How far foward on trailer ?

I have no bow stop on my 80SN. Not sure how
the previous owner loaded without hitting the
trailer jack.

I look across the rear of the trailer and see
that the Prop is even with the end of the
trailer frame rails. If I consider the engine
position, it is forward of the axle by about
a foot. Not sure if engine represents center
of weight.

Is this correct ? Or should it be more off the
rear of the trailer. I know that it will go
no farther forward. Just want to build the
bow stop at the correct position.
Or does anyone out there have an old bow stop
that they are not using ?

Roger, To determine the position, move the boat until you have 10% of the gross weight of the trailer and boat on the tongue. You can use a bathroom scale under the tongue. So, if the boat and trailer weighs 3000lbs, then you want 300lbs on the tongue. Sometimes trailers are set up with less than 10% but if you go any less than about 8%, you will be taking the chance that the trailer will not track correctly and fishtail.

Thanks guys,

I will find where the wife HID the bathroom
scales and position the boat on the trailer
as you both suggested.

Thanks again,
   Roger

Not speaking for Tim,

I was thinking about building something
like this one :

http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=239

I was thinking that I could build this out of a chainlink fence top rail.
Make the necessary bends for the top and base and then weld it all together.
Looks like they are mounted to the trailer using U bolts over the frame.
I figure that this would not rust and could be painted if desired.

Ok, on second look at the link Roger posted there is a flat section on the top so they could be made fairly easily. Let me know.

critter wrote: 81nautique wrote: so they could be made fairly easily. Let me know. Is this saying the you might be willing to take on building these ?

Let me figure out what the pipe is going to cost and maybe we can get you setup. Tim, I'll copy you if you want in let me know. We could easily ship them to you or you could pick them up at Green Lake in july if you don't mind waiting. Critter, please keep in mind this is my hobby so I can't gaurantee how fast I could make them up. First things first, I'll get you a price and we'll go from there.

Be careful with considering chain link top rail pipe. It is scd. 10 and very light. I don't think it would hold up especially if you do any power loading.

Alan, You did use scd. 40 pipe with your bender? Correct? The 40 is what was used by the factory.

Roger, scd 40 pipe is standard black pipe from the hardware store.

81nautique wrote: critter wrote: 81nautique wrote: so they could be made fairly easily. Let me know. Is this saying the you might be willing to take on building these ? Let me figure out what the pipe is going to cost and maybe we can get you setup. Tim, I'll copy you if you want in let me know. We could easily ship them to you or you could pick them up at Green Lake in july if you don't mind waiting. Critter, please keep in mind this is my hobby so I can't gaurantee how fast I could make them up. First things first, I'll get you a price and we'll go from there.

Man, Alan- dont you have enough projects going!? I would definitely be interested if you decide to make a run. If not, no big deal! Pick up at GL would be fine by me- no rush.

After seeing the trailer guides, I have no doubt if you decide to make these, that they will turn out great!

critter wrote: TRBenj wrote: After seeing the trailer guides, I have no doubt if you decide to make these, that they will turn out great! Trailer Guides.. what Trailer Guides ? I searched the Forums and found many hits on trailer guides but nothing on someone making them. I called Overtons today and they have 48" guides but you now have my interest here.

The aftermarket stuff is crap , you need some magicman specials Take a look at page 3 trailer guides. here's the deal with the guides, I can bend a set for you but I don't want to cut and weld on the flanges as I'm not sure how they fit on the different trailers. If you can take care of that part let me know and I'll make them up. $30 a set plus UPS shipping. I sent 2 sets to Connecticut and it cost $24 so that's not too bad.

Pete, yes I did use the scd40 black pipe, it actually bends better than the thin wall as the heavy walls are self supporting during bending. The thin wall stuff kinks badly.

Guys, here's what I'm going to do, I'll make up a bow stop and see how it turns out. If acceptable I'll sell them at cost + a few hours of work and a beer at Green lake and make a donation to the site. Can't promise when but certainly before skiing season sets in cause I won't be hanging around the garage much longer.

Alan,
That is one good lookin Boat & Trailer.

Thanks for the heads up on the aftermarket stuff. That is what I needed to hear before I purchased anything.

I will have a look at the link and then let you know about the Guides. I (and my son) can weld so if nothing else, may pick up the pipes from you while in Green Lake. The more I pick up while there, the better of a trip it will be for me...

jbear wrote: What a awesome lookin' set-up Alan! john

Thanks John, It's finally finished. New wheels, striping is done, guides installed, etc. I'll get some updated photos posted as soon as the sun comes out

Ok, you sold me.
I really like the ones you made for Tim.
I can do the welding and mounting.

You use PayPal ?
I can pay you for the Guides in advance and just pick them up in Green Lake if it works for you.
As for the Bow Stops, I am in. When you need the contribution"s", let me know.

My dad is a retired Electrician. Has a ton of tools. Next time I see him, I have to ask if he has a thick wall conduit bender. Looks like one of those can come in handy.

Thanks for working with me on this. I really appreciate all the information. I plan on positioning the boat on the trailer correctly this weekend.

TRBenj wrote: If I had to guess, I would say that the engine should be just forward (a few inches) of being centered on the axle.

Tim,

I have a double axle trailer, so should the engine be just forward of the middle of the two axles? It's too much forward now and we are going to work on the trailer this weekend.

81

That is one fine looking rig.
Now you need a white 81' F-150 to pull it.

Steve