Trailer Question - spec and set up needed

abl1111 · #1 11-01-2004, 10:03 AM

What's up guys. Long time, no type. Thinking about pulling her out ( a 1975 23' Tsunami ) within the next month, and I need some trailer specs from you. The trailer that came w/ my boat, a Florida-made brand, mid 80's, ROCKET trailer, is a P.O.S., but it will work perfectly for the (2) hauls a season I do. It probably was a great trailer when new - double axle, I-beam construction.

OK, if you could give me some measurements and advice:

What is the dead center distance of the bunk beds for your trailer ? Roughly, what is the height of these beds from the trailer frame?

Anyone know where I can read up on, or how to fit my boat to the trailer ( I know it is supposed to be the other way around, but this is what I have ) ? ---- i.e. Haul the boat on the trailer then using bottle jacks lift the boat and correctly adjust the bunks, rollers, tongue weight - etc, so it is "right"

Lastly, where is the cheapest place to buy 12" stoltz rollers w/ brackets ?

Thx,

Alan

ScottM · #2 11-01-2004, 10:21 AM

Alan,
If I'm reading you correctly, you're going to keep the current trailer and make some upgrades and modifactions, right? If so, contact Rocket directly and see if they can give you the specs to set it up. Here is their web site - http://www.boatsho.com/FL/fb5402/ind...ealerID=fb5402 .

If you're going to buy a new trailer, typically the manufacturer can set it up for you just by knowing the make and size of your boat.

abl1111 · #3 11-01-2004, 07:19 PM

Thx Scott. I just shot them off an e mail. I think that I tried the original manuf. route awhile ago and either I could not find them or they could not help. I forget which. We'll see how this lead goes.

In the meantime, if you or anyone else has that centerline bunkbed measurement - I'd appreciate it. A 23' SeaCraft, in terms of hull dimensions, should be exact - so I can get started on that adjustment now ( I hate working on a trailer - it is knucklebusting and so unrewarding - " great, it works..." )

alan

ocuyler · #4 11-01-2004, 08:30 PM

My 23CC sits on a Continental Aluminum I-beam bunk trailer. The bunks are on 51" centers. It could probably be as little as 46", But no more than 53". The 4" wide x 6" high bunks are are 6" above the I-beams on the outside. The taper slightly inward to follow the contour of the hull so the entire 4" is touching hull.

IMO, the bunks should extend slightly beyond the transom to be sure you have proper support. A transom saver should always be used on an outboard when entended trailering. Finally, IMO, the tongue weight on a 23 should not exceed 400 pounds and the ball should be at a height that allows the trailer to be exactly level.

I'll be pleased to post images, if you wish.

rockdoc · #5 11-01-2004, 08:52 PM

Anyone have similar measurements for a 20' Seacraft?
I'm seriously considering switching the trailer that's under my Seafari from rollers to bunks.

Steve

abl1111 · #6 11-14-2004, 04:02 PM

Five Boat, or anyone else,

Worked on my trailer all day - not fun. Just wanted to confirm a few things for a float-on trailer:

FYI: Rocket Trailers of Fla, is no more ( at least trailers made prior to 1994 )

The centerline of the bunks are what ? on a 23' SeaCraft ?

Otto stated... " bunks are on 51" centers...could probably be as little as 46", but no more than 53". The 4"w x 6"h bunks are 6" above the I-beams on the outside. They taper slightly inward to follow the contour of the hull so the entire 4" is touching hull".

This makes sense, but I want to make sure.

Anyone have pictures of their trailer set up and exactly where the bunks sit on the hull ? Otto ?

Also, what do you use on the top of the bunks to allow the trailer to slide on ?

Where is the definitive place to buy trailer frame material - I need an 8' pc of 2x4 galvanized "box tube" to replace my trailer tongue

And, what special prep is needed when welding a galvanized trailer ?

Thx. Season here on Long Island will be winding down soon - 2-3 more weeks. It's getting as cold as a "witches tit "

ocuyler · #7 11-15-2004, 11:33 AM

abl,

Here's an image of the starboard side bunk:

It sits almost directly under the inner stringers. The centers in this image are 51". You do not need to put anything on top of the bunks (other than carpet, of course) as the bunks should be submerged when you drive the boat on.

ocuyler · #8 11-15-2004, 11:51 AM

rocdoc,

An equivalent measurement on my 20' Seafari bunks are 43" on center.

bjfg144 · #9 11-15-2004, 01:02 PM

I have a 20 CC and it fits well on the trailer I have. But considering putting a seabracket on the back of my boat. The end of the boat then would sit back off the trailer. I know I can extend the bunks. But the lights would be in the same place. Would it be better to purchase a new trailer either as Rocket or a Continental since they are two local manufacturers?
I heard Rocket is back in business there web-page is on the net. [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

ocuyler · #10 11-15-2004, 01:20 PM

John,

Here's an image of the SeaMark bracket from Hermco. Because the bracket is not on the same plane as the hull, I guess you could modify a trailer to extend the bunks and put a spacer in there, but I've never seen that. My sence is that the tounge weight would change after you intalled a bracket and the boat would have to be adjusted closer to the front. Interesting subject - any thoughts you guys?