Brought her home

[SgtAlf]

So I finally towed Sea Holli home from Pocket Yacht, 162 miles. I discovered right quick fast that the trailer starts to sway at 58 MPH. I pulled out onto 301/50 north and accelerated to get up to speed. Next thing I know the trailer is just swaying left n right. I glanced at the speedo 62 MPH. I let off the gas and slowed to stop the sway. I ran 55 MPH until I was on 301 all by myself. I started accelerate slowly. sure enough at 58 I could just start to feel a slight sway, at 57 no sway. so it was 57 MPH all the way home. Now I'm sitting out this Nor' Easter! I can't win. 🙁

 

[ixlr8]

Good for you getting your boat. Sounds like the boat needs to be re-positioned on the trailer. I know that Ranger changed from a 2 axle trailer to a 3 axle trailer on the 27OB due to not being able to get boat balanced on the 2 axle trailer. I think the boat needs to be moved further forward on the trailer to stop the swaying. Or at least move some stuff further forward in the boat if you can to get more weight on the tongue.

 

[jagizzi]

The tongue weight for my R-23 is about 480 pounds. folks thought that was light but it tracks fine and has always been stable.

If you have a genset in the boat it could make that tongue weight even less as it sits in the stern compartment. I agree with Jim that you should try to move weight forward on the trailer, or in the boat.

Also, you can use the truck scale on the freeway to get your weights, just make sure that you aren't in line at rush hour as you will want to be able to go in and get the weights from them, or at least have them displayed for you. I needed my daughter in the truck as well to write them down while I moved through.

That should give you some understanding of what is most likely your problem.

You will love the boat and trailering, while never easy and relaxed, isn't bad once you have it worked out.

Jim

 

[SgtAlf]

Well Jim and Jim,
1. the ball was low causing a slight nose down axis of the trailer. Pocket Yachts suggested I turn the receiver over for 2" more height to level the trailer some more.
2. the boat was empty, no gear at all, not much fuel, and empty tanks save some antifreeze.
3. She was cranked up as tight as we could make it. I couldn't say if she was centered left to right.
4. When I take her to the marina in April I won't be on a highway so the speed won't matter.
5. Thanks for the input, if I have to tow long distance I'll add weight to the front. I'd hate to drive from NJ to GA at 57 MPH!

 

[Red Raven]

Weigh safe makes ball mounts with an integrated scale. Pretty handy but a bit pricey. I have one and am happy with it.

https://www.weigh-safe.com

Curt