I recently purchased a 30 foot Villain IV. The trailer is not the original one that came with the boat.

I have only had the boat out twice. It is very difficult to load the boat because the bow stop sits so high. If the boat is on the bunks the bow stop is about even with the top of the boat. I have to sink the trailer, attach the winch, and then pull out slowly while someone positions the boat to settle on the bunks.

I would assume that the boat should rest on the bunks and that the bow stop should just limit the forward movement of the boat. If this is the case, my bow stop needs to be about 6 inches lower.

I think I should remove the bow stop, position the boat correctly on the trailer, and then position the bow stop against the boat at a lower point so it is not putting upward pressure on the bow.

Logic tells me this is right, but I wanted to check with you guys to make sure my assumptions are correct.

Thanks for any and all help!!

Everything that you think is right is right.

you have the right idea.

Yep, get the boat positioned on the trailer so your tongue weight is right, then adj your bow stop to fit.

Great! Thanks guys!!

One additional point, try to have the bow stop actually contact the boat on the white gel coat under any graphics on the hull sides. Otherwise, your bow stop will eventually damage the graphics or hull paint.