How do you use tilt boat trailer?

Answer 1

A tilt trailer is the best type of trailer to have I think, since you don't need a boat ramp to launch your boat. I have a tilt trailer.

First, make sure your boat and trailer are balanced properly. The boat weight should be forward of the axle slightly, so that the trailer does not tilt when the bow of the boat is touching the bow stop. Balance the trailer and boat by adjusting the axle and bow stop positions on the frame. (The tongue weight also has to be right, of course.) Also, if your trailer has bunks, the majority of the boat's weight should be on the keel rollers and not the bunks. Finally, all the tilt trailers that I have seen have a safety chain wrapped underneath the trailer tongue to keep the trailer from tilting too much. I think that's a good feature to have.

When launching, back up to the water (on the beach or boat ramp) until the water is deep enough. This depends on your boat and prop length. For my boat, I back up until the water level is just below the wheel bearings or axle. Pull the tilt pin. Also, some tilt trailers have a lever that lowers the bunks to reduce friction. Start to slide the boat backwards, holding onto a bow line. If your boat is heavy, you may want to use the winch to control the speed, as the boat can accelerate as the trailer tilts. As the boat moves backwards, the trailer automatically tilts back. The boat just rolls along the keel rollers into the water.

When retrieving your boat, the process is just reverse. As you winch the boat up on the aft keel roller, the trailer automatically tilts back. As the bow reaches the bow stop, the trailer frame levels out again. Before you drive off, remember to replace the tilt pin!

A tilt trailer is pretty easy to use and you usually don't have to submerge your wheel bearings in the water!