[Rhodes22-list] Trailer Measurements

Fri Jul 30 09:59:59 EDT 2004

Bob and Slim,

Tiedown Engineering makes self-centering plastic bunk slides to fit 2x6
bunks.  After having similar problems getting the fore/aft weight
distribution just right, this product completely solved the problem on my
Starwind keel/cb boat by enabling the trailer winch to pull the boat forward
in the parking lot after retrieval. Basically, the plastic slides reduce
friction (just like Stan said).  It works like a dream!

I think the problem and setup is very similar on the R22, so I have also
purchased them for my Triad -- but not installed or used them with the
Rhodes yet.  The Rhodes is 3 feet longer and twice as heavy as the Starwind,
but I think the product will work equally well on the Rhodes.

I ordered them from Overton's (part number 27606) www.overtons.com .  A
Triad with 12' bunks will need two complete kits.  I'm planning to replace
the Triad 12' 2x6 bunks with 14' (cantilevered 1' fore and aft) because I
want to support the forward hull of my '84 a little more in the front and
think and extra foot in the back may help loading a bit too.

I hope this helps you.

PT

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Dilk" <Robert.Dilk at TRW.COM>
To: <stan at rhodes22.com>; <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 8:13 AM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Trailer Measurements

thanks
One thing I miss in eastern Tennessee is the lack of a west marine. I will
look online.

Bob

>>> "stan" <stan at rhodes22.com> 07/28/04 03:56AM >>>
they are available commercially at places like West Marine
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Dilk" <Robert.Dilk at TRW.COM>
To: <stan at rhodes22.com>; <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 10:50 AM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Trailer Measurements

What is the detail on the "sliders".

thanks

Bob Dilk

>>> "stan" <stan at rhodes22.com> 07/27/04 08:04AM >>>
Slim

Last one before I get to work:

If you put sliders on your bunks and a larger winch, once the trailer with
boat is partly out of the water, stop and winch boat further up.

If you have not heard this story here it is:

I took a boat to the Cedar Point Boat Show (Lake Erie) where I never had
trouble launching - only this time the lake was so low I could not get the
boat off the trailer.  I went to the show and they sent a tug boat over to
pull the boat off into the water.  I asked them what do I do about getting
the boat out after the show.  They said, "That's your problem" and steamed
off..

Of course the tide had not come in on Lake Erie after the show so I watched
the motor boat guys getting their boats out.  They would back off, open
throttle and power onto their trailers.

My trailer had experimental plastic on the bunks so I decided to go for it.

I went out into the basin, aimed, open up the throttle .. and closed my
eyes.

The boat went up, on and over the trailer onto the one in front of mine.
Well not exactly, but it did go all the way onto the trailer and was only
stopped by hitting the trailer winch.  True, the trailer winch did get a
dent in it but the boat was fine as was the long tow back to the Plant.

I think plastic bunk pads and an extra large winch would take the place of a
blind power landing, per opening instructions.

stan/gbi

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Steve Alm
To: Rhodes
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 1:01 AM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Trailer Measurements

Bill,

Here's my situation at this point:  When landing Fandango, I can't get it
far enough forward on the trailer.  Many attempts, various ramps,  various
depths,  etc. but always the same result.  At least it's consistent.  If
only the balance were right, it'd be nearly foolproof!  That part gives me
hope.

This spring I bought a pair of WM boat stands and a floor jack.  And I have
trailer jacks on the rear corners of the trailer, and together with the
tongue jack, I raise the trailer as high as it will go on its 3 jacks. This
raises the trailer wheels off the ground. Then I put the boat stands under
the stern quarters and can even raise the hull up some more by cranking the
screws on the boat stands.  Then I pull the tongue extension out of the way
and put the floor jack under the bow, jack it up as high as it will go.  At
this point, you can lower the trailer jacks and the boat is perched on the
floor jack at the bow and the two boat stands in the stern--a nice, sturdy
tripod. Even if one of those stands were to fail, the trailer bunks are only
inches below.

Now I go to the trailer's bow winch clipped to the bow eye of the boat and,
with the boat on the hard, I winch the trailer backwards--farther under the
boat.  I have to lift the boat off the trailer in this way in order to
position the trailer under the boat at the correct balance point, i.e., to
get enough tongue weight.  Needless to say this is a royal PITA, albeit
doable.

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