Tips on Loading a 2004 FourWinns Model 194 FunShip Boat Onto a Trailer From the Water

Updated 07/13/2011 | Published 07/12/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Dutton-Lainson Boat Trailer Deluxe Roller Bunk - 5' Long Sections - 12 Sets of 3 Rollers

(398)

$275.62

Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch - Synthetic Rope - Hawse Fairlead - 3,400 lbs

(57)

$556.99

Question:

I have a FourWinns 2004 model 194 FunShip or Deck Boat. Heavy at 4,000+ pounds. The standard Trailer has bunks, with only 1 roller at the entry of the Trailer, so the roller never comes into play as the trailer needs to be deep in the water. This is so heavy we need to float it on and off the trailer, wenching even a short distance is almost impossible. What can I do to make it easier. Would the roller decks on top of the bunks work? Maybe I should mount the roller decks in a position to assist the bunks, but not replace them? I even thought about adding Keel Rollers and other rollers to help guide and take some weight off as we are loading. I have access to metal working equipment so modifying things is fine, I just have next to zero experience with Boat Trailers. Any ideas would be very helpful.

asked by: Doug G

Expert Reply:

The key to launching a boat into the water from the trailer is to know how far to back the trailer in. It takes some time to get used to, and different ramps may require you back more or less in, but once you have it figured out it should be easy.

The winch you are using may not be rated high enough for the boat. With the trailer back into the water at the right spot, the right winch should not have trouble pulling the boat since part of it will still be floating. A 3400 pound capacity winch, like # BDW15018, should be enough for your boat.

You can add roller bunks, but they cannot be mounted in such a way as to assist the existing bunks. Since the roller bunks # DL21741 have a capacity of 3,000 pounds, you will need to make sure that one set is not holding all of the weight of the boat. It will damage the rollers and can damage the boat. If adding roller bunks, it is advisable to add them too all of the bunks on the boat to avoid any wobbling.

expert reply by: Michael H