Sitting a boat on a trailer improperly can be problematic for your boat. And a lot of people actually fail to do it properly due to a lack of knowledge.

However, this is not complex actually. So, if you are one of them, you must fix it now!

So, how should a boat sit on a trailer?

Setting a boat on a trailer is actually simpler than you think.

First, you need to take appropriate measurements. After that, you have to fix the boat trailer bunks properly.

Once you do that, you must recheck all the levels and measurements. As you ensure these, you are good to go!

You may have taken this brief as a gist. But you must read along as we have got all the details with helpful drills!

So, get started now!

How Do I Set My Boat on A Trailer Properly?

Setting the boat on a trailer properly is really important. We most often can see users setting the boat on a trailer improperly.

And this can actually be problematic for both the boat and the trailer. So, how to set the boat on the trailer properly?

Well, we have got here the entire process in detailed steps. So, take a look.

Equipment That You Will Need

In order to properly set your boat on a trailer, you will need the following:

• A hand truck or dolly
• Lift
• Tow strap
• Cordless drill
• 1 inch hole saw
• Torque wrench
• Socket wrench
• Hex key wrench
• Pair of pliers
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Level

Step 1: Take Appropriate Measurements

To begin, place your boat on the trailer and take some measurements. Keep a 2″ space between the keel and the tongue plate top while doing so.

The transom must be level with the tip of the bunks or rollers. Also, ensure that the bow eye reaches the winch post. If this is the case, keep the back pivot in the A position.

Remember proper measurements are needed here. Or else, the boat might sway away anytime while you start trailing the boat.

And as a result, this may leave crucial issues like speedometer issues. So, you must be well aware of the proper measurement.

Step 2: Fix The Boat Trailer Bunks

To fix the boat trailer bunks, you would need a wrench. But it has to be nothing usual. It would be just an ordinary wrench that we use.

To free the nuts, use the wrench. The bunk brackets on the boat trailer are held in place by these bolts.

You could begin at the bunk’s most forward place. Then elevate the bunk until it is flush with the boat’s bottom. After that, tighten till the bunk is secure.

Step 3: Recheck The Level

Finally, recheck the level and the measurements. Make sure the hinge ball weight does not exceed the limit given.

And the limit is 10% of the total weight of the boat and the trailer. If you think all these are right, you are good to go.

So, these are the simple steps that you need to follow. And that is how you can set your boat on the trailer properly.

Remember one thing when you are trailing a boat. If you think you need to take off any part of your boat, this would be a great time.

Because things like taking off the boat fuel tank would make it quite lighter. This would make the trailing way more comfortable actually. So that you get less pressure.

Remember one thing when you are finally done. That is, you mau use boat tying rope for this. Because this can give extra grip to set the boat on the trailer.

What Happens If I Fail to Set The Boat on The Trailer Properly?

You already know that setting the boat on the trailer properly. Or else, you may come across a number of problems.

And the issues would be with both the boat and the trailer. So, what happens if I can not set the boat on the trailer properly?

Well, the first problem you would face is hard to trail your boat. You would need more energy to trail the boat all the way to the destination.

Even if you can do it, your trailer would have more pressure. Sometimes, the weight is not distributed equally. And that is why the trailer may have disruptions.

You may notice that the small parts of the trailer getting damaged. The trailer wheels might also be affected by this. And there could be even more problems with the trailer due to this.

Other than the trailer, your boat could be at a risk too. Because not setting the boat on the trailer properly might sway the boat.

And remember this can also put scratches on the boat. So, you understand that there could be many issues due to this.

Thus, you must make sure that you set up the boat on the trailer properly.

Common Mistakes People Make

When setting your boat on a trailer properly, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure the boat is level–this will ensure the trailer and boat move in the same direction and are not affected by uneven ground.

Second, use enough strapping–the trailer should be able to handle the weight of the boat and any gear you might be hauling.

And finally, make sure your boat is tightly secured to the trailer; if it’s not, it could sway or bounce during travel, which could cause damage to both objects.

How Long Should The Trailer Be?

A boat trailer should not be that long or that short. That means it has to be ideal with the length. Now, you would wonder what is the ideal length of a trailer.

Well, it has to be definitely longer than the boat. And the length has to be around 2 feet longer than the boat.

But if the trailer is way longer, the boat might be a bit loose while trailing. And a shorter trailer would also be inconvenient too.

FAQs

Can I balance the boat trailer myself without any help?

Yes, you can balance the boat trailer yourself without any help. Like, you do not need any professional help at all.

However, you may need a few members while you trail your boat. You just need to make sure that you set your boat on the trailer properly. Once you do it, you are fine.

Do I need to level the weight of the boat equally on the trailer?

Yes, you should try to level the weight of your boat equally on the trailer. This is important as you can trail your boat conveniently.

And if you can not do so, the trailer might be affected. Remember that the hinge ball weight must be around 10% of the total weight.

Can my boat trailer sway away?

Yes, a boat trailer may sway away at times. This may happen for various reasons. But the most common reason for this is the wind blowing across.

So, you need to make sure the support is strong enough to back up the wind. That means you need to be careful while trailing the boat.

The Final Words

Now you know how should a boat sit on a trailer! You also got a number of drills that would be helpful for you.

And here is the last tip for you before we sign off. If you trail your boat for a long distance, cover it with something.

This can help your boat not to get dirty in the meantime.