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C250 WB trailer damage

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jnhiggins
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/11/2010 : 07:14:03

Hi all. When hauling out for the season at Brest Bay Marina, Lake Erie, last fall, wind gusts pushed the boat sharply to the left. The keel smashed into one of the wooden guides on the trailer. It splintered the board and bend the steel upright that holds it. There's no visible damage to the bottom or keel, and the boat sits just fine on the trailer. Two questions: how likely is it that the hull was damaged, and what's the best source of parts for my trailer? No, three questions: Is there a good rule of thumb for putting your trailer at the proper depth before loading up? I've got hull No. 165, a 1995 model.

James V. Higgins

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2010 : 08:18:04

Cross winds can make loading onto the trailer difficult. Interestingly the task can be made better by the answer to your question about depth of the trailer.

If the trailer is positioned at an ideal depth so that the boat just sticks on the bunks and if there is space what I like to do is motor slowly into the wind at a 90 deg angle to the trailer and then at the right moment turn sharply (requires motor linked to rudder) and onto the trailer and stick it before the cross wind can wreak its havoc.

The challenge of course is figuring out the depth and that of course will vary depending upon the ramp. I use my pickup wheels relationship with the water edge as my guide and this came from experience. If using a variety of ramps, I'd probably go for a depth marker stinger located in line with the aft edge of the bunks.

One blustery day required more effort and I was alone in my efforts to load. A very strong cross wind was blowing so I carried an anchor to windward and set it just off the bank (the ramp was in a cove) carrying the rode to the windward jib winch and eased the boat down in line with the trailer.

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2010 : 09:10:14

James, Think about a set of trailer guides which probably would not have allowed your incident. On my C250 like Arlyn said I have a set depth of my truck that I back in [1/2 the exhaust pipe] however I do use the same ramp. I replaced all of my bunk-boards with wood bought at Lowes and padding I made out of furniture moving pads. Perhaps a heavy hammer and a block of wood would straighten the steel up right,
or a welder. The board probably saved the hull, but a good visual after the boat is off the trailer will determine any damage.

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2010 : 04:08:30

Our trailers 'guide posts' are 8' tall!!!!

We try not to even get our rear tires wet!

When retrieving the boat, the bow bunk is lowered and is not below the water.

We use two lines to get JD lined up over the trailer, then winch her up onto the bow bunk.

Pull her out enough to let the last water drain, and if need be, we back the trailer to the point where JD is just able to move on the bunks to try and get her really central (tough as we cannot see the trailer keel bunks) but the very tall posts make it much easier to tell if she's lined up ok.

Finally we haul her up the ramp and when on the flat, we cinch up the winch strap.

Caution with guide posts that are tall: We ALWAYS put the fenders inboard on the deck before moving the boat on/off the trailer. One event of a fender catching the post and bending it way way to much and fearing it might actually break (and sharp edges doing bad things to the hull) was enough to learn to stow the fenders prior to moving the boat on/off the trailer.

So our launch routine is now:
Prep the boat for launch, put fenders on the lifelines and inboard on deck.
Run a 15' dock line from both the fwd and aft cleats on the drivers side, tie the ends and drape them over the rear cleat for travel to the ramp.
Check the line to the swing keel has tension.(Again, one event of the keel dropping as the boat is backed off the trailer was one too many)
Back down the ramp with both winch strap and chain still attached to the bow eye.
When the truck & trailer is lined up and with the bow still over dry ramp, disconnect the winch strap and chain.
Pick up the dock lines hanging on the rear cleat (they are inside the guide posts.)

Peggy backs the truck and trailer and breaks hard before the rear tires get wet, JD slides off the trailer and I have the lines in hand. Peggy pulls the trailer out of the water while I tie up the boat.
I take the truck to the lot while Peggy opens the ballast valves and starts the engine. By the time I get back we're ready to cast off and head out.. (5 day weekend over Memorial day is our next trip)

Paul

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willy
Captain

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USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2010 : 18:03:06

Damn Paul, I NEED A PEGGY! My Joyce likes to come down, lie around the cockpit and read her book <i>after</i> the boat is launched and the rigging tuned! Actually I don't mind....
Willy

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2010 : 20:37:02

Good save Willy

Paul

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.