Trailer length

W

wellcraftv20step

Senior Member
I'm aware of the rule of thumb that your boat trailer should be 2 ft longer than your boat. However I'm not sure if that includes a bow pulpit or not. And while I'm posting what advantage does a bunk trailer with rollers offer? I'm assuming their is a specific reason for that! I've only used roller trailers never had a bunk trailer
 
John, I've never heard of that rule. In fact, I'd be worried if all I had was 2 feet longer. Think about it. The rollers end at the transom, so even allowing a foot overhand for the roller support that makes your trailer is only 23' at it's longest, which, for a V20 means your trailer only has 3 feet of usable tongue length max. On to that you have to mount a trailer jack, maybe a spare tire, a brake actuator, winch post and still allow for side to side trailer movement when making a turn either going forward or backing up. So, IMHO 2' just isn't going to make it. I'd be much happier with 4' minimum. (Oh, and don't forget you have to allow for the possibility of shifting your winch post as well as your trailer axle(s) to arrive at the proper tongue weight for towing).
I guess what I'm saying is that IMHO it's far better for the trailer to be a little longer than shorter.

As for the bow pulpit question, I would think you measure from a plumb line dropped down from the furthest most point on the boat, which means yes, you count the pulpit. (Don't forget, that pulpit is going to hit the *** end of your car if the trailer is too short).
 
Your absolutely rite Paul,,that all makes sense. My boat is 24.1 feet long with the added pulpit. Si I guess I'm looking at a 27/28 foot trailer. I have a 30 ft long boat driveway that I need to keep in mind when looking for a trailer....
 
So I took skunks advice and called the experts.. the expert told me that I should have a trailer that is 2 feet longer than my boat so go figure! Paul I still agree with your logic.
 
When u say trailer length, do you mean total length or length from winch post. A 24 ft boat is not going to fit on a trailer that is 26 ft long

As far as bunk vs roller, personal choice. I like bunk, but my local ramp is short and steep. You have to submerge 80% of the trailer with a bunk. The boat has to float off. With a roller, just needs an incline. Bunk has no moving parts, roller has a bunch of them. With a bunk you can drive the boat to the winch post. With a roller, you winch it up. I do a lot of solo launching and i think bunk is a lot easier launching and loading.

I'd go with aluminum I-beam and torsion axles
 
Total length Phat ! The Dealer did not even seem concerned about the bow eye to transome measurement. I'll have to think on this a little more. I may even call another dealer today and see if his advise differs .
 
wellcraftv20step said:
https://longisland.craigslist.org/tro/5993698160.html. was cruising Craigslist and came across this... I think this guy mite be dyslexic!!!!!
Click to expand...

LOL Ya think????

Lets see... Boat is on backwards, Rollers on trailer are old, cracked and need replacement, fender is missing from one side, tongue is rusted and connector is missing... Ya, that's a steal for $500... only problem is the seller is the one stealing the money.

There should be a law prohibiting some people from boat ownership.
 
Oh, one other thing I forgot to mention about the length of the trailer. A longer trailer is easier to back up. Yes, you lose a little maneuverability but on turns, but the longer a trailer is the easier it is to back into position. Ask any truck driver.
 
Just went and measured mine. V20 on tandem bunk trailer

Total length, coupler to rear of prop, motor straight down. 28' 6"
Length coupler to end of bunks/transom. 26'
Length from bow eye to transom. 19'6"

I Realize your boats not a v20.
 
my trailer is about 2 feet longer than the boat, maybe 3. works fine. I have a Loadrite 3100 single, roller.

my take on roller vs bunk-

We have a big tide swing 4ft or more. That means ramps are steep (so they don't have to be very long to reach low water). I like a roller for this because you put just the rear roller at the waterline and crank it up. On a steep ramp, if you put the entire bunk in the water it will be angled steeply, the *** end of the boat floats around. Forget about it in the wind.

If you can get away with a bunk, do it. Cheaper, less to break. Also, You can get an aluminum bunk trailer, not so with roller.

If you use bottom paint, rollers let you paint the bottom while on the trailer.
 
I've trailer my boat for years but only putting it in in spring and taking it out in fall. And I watch the guys with the bunk trailers as they drive on and it seems that they have more trouble aligning they're boat on the boat trailer then we do on the roller trailers so I think I'll just stick with what I know , thing is any boat I've ever bought that was under 24 feet came with a trailer so I never had to give it much thought, my current boat did not come with the trailer obviously ,So now I'm trying to compile as much information as possible to pick the right one I now know I should have a minimum of 27 ft. And as you guys mentioned the longer trailer is much easier to maneuver.
 
That looks like a cox trailer all their models were awesome, I have one a super loader model. No bo bo parts in that one all American made from NY.
Gone now! :head:
 
dunno what kind of tow vehicle you have to tow a 24'. if you are borderline on the weight limit, an aluminum bunk trailer will save you some weight.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top