Time to recarpet the trailer siderails.

Casey · Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2006 7:51 am Post subject:

Steve,

That sound very much like something I'd been thinking about to help center the boat when retrieving.

I'd like to see a picture as well.

Thanks,
Casey
C-Dory Naknek

Dora~Jean · Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 1:25 pm Post subject:

Well the sun isn't shining but at least it's light out, took some photos of my little invention I call "cheek blocks", really works to center the boat. Couldn't use the frame mounting hardware that came with the set, my frame is too large 6" plus distance from the frame to the lower part of the boat side too far. Thought about just making my own set, but already bought them. Cheap hardware with them as you can see (3 yrs old).

Photos start here http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=TrailersandTowing&id=PICT0029&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Here's the first photo to give you an idea of what it is

[img]http://www.c-brats.com/albums/TrailersandTowing/PICT0029.sized[/img]

Steve

SEA3PO · Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 1:43 pm Post subject:

Darn it Steve... I haven't even finished the rounded table corner project and you came up with another great idea...... I have a set of small rollers that came on a tin boat trailer I had years ago that I think I will try to adapt to the tail of my trailer.... to center the boat...great ideas....

Joel
SEA3PO Bat

Sea Skipper · Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2006 11:54 pm Post subject:

Steve

Your auxiliary side guides (cheek blocks) look great. The vertical supports on your trailer appear to be quite substantial. Do you think the L brackets (1-1/2” ? light gauge square tubing) furnished on the units sold by West Marine would have enough strength to hold boat in place?

Thanks,

Dora~Jean · Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2006 1:16 am Post subject:

Hank,

Not sure how substantial those square tubes are that came with the kit, not even sure if I still have them (but knowing me, I 'packed' them away somewhere anyway...).

Yes they should work for helping to center the boat during loading -- if that is, you can get the geometry worked out to attach to the trailer frame AND end up high enough to do some good. What I mean is, as the trailer comes up to meet the rear of the boat while pulling the rig out, the rear of the boat still has to be somewhat movable by the time it reaches the cheek blocks or else it will just jam against an edge of the block and damage either the block or boat. Maybe I was lucky, all the ramps that I use here are all about the same slope which helps a lot. S-l-o-w is the word when pulling the rig out to allow as much time as possible for the bunks and cheek blocks to center the boat.

Might have to fab a suitable method of attachment if the stock rails don't put the blocks where you need them -- that's what I did.

Steve