Positioning Boat on Trailor

srl520 · 05-11-2005, 04:39 PM

I have 357 on an Eagle Trailor that has more than couple thousand pounds of tongue wieght, I'm guessing. 1ton squauts 5 inches. I can see that the front keel stop has been slid foreward approx 4 inches from where it was at one time. I have wanted to move this back to the original position to get rid of some tongue weight, but the transum already hangs off the back about 10 inches. I have read somewhere that this is not goog. The wieght off the drives on the back can cause tomuch stress on the back end and cause things to break apart over time. I know the 357 is built like a tank. Is it to much to have 14-16 inches hanging off the back?

t500hps · 05-11-2005, 04:56 PM

It's too much to have 4-5 inches hanging off! Sounds like that trailer was made for a 311, not a 357. I would suggest a new trailer, or some serious modifications to extend the rear bunks on the one you have. Alot of aluminum trailers have the bunks extended beyond the last cross beams of the trailer for additional support.
Good Luck

RedDog382 · 05-11-2005, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t500hps

I would suggest a new trailer

I agree with t500hps on this. The trailer is way too small for this boat.

The bottom edge of the transom should be supported at all times by the bunk or you will develop a hook in the bottom of the hull. This will cause ill-handling and loss of speed and significantly diminish the value of your boat.

You also should not have more than 10% of the combined weight boat/trailer on the tongue of the trailer or you will have a very dangerous rig on the road. I think a reasonable tongue would be around #1000 or less with this tow.

srl520 · 05-11-2005, 11:06 PM

Thanks for the advice. I new I had read some like that somewhere. I going to be extending the trailor.

ThirdBird · 05-12-2005, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srl520

Thanks for the advice. I new I had read some like that somewhere. I going to be extending the trailor.

OR-

You could sell me your Eagle that was evidently made for my 311, and go buy a new one for your 357!!

Downtown42 · 05-12-2005, 12:58 PM

You will need bunks to support all areas of bottom. There is no choice.