Same trailer depth?

This topic has 6 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 2 months ago by 1hoteyra.

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April 7, 2016 at 1:00 pm #430290

doroger
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Maiden voyage for the new Sabre FTD this Saturday,want to make sure things go smoothly. Reading posts on trailer depth for loading and unloading, most say leave about 6 to 8 inches of outside (short) bunks out of the water for loading. Will the same depth work for unloading? I know Cats are designed to be power loaded and unloaded, just want to avoid hitting anything as I launch for the first time. Thanks!!Don

April 7, 2016 at 3:24 pm #430292

TAKFishing
Participant

Top of short bunks should just be sticking out of the water, breaking the surface by 1 inch or so has worked well as a general rule for me…

April 7, 2016 at 6:45 pm #430293

billius
Participant

TAKFishing wrote:Top of short bunks should just be sticking out of the water, breaking the surface by 1 inch or so has worked well as a general rule for me…That has worked for me on the four Cats I have owned. As far as unloading, I usually back it in farther than that. On most ramps, I back the boat down until the water is up about half way on the fenders of the trailer. That makes it easier to back it off the trailer than leaving it more shallow.

April 7, 2016 at 7:00 pm #430294

schodackbassman
Participant

Mine (Classic) I have outside bunks 6″ to a foot out of the water but the ramp I usually use is kind of steep. Having more bunk out prevents trolling motor from hanging up on bow roller. The Fury prop made it a lot easier to load this way. I do back the trailer all the way in first to get bunks (mine are carpet though) completely wet and then pull out to desired loading depth. If the wind is howling from the side, resist the temptation to back in further. Its better to be out a little more then normal so hull can settle on trailer bunks and then wind cant blow you off to one side or the other. Good luck, take your time and you should be good. If it doesnt go perfect the first few times, dont worry about it. We all mess up on occasion even years after we bought our boats.Brian

April 7, 2016 at 7:06 pm #430295

Redngoo
Participant

My other boat [caracal] I used my fender as my gauge. Picture the fender as a clock water level between 10 oclock and 2 oclock. I never could see the boards when by myself. If loading I alway dunk board completely them pull up. Make boat slide on easily. It was a single axel. My double axel is slightly different2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury

April 7, 2016 at 8:18 pm #430296

NFCSOB
Participant

It also depends on the ramp your launching at and the lake level. I have 2013 P2 with a tandem axle and were I normally fish the front step on the fender is above the water line.i went to Rayburn and with the lake 5+ high, I had to have it backed in so that just the tips of the center bunks were above the water at the place I launched (Powell park).

April 7, 2016 at 8:59 pm #430297

1hoteyra
Participant

OK Guys, heres my solution. Welded a coupling nut to a piece of 1/8 X 1 flat with a couple holes in it. Epoxied a Home Depot fiberglass driveway marker inside coupling nut. Attached to metal bracket under rear fender. When I found the right depth to load boat on trailer I put a couple wraps of reflective tape on driveway marker. Depth seems spot on at every public ramp I have used. I drop partner off at courtesy dock and I clear the ramp area to stow my junk. Partners know to back trailer in till reflective tape is just in the water. When they start backing down ramp, I align boat and head for trailer and slide her right on. Mounted one of these one under each rear fender. Works great for couple old men.
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