Boat not centering on bow stop when loading

This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 11 months ago by SabreDriver.

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June 27, 2012 at 3:09 am #369740

psj706
Participant

I have a 2008 Sabre. I have had the boat out about a half dozen times and each time I have an issue loading. I am not getting centered on the bow roller. The trailer is not too deep because the bow is clearing the stop. I think the problem is that the bunks are not properly aligned on the trailer and it is causing the bow to go off center. The reason I say the bunks are not properly aligned is because when the boat is on the trailer I have a larger gap in between the hull and fender on one side than the other. One side I have about 3 inches and the other side I only have about an inch. I am thinking that a Stoltz ultimate bow stop with the end bells will help with this problem rather than having to adjust the bunks. Any feedback with this Stoltz roller? Is it possible to wedge the keel in between the end bells and center roller?

June 27, 2012 at 4:48 am #369743

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

If you trailer the boat loose on the bow strap slightly does the boat settle in the roller Vee?

June 27, 2012 at 5:24 am #369746

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

I have never trailered with the bow strap loose. I looked up under the boat tonight and the strakes are not resting on the bunks or anything. The boat just settles more to one side than the other which does not give an equal gap between the hull and fenders. I believe this is causing the bow to not line up with the bow stop.This evening when loading and after missing the bow stop, I had to get out and back the trailer in deep enough to lift the keel onto the roller then back in deeper so I could winch it up snug. Unfortunately I have not had one successful loading experience yet.Upon a closer look this evening, I have approximately a 1/2″ gap between the hull and fender on port side and approx. 2″ gap between hull and fender on starboard side. Splitting the difference the trailer needs adjustments to give me equal gap of 1 1/4″. Im not quite sure what adjustments the bunks need. Wish I were closer to Mountain Home, im sure you guys could fix me right up.

June 27, 2012 at 6:13 am #369748

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Just leave the bow strap a bit loose so the bow will settle on a short run with no tension and see where she settles in the bow roller. That offset bow can really trick folks. The fender gaps dont concern us if the hull settles in.

June 27, 2012 at 10:05 pm #369749

psj706
Participant

Please explain exactly what you mean by the “bow/hull settle in.” What should I look for?

June 28, 2012 at 12:10 am #369752

Hooter
Participant

I think you are putting the trailer too deep.

June 28, 2012 at 12:48 am #369755

adchunts
Participant

It is all about the nose. Take a good look under the bow and note where the center rib of the boat is in relation to the squared-off nose. Once you figure out that relation, your loading issues will go away. I had the exact same problem when I got my 07 Sabre.

June 28, 2012 at 1:13 am #369757

pchapin
Participant

Hooter wrote:I think you are putting the trailer too deep.

June 28, 2012 at 1:26 am #369760

psj706
Participant

maybe I am still too deep. The ramp I have been launching from is very flat. So flat that the back wheels of the truck are in the water and I am stepping out from the truck into the water. Regarding the trailer, the top of trailer wheels are at the water line and the long bunks are out of the water about a foot. I am afraid of putting the trailer too shallow at that ramp and hitting the crossmembers. Any and all advice appreciated especially those who have used very flat ramps.

June 28, 2012 at 1:32 am #369763

SabreDriver
Participant

I have a 2010 Sabre. I use the pedestal hole as a guide. When I am loading I just aim that hole straight for the center of the bow roller. Once i am up on the trailer she settles in then I just power it up gently to the roller. Every now and again I will miss the middle but usually can just turn the wheel and power it up and it moves into place. Once in a blue moon have to back it off a foot and straighten her out.
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