Trailering with too big a trailer

D

ddurand

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Due to a shortage of new trailers caused by factory closings related to covid19 I am looking at used trailers.

I have found used trailer that is too long for my boat. How important is it for the bow to be against the bow stop? I could use a ratchet strap to hold the bow eye down. Over time I could probably modify the trailer to have the winch stand farther back.
 
Depending on the trailer I would certainly move the bow stop back while keeping the transom supported. Next I would move the axels to get the tongue weight right if it is not correct.
 
So would it be an issue trailering before I get a chance to move the bow stop? Under the gun to get my boat out of the water.

Unsure about moving axle. It's a triple axle trailer and my boat should be on a large tandem axle trailer.

Having a triple axle trailer has its advantages as I am farther away from being close to load capacity for a double axle trailer.
 
You need the bow stop for fast breaking and a hold against rotation. Balance is also important. Moving the stop should not be a big deal.
 
Well if you have to move it, and the hull is well and properly supported, I would ensure I had stout lines from the bow ring gong aft to the trailer. Same from the transom eyes but in the other direction. Lock 'er down.
When we moved from a 27 to a 25 I had to lop a few inches off the top of the bow stop or it would have hit the pulpit on the 25. I also had to move the tandem axels a bit. Once all said and done I had rollers on the transom, the bow snugged up to the stop and a great tow.
 
It should be pretty easy to move the bow stop. I have done it at the ramp to adjust a new trailer to my sons bass boat. If it's a typical front post you should be able to just loosen a couple of bolts and slide it back to where it need to be. Do you have pictures of the trailer?
 
If it is just a short distance you can do anything as long as you are careful and go slow. Tie it down well using truckers hitches for extra tension.
 
I am talking that even with moving the winch stand & bow stop all the way back the bow stop will be too far forward. At that point the trailer has cross members not more aluminum framing going front to back to mount the winch stand on.
 
That bow stop is really important. If it was a short slow trip, I’d consider it, but I’d never recommend it to anyone. If it’s a temporary thing, can you move the bow stop stanchion back and move the boat further up on the bunks without too much tongue weight? Most boats carry their weight aft.
 
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