Bottom height from ground on trailer

[mbigpops]

I have spec . ed out my new trailer except for the height of the bunks. How high off of ground level should the boat bottom be to safely launch without the prop hitting the ground?

Mark

[quitchabitchin]

This is different for each model of boat due to different draft heights and setups. I would be less worried about the prop hitting during launch as the rear of the boat will float off of the trailer as you go deeper into the water. The big issue is on dry land, as you go over bimbos, curbs, etc. My boat has a draft of around 19-20" and at the transom, the hull is 28-29"off of the ground when hooked to my truck on level ground. I have a steep driveway and have to be very careful backing n and pulling out or my rudder will drag. I suggest using a trailer with a notch back and a prop cage to protect your prop and rudder.

[quitchabitchin]

****bumps*****, not bimbos, damn autocorrect on the iPad got me....

The big issue is on dry land, as you go over bimbos, curbs, etc.

[Doug P]

Here is a unique trailer made for a 17'Custom CC.
It lowers the boat into the water hydraulically

[jfrprops]

I have messed up more with bimbos than curbs......guess I should curb my interest in bimbos

John in Va.

[Peter M Jardine]

Yep, those Bimbos come in a lot of different heights, and I've been known to trail along behind a few myself

[mfine]

Ask any Donzi owner...The bimbos go IN THE BOAT not under the trailer!!! Mother-in-laws are a different story.

As for the bunk height, that depends on a lot of factors. Higher is better when driving, lower is better when launching and retrieving. The best bet for an outboard is a prop/rudder cage so the trailer hits pavement, not the expensive brass parts. A prop strike on asphalt can damage the prop, shaft, bearings, the bottom of the hull etc. Not good! The closer to the nearest axel, the lower you can go, but the axel location is primarily determined by balance. The condition of your roads and the ramp angle can also push you to go higher or lower.

[mfine]

Forgot to mention, a longer tongue will compensate for higher bunks. The big issue with high bunks is getting the boat on and off before your truck gets wet or floats away (see YouTube for a good laugh). The long tongue makes storage harder and maneuvering in tight spaces is harder but backing up with plenty of room is actually easier.