stratos trailer help

[googly]

I have a heck of a time at two of the launches near my home where I fish a lot.
The one launch is located between two docks which come out over the water. there is a manufacturing plant nearby that draws water from the canal to cool machinery. It creates a very fast side current. There is no way to get to the trailer between the docks unless you power it on the trailer. If you are not dead nutts you are in trouble. The bunks on my trailer straddle the hull with no room for error. If you are even a bit off it kicks the board sideways and your done. I have tried tightening the brackets with lock washers, but the boat still kicks them. I have even tried the loose method and thats worse. At times I have had to get out of the way of other boats and literally jack the boat up on the trailer to straighten out the bunk boards. I have been experimenting with shallow, deep, and in between for trailer depth. I have come to the conclusion that some kind of guides are in order. I know this has been hashed out before but this situation with the current is extreme. There are no other launches close by without going ten miles and locking through locks. Please take a look at the pics and feel free to offer some advice. Well of course i will get some "kidding around answers", but this is a serious problem. Any help appreciated.

[Chris85]

the bunks look fine to me. How far are you backing the trailer in? I would say to the top of the tire should be it. The carpeted fender is there to act as a guide. The bunks should be on the trailer so that there is some movement allowed, you dont want them locked into place. I dont think you would want the bunks not to hold the boat as centered as possible would you? they look good to me, tight against the pad like that. You have a drive on trailer, driving the boat on and off is a very effective way to load and unload your boat. If you're not sure how to align the boat when idling to the trailer try to watch some other guys who successfully drive their boats on. In current situations you need to get a good angle, its hard for me to explain in words. You're saying the docks actually "come out over the water".

[googly]

I have no problem driving the boat on at other launches. Let me try to explain.
Theres maybe at best 15 feet between the docks. The come out about ten feet over the water. The ramp is about 15-20 feet up toward shore between them. The current is so strong you have to come in against it. By the time you hit the bunks the back end is already pushed way toward the dock on the downcurrent side. If you try to power it on and don't hit the bunks dead nutts you are already done. Hard to describe but you would have to experience it. Yes the fenders are partially out of the water. We have tried it at several depths and it is always the same. It is only these two launches on this canal because of the current. There are no ther launches on this part of the canal. You can see how tight the bunks are to the hull. You have to hit it just right or it tips the bunk and the hull rides up on the tipped bunk.

[buster502]

sounds to me like you answered your own question,THERE IS ONLY TWO LAUNCHES ON THE CANAL BECAUSE OF CURRENT,the only thing you might try is to put a electric wench on it and leave the trailer so the water is about half way up on the wheels then wench it the rest of the way,good luck with it and be careful

[Mick]

Why don't you try and put a weld on it to stop it moving or drill and tap another bolt in.
That would stop your bunks from rolling over, that is the problem isn't it ?

Cheers

Mick

[Florida294]

It may look goofy but you could probably add some PVC guides at the rear of the trailer to help you guide the boat on. I have them on my saltwater boat and you can't miss.

[THERAKE]

I load my 21ss with the outer bunk front tip just barely sticking out of the water and I center the boat on it,ease up let the two front bunks guide the boat and then ease up on the trailer and it hits perfect every time. Good luck

[bass-n-fire]

I agree with Mick. My bunks are welded in place, therefore, they do not move. This seems like the most appropriate action. Just my opinion.

[googly]

Okay Mick, I have taken your advice as the first step. I have added another braket inside the welded standard that will keep the bunks from moving. We will see how that works. I will let you know when I get to try it.

[ezmuny13]

pending on the ramps and water depths,my sweet spot (tandem trailer) let the water get to the top of the rim on the front wheels

[Mick]

Googly

Have you given your trailer a go with the new welded brackets. ?

I figured that might help as my Stratos has welded brackets bolted to the bunks.

Cheers

Mick

[googly]

I got out twice but not at the same canal, no problem getting it on. Hope to try the canal this weekend but rain forecasted all weekend. I think it may just work though.