Setting up new trailer for 1986 18' Outrage help

[biggiefl]

I bought a relatively new trailer for my 18' Outrage and I have everything removed from it and starting from scratch.

It is a 4 bunk(2x6's) about 8' in length with a roller on the next cross member. I am putting new 12" swivel brackets on the outer bunks and 8" on the center bunks.

Does anyone have a setup like this(pretty common) and at what height and width do you have the bunks? Do you set them up on an angle pointing in towards the bow or straight? Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Nick

Fig. 1. Four-bunk trailer with one keel roller.

biggie2.jpeg (55.47 KiB) Viewed 3254 times

[Phil T]

When I have setup my two trailers, I take into consideration:

- Use frequency
- Type(s) of ramps(steep, shallow)
- Water type - lake, river, ocean, inside or outside no-wake zone, current, tide

If used only on the shoulders of a season for launch and retrieve, bunks are ideal. Easy to outfit, inexpensive.
If used frequently on the ocean, strong currents, steep ramps; 4-6 keel rollers, bunks, tongue extension and side rollers are appropriate.

Have you reviewed this thread and its links?
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/018356.html

[biggiefl]

My boat primarily sits on a lift in my back yard. I launch primarily in brackish water that is usually well protected. I am also installing guide posts. In FL it is "illegal" to power up on your trailer, although nobody follows that rule. It can undermine the ramp. Most ramps here are deep ramps and usually very well engineered. FL has amazing boat ramps compared to NJ and probably many other states.

The post you hyperlinked is 10yrs old and none of the links work. We have debated this for many, many years, and a properly set up bunk trailer is as good, if not more supportive, than keel rollers. Especially the way I am setting mine up. My new guide-on posts are on their way as well. I am debating removing the front roller for a V as the V will not take out my gelcoat if I miss the roller. For now I will be extra careful.

[ConB]

My 1987 Outrage 18 trailer is 4 bunks also.
Keel bunks touch at forward end and about 18” apart at stern. I think this makes the boat load centered.
The starboard outer bunk needs to miss the sump drain.
Trial and error fitting is required.

Con

[biggiefl]

Con;

Do you have any pics you could send me or post?

If not can you post some measurements like how long the bunks are, how far apart, etc? I think the touching in front is a good idea. My friend has that but his trailer is larger and the front bunks are half as long as mine. If I move my inside bunks up to the other cross members that could work and also guide the boat onto the roller, or just remove it.

I believe the rear bunks need to be about 35” apart but clear the clambshell.

Thanks,

[ConB]

Nick,

I emailed the best and only picture I have.

If I was setting up your trailer I would get the center 2 bunks set right. And then with the boat on the trailer move the out side bunks up to the bottom with the rig sitting in the parking lot.

Con

[jimh]

Numbering the bunk positions seen in the illustration (Figure 1 above) from left to right as 1-2-3-4, it appears that bunks 1 and 3 are longer than 2 and 4. Maybe the previously owner put the trailer together and got the bunks mixed up. I would expect positions 1 and 4 (outer pair) to be the same length and then 2 and 3 (inner pair) to be the same length. As for which pair should be the long bunks, I can't say. I would guess that the outer pair at the aft end of the trailer perhaps should be longer because they will pick up the hull and align it before the inner bunks.

Also, I'd put on a wider roller; a 12-inch roller will be sure to always keep the boat keel on the roller as the boat is being initially loaded on the trailer.

[biggiefl]

Optical illusion Jim. 1 & 4 are longer than 2 & 3 by about 6". If I were to swap out the roller(it is brand new), I would put a PVC "V" instead.

[biggiefl]

The trailer was completed on Saturday. I moved the center bunks to the next cross member and much closer together right up to the roller as to guide to the keel roller.. We then put all new wiring & LED lights as well as new Guide-ons. Looking like a real trailer now. The only thing now besides tweaking it is new safety chains. Not sure if I want to go with cable or chains. Being the light weight of this rig, probably chains. Need to figure out a good place to attach them to.