Boat trailer Question

[Don't Say]

What should the distance be from the ball hitch to the winch? I think my boat sits back to far on the trailer.
The distance on mine is a little more than 4 feet, and the boat hangs over the trailer 2 feet, 1 foot past the bunks. you can hardly see the tail lights and license plate.

P.S. There is only 77lbs of weight on the ball when the tongue is level.

Question: Can I move my boat forward without compromising towing safety ?

 

[bassboy1]

Moving forward will increase safety, and be better for your boat. The boat needs to be placed so that the bunks are just barely protruding from behind the transom. Adding tongue weight won't hurt, providing you aren't towing with a compact car. In fact, more tongue weight is often a good thing. Plus, with the transom hanging past the bunks, the heaviest section of boat (holds the motor) and the part that needs the most support, is no longer supported. That is how boats develop hooks in teh hull. Now, what you will lose is convenience. You might find it harder to open tailgate or rear doors of the tow vehicle, and you will have to back a little deeper to launch. I usually like 4 feet in front of the winch post, but obviously, if you don't have the option of placing the boat correctly, and having a long tongue, I would opt for the former.

 

[Zum]

I think I read somewhere that the tongue weight should be 10-15%of the total weight including trailer,so if boat,motor,trailer,batteries,etc is 1200lbs,around 120lbs should be on the tongue.Some people to get this have to move there axle back.
Your transom should be supported as BB said.
I went through this with my trailer,only have about 20 inches to the winch now.Makes it a little harder to back up but you will get used to it and now the stern has support.

 

[Jim]

:WELCOME:

Thanks for joining!

I agree with Bassboy1 and Zum! Are you towing with a truck? What kind of boat is it? Jon or bass type?

 

[Don't Say]

My boat is a 14' Sea Nymph. I'm towing with a Ford Ranger. I posted some pic's on "Post pic's of your boat" thread.