailer. I also needed some add'l tongue weight as I only had about 100lbs (boat's dry weight was 4,200lbs). It took a couple of years but I finally moved the bow stop about 8" - 10" forward, this not only brought the transom inline with the end of the bunks, it increased my tongue to about 300lbs and made a world of difference while towing.
 
Move the bow stop forward and check the tongue weight. Even though Formula has ribs across the bottom of the hull for added strength, it would be best if the transom were supported.
 
I would make sure your tongue weight is correct before adjusting bunks and your bow stop on the trailer, ones tongue weight is correct the rest is easy and no going back and forth
 
You want your transom supported by the bunks. That being said, if the trailer is not properly constructed for the boat it won't always be possible to have the transom supported while keeping the correct tounge weight and balance on the trailer. I have a 2004 27 PC and had Loadmaster Trailer (Port Clinton, OH) build a custom trailer for my boat. When my transom is supported the boat is properly balanced and has the correct tounge weight.

I would start by determining if the trailer is custom for that model boat or if it is a universal fit before adjusting the boat placement.
 
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