tomcat float-on trailer bow catcher upgrade?

john8lyons

Hi All,

I have a 2008 Float-On trailer for our 2008 Tomcat. The trailer tows really well - great design. We tow a fair bit over rough AK roads and this year I noticed that the fronts of both keels are starting to rub through the carpet on the bow catcher crossmember. The last time I launched I added another layer of carpet but in just one trip (~200 miles) the bows rubbed through that as well.

I keep the winch strap tight but I've noticed that the older trailers have the winch mounted such that it pulls at an upward angle on the bow eye. I wonder if this allows for more movement of the bow when towing? In looking at newer Tomcats on Float-On trailers, it seems that they lowered the winch for a straight pull to the bow eye. This might also help with the problem of the gap between the boat and trailer when retrieving? We always have an inch or two between the bow and bow catcher once on flat ground and have to roll forward at 10-15 mph and then hit the brakes to slide the boat forward into the bow catcher - not ideal.

Has anyone replaced the carpet on their bow catcher with some other material? Was considering something like plastic bunk covers that claim to be fiberglass safe (non-marking). https://www.easternmarine.com/4-x-12-stoltz-bump-pad-pad-4112

Any reason not to do this? I've reached out to Float-On to ask about this but they haven't returned my messages.

-John

thataway · Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2024 6:35 pm Post subject:

I also used a turnbuckle with chain, bow eye to frame, to bring the bow down snug on the cross member.

I have seen a number of trailers with something like this dock edge protector. This is not the specific one I had In mind, but similar:

.

Some are face mount--or two of these, One on the bottom and one on the top.

john8lyons · Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2024 6:42 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Bob. The dock protector and turnbuckle are good ideas.

In looking at more trailer photos, I also see that my crossmember needs diagonal braces to the ladder and winch tower. It's started to bow forward from hitting it repeatedly between driving the boat on and having to slide it forward after retrieving.

thataway · Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2024 6:56 pm Post subject:

Here is a photo of the Float On trailer I had for the TC 255. The cross bar is tied to the winch post.

My Caracal cat has braces which come back from the cross bar to the trailer frame, aft. Both have the eye bolt thru the trailer under the bow eye, for tightening and preventing the bows from riding further forward.

I have often done the trick with the brakes. The geometry when the boat's stern is still floating, allows the boat's bow to rock back from the cross bar, as the hulls settle off onto the trailer bunks instead of floating.

john8lyons · Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2024 7:22 pm Post subject:

Here's mine. Not the best photo since the bow rub rail channel is removed and draped over the trailer (topic for a different post!). My neighbor welds aluminum from time to time. Might have to see if he can weld a couple supports to the post.

Bob - you'll notice that I took your advice from a couple years ago and built a boat shed to protect the investment over the long AK winters. It's been great to have a dry place to work on the boat!