Trailer Wheels

J

J & C

New member
We have launched our C16 Angler twice now and it is barely possible at our local ramp with the Forrester as I"m having to back really far in order to get the boat to start to float off. The trailer has 14 inch rims and tires resulting in a total wheel diameter of 26 inches. They fit "snug" in the fenders. Any reason I couldn't swap into 13 or even 12 inch rims and drop the trailer lower? I have about 6 inches of clearance for the outboard when it is in the down position.

Thanks

Chris
 
If your 14 wheels have 5 lugs then you might be able to buy 13in wheels with 5 lugs it should fit . It would be pretty spendy to lose an in or two at the ramp .You might want to add a little more tougue on your trailer that would get the same results . 12in wheels would not be good to small and hard to find replacements when traveling. If you post a picture you might get some better advise Good luck
 
Thanks for the fast response. I hadn't thought about the glides for the bunks. I can get 13in rims with 5 lugs and tires that will drop me down from 26" to 22" diameter so 2" lower. Add the glides and I should be good to go!

Chris
 
Suggest you might try the glides first. You may be able to save your bigger wheels and a few bucks. The bigger wheels will probably give you a better ride and greater load capacity. If it doesn't work you can always ad on plan B.

Chris
 
You might also take a look at this "Xtend-a-hitch" product. In brief, this is a hitch extension that mounts to the trailer. You tow with the normal coupler on the trailer but when you get near the ramp, you drop the trailer, extend this piece (with a new coupler) and reconnect for the launch. Different extension lengths area available. See the web site for more info.
 
I back in until the trailer fenders are under water. Then I wade in with my rubber boots and push the boat off. It's easy, but it does require a nudge. With your 4wd Forrester you shouldnt have any problem pulling out.
 
More great advice. Thanks. One reason for choosing the C-Dory was the access to such a great resource here. The extend a hitch looks a little involved and starts at $329. What about one of these: http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm ... goryID=215. Its the folding hitch - which isn't a feature I need - but it does add 34" and is only $150 plus shipping and looks easier to install.

I back in until the trailer fenders are under water. Then I wade in with my rubber boots and push the boat off. It's easy, but it does require a nudge. With your 4wd Forrester you shouldnt have any problem pulling out.
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In order to get the boat just starting to float the stern off the trailer the back end of my Forrester is buried under water - rear wheels, electrical hook-up and exhaust :shock: . The Forrester is fine for pulling it out - I have the 5 speed manual.

Alternatively I could try the "ejection" method I observed yesterday. A 22' Sea Sport launched by backing up and then braking to slide it off the trailer...

Chris
 
The hitting the brakes is a fairly common manuever. There are some down sides, in that you don't have total control over the boat.

There are also "low profile" tires. You might go to an auto tire, but with the C Dory 16, the load is so light that the stiffer side walls may not be an issue. My C Dory 22 came with auto tires on it, and I kept them--worked fine with lots of miles.

If you change the length of the hitch, you make some change in the trailer balance. I suspect that you can make your own, extend a hitch for considerably less than the factory built unit. Also with a boat as light as the C Dory 16, you might be able to use a tongue dolly and hand launch the trailer--use the car to pull it back out.
 
If you have room in your garage or wherever you keep your boat I would add the one for $150 and be done with it it would give you another 3ft and launching should be good thats what i suggested before just add another 3b4 in galv piece about 3ft will do it
 
Adding a trailer hitch extension onto the trailer will work. The extension just slides out from the trailer frame. I had this built on my sailboat trailer for minimal cost and only adds about 2 min or less to the launch time.

Harvey
SleepyC
 
jennykatz":1db4xqmk said:
If you have room in your garage or wherever you keep your boat I would add the one for $150 and be done with it it would give you another 3ft and launching should be good thats what i suggested before just add another 3b4 in galv piece about 3ft will do it
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I was initially thinking that a hitch extension would be too expensive/complicated but after further thought and looking at available options the extension using the folding hitch is both cheaper and more effective. Fabricating my own is a little beyond my abilities. A lot of woodworking, epoxy and some fiberglass experience but no metal work. Ordered the folding hitch today and will add it to the many pending boat projects...

Thanks everyone for the advice and insight.

Chris
 
J & C":b62kha6y said:
Alternatively I could try the "ejection" method I observed yesterday. A 22' Sea Sport launched by backing up and then braking to slide it off the trailer...

Chris
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I've used this "method" a few times @ the Everett boa ramps @ really minus tides with the 25. It has bunks, but they are just carpeted. Works great as long as you're controlled in your reverse speed.

I'd have to agree with some of the above advice. Wheels/tires would be my last resort. Smaller diameter tires=more revolutions=harder working bearings too.
 
There is a product called Liquid Rollers that is available through most marina supply stores. You simply spay it on your bunks once they dry after launch, let it dry then put the boat back on the trailer. There's a warning on the can not to remove the safety chain before getting the boat backed down to the water. This is no joke. The bunks are extremely slick once treated and if you remove the chain before backing down the ramp you'll drop your boat on the ramp. I make sure no-one removes my chain for me in preperation for launch and double check before getting back in the truck. It does make launching much easier and probably reduces bottom wear also.
 
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