Help with trailer for MonArk 1648

[Bantou]

While getting all of the trailer lights rigged up this weekend, I noticed some things with the trailer that concern me. The middle roller doesn’t fit the bottom of the boat well, putting all of the pressure on the center rib. I think it is also a little tall because there is visible space between the bottom of the boat and the runners for about the first foot or so.

Are these things ok, or a “down the road” fix, or a “fix it yesterday” issue?

There are also some issues with the winch/winch support that I’m probably going to have to address. The trailing arm is too tall and hits the eye hook on the boat while loading/unloading while also not preventing the boat from running all the way up to the winch.

I’m not sure if I should move it down and try to adjust the angle so the boat goes over the winch, or just move it down and add a flat bump stop like you would find on a pontoon.

Many thanks for the help,
Bantou

Edit to add: I know the bunks need new carpet at a minimum and probably just need to be replaced outright. The plan is to do that once I have the boat put back together and can leave it floating on my folks' pond for a couple of days.

 

[FuzzyGrub]

That roller on the winch arm should contact the boat infront of the eyehook. The winch rope goes under the roller. That helps stop the boat from shifting forward.

 

[Stand Up]

I don't think that is the correct trailer for the 1648 flat bottom. The trailer looks like it is for a V bottom boat.
You may be able to make it work if you get rid of the center roller and make the bunks longer. The bunks should be sticking out past the transom by 2 inches or so and should extend forward to just where the boat rises at the front of the hull. Be sure your bunk at the front of the boat rests on a rib to prevent denting the boat bottom.

 

[Bantou]

That roller on the winch arm should contact the boat infront of the eyehook. The winch rope goes under the roller. That helps stop the boat from shifting forward.

That seems counter intuitive but it does sit better on the trailer now. Thank you

 

[Bantou]

I don't think that is the correct trailer for the 1648 flat bottom. The trailer looks like it is for a V bottom boat.
You may be able to make it work if you get rid of the center roller and make the bunks longer. The bunks should be sticking out past the transom by 2 inches or so and should extend forward to just where the boat rises at the front of the hull. Be sure your bunk at the front of the boat rests on a rib to prevent denting the boat bottom.

It’s entirely possible that it isn’t the correct trailer. The boat and trailer were part of a lot from a creditor’s auction after the army corps decided not to renew the marina’s lease. I got the impression that they were just slapping boats on whatever trailer they would fit on.

As much as I don’t want to do it, I may have to take the boat off and put it on the ground for a few days. I’ve probably got enough scrap steel and lumber laying around to extend the bunks. Probably have to take an angle grinder to the roller. Just about every nut on that trailer besides the lugs is locked up with rust.

 

[Bantou]

I don't think that is the correct trailer for the 1648 flat bottom.

You are correct. The trailer looks exactly like a Haul Master 14-16 1000 which appears to be designed for a v-bottom jon. Looking at their flat bottom trailers, it looks like they just replaced the roller with a bunk run perpendicular to the trailer. That should be easy enough for me to fabricate.

 

[Stand Up]

You are correct. The trailer looks exactly like a Haul Master 14-16 1000 which appears to be designed for a v-bottom jon. Looking at their flat bottom trailers, it looks like they just replaced the roller with a bunk run perpendicular to the trailer. That should be easy enough for me to fabricate.

When I purchased my jon it came with a sea-doo trailer. It sort of worked but I ended up replacing the bunks and adjusting other things to make it fit.
The trailer you have can be modified to work without to much trouble.
Have at er'.

 

[Bantou]

Pulled the front roller last night but it was too cold to do much else. As per usual with this project, I found more that needs to be done once I got into it. The bunk brackets are rusted to hell and will need to be replaced. Center rollers also don’t fit the bottom of the hull and will need to be removed.

Is there any reason I can’t just bolt the new bunks directly to the frame?

I’m thinking 2-2x4x12s down the center and 2-2x4x8s down the outsides (all laid flat) should provide plenty of support. If I lay them flat, I could run carriage bolts through the frame without having to buy or make new brackets. I'll probably have to relocate the back up lights if I do it that way, but that shouldn't be a big deal. I left extra wire just in case.

 

[FuzzyGrub]

I like the idea of using the four 2x4 on their side. It will provide very strong support. I wouldn't mount them direct to the frame, though. There are brackets designed for this and don't think they are that expensive.

You may need height adjustment to clear the fenders and to align with your winch post. They also allow for some angle adjustment, but might not be needed if it is a true flat bottom. If cost is the issue, consider only using one pair of 2x4s, which will still be more than enough support.

 

[Bantou]

The boat rides between the fenders, so clearance there isn't going to be an issue. I'm actually considering adding a set of guide-on bunks to make sure I don't accidentally wind up on the fender while loading. The posts that are currently on there are set too wide and welded into place where I can't adjust them in. The back two are going to get new hardware and PVC Pipe extensions so that I can actually see where the trailer is while backing (it's narrower than my truck and too short/low to see over the bed, even with the boat on it). The front two will come off entirely if I decide to add guide-on bunks.

I see what you mean about the winch post though. As it sits right now, the 2xs are sitting flush on the frame and upright. That seems to line the boat up pretty well with the winch post. I don't have a good picture of it, but the post is adjustable. I'll have to look at it this evening and see if I am on the bottom hole or if it can be dropped down some more.

I have enough scrap steel laying around and the tools to fab up new brackets (I could even powder coat them if I wanted). I just really don't want to unless I have to; but, I'm too cheap to pay for something that I can make myself. Once I get the bunks, I'll do a test fit and see if everything fits without the supports or if I am going to need them.