Champ 188 unloading from trailer

Question for owners of 188's or any other size with this problem.

On all boats I've had previously, which has included a Champion, I only had to back into the water to the top of the tires and the boat would come off the trailer with motor in reverse at idle with no problem. They would also load just fine with trailer backed in to same depth.

This one (2008 188cx w/200 opti) is a different story, it's a single axle trailer just like all the rest but almost no amount of reverse will get it off the trailer (I realize I could back in a further and it would come off much easier). I just want to make sure something's not awry. It also will not load all the way just backed into the top of tires or even with water just to top of fenders. Is this normal for these boat/trailer combos to have to back in so far?

This only happens when I'm alone and back in and get out and try to unload the boat. If I'm with partner they can back in until the boat floats and comes off.

Anyone else had this problem?

Thanks in advance.

A lot depends on the ramp. On my 203, I have the safety hook on the bow, back it in till it begins to drop down off the bow roller. Then I stop, get in and gently back it off the trailer (after undoing the safety hook, of course).

Loading I have the fenders just barely above the water most of the time, but it's really ramp sensitive. Some just at the water level, some a bit above, to get the boat to settle right before it gets to the bow roller.

For my single axle 183 I usually need to put the top of the fenders just at water level to load it good on most ramps. If it's a shallow ramp I'll leave the fenders out of the water but put the top of the tires at water level. If it's a steep ramp then I usually need to put the top of the fenders about 3-4 inches below water level.

The axle on the newer trailers seems to be set back further on the trailer than older model trailers. This effects how far you need to back in and so I think what your experiencing is a result of this.

I'm in the same boat (so to speak).. My prev 2 Champs did not need the trailer quite so deep.... I don't see it as a problem....just a learning experience...

New Champs definately load different. Steep ramps are the trickiest, not in far enough can't get to the eye, in to far the back of the boat is still floating. Don't worry as soon as the carpet on the bunks wear a little bit this won't be a problem.

I have notice this too , It seems that the bunks are higher than my first Champ . I only had to back in till I could see the top of the fenders now I am backing in till the fenders are under water a couple of inches . Others have said that the boat sits very high on the trailer . Dave how is it going are we having fun with the new ride ...

When I'm by myself. I leave it hooked at the bow. Back in till it floats. In the summer, I'll sometimes have to ankle deep to the tongue, Most ramps around here won't float it off with the truck out of the water. Winter, I'll crawl over the bed of the truck to stay out of the water. If I have someone else, I'll power unload them, back in then stop abruptly. They slide right off out of the way of the next boat waiting to unload.

+1 http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lea &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm in the same boat (so to speak).. My prev 2 Champs did not need the trailer quite so deep.... I don't see it as a problem....just a learning experience...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have a 188 with a single axle trailer. I have to back it in so that the fenders are just under the water, or the top of the fender is barely (I mean barely) showing out of the water. At this level I can get the boat off by myself, and I can load it fine.