Keel hitting concrete boat launch when loading.

[Tonka Boater]

Your bunks are not positioned correctly for one. It also looks like you're missing a set of bunks in the "V" in the trailer. My trailer has 4 bunks; a set in the middle that center the boat when I approach and a set on the outside under the strakes to support the boat and keep it level.

If the bunks are set properly, the boat will find the "grooves" and center itself when loading.

 

[BillK2632]

The trailer that came with my 185 is a Shorelander that SeaRay provided. It is basically the same as your trailer except it's galvanized. It also only has one set of bunks. The brackets that hold the bunks on my trailer are a couple of inches taller than yours. I don't know why, but your bunks are too low. Is that the original trailer?

 

[dutchman]

That looks like a typical setup for that sized boat, and they do not look like they were cut off short. On a 185 there are only 2 bunks on the trailer. As for location, looks correct to me, should be a 1-2" outside the "strake", (I think that's what it's called, the long step/ridge that goes entire length of hull).
As for keel hitting trailer, yes the keel is damaged, but where are the marks on the trailer?? If it hits that hard the paint will be missing from the trailer beam.
My 175 also sat close to the crossbeams, same trailer as the 185. Each beam had a plastic-Teflon-rubber piece that protected the keel if it did make contact. Only time it would touch, is when the launch was very steep, causing the boat to stab the trailer instead of gliding on flat. Moving the brackets, inward or outward will do no good, since the crossbeam is angled like the hull.
You maybe able to buy the bracket that holds the bunk. Get ones a little taller so you get more clearance. You could do all 4 brackets. If you go that route, you'll also have to adjust the front post.

 

[Searayguy185]

I checked the bunks today with the boat off. There are no broken boards. I called Shoreland'r and they said there is supposed to be the protective piece in place from the factory. There is no way that I can see to raise the bunks. They are already positioned to the closest position making them as narrow as possible. I don't see a height adjustment.
After I put that protective piece on the trailer what should I look for when backing down the launch in terms of how far should I back in? I sent shoreland her a picture of the trailer set up and they said this is how it came when purchased new. Thanks for your time

 

[Searayguy185]

That looks like a typical setup for that sized boat, and they do not look like they were cut off short. On a 185 there are only 2 bunks on the trailer. As for location, looks correct to me, should be a 1-2" outside the "strake", (I think that's what it's called, the long step/ridge that goes entire length of hull).
As for keel hitting trailer, yes the keel is damaged, but where are the marks on the trailer?? If it hits that hard the paint will be missing from the trailer beam.
My 175 also sat close to the crossbeams, same trailer as the 185. Each beam had a plastic-Teflon-rubber piece that protected the keel if it did make contact. Only time it would touch, is when the launch was very steep, causing the boat to stab the trailer instead of gliding on flat. Moving the brackets, inward or outward will do no good, since the crossbeam is angled like the hull.
You maybe able to buy the bracket that holds the bunk. Get ones a little taller so you get more clearance. You could do all 4 brackets. If you go that route, you'll also have to adjust the front post.

Thanks for your reply. You hit it right on the

That looks like a typical setup for that sized boat, and they do not look like they were cut off short. On a 185 there are only 2 bunks on the trailer. As for location, looks correct to me, should be a 1-2" outside the "strake", (I think that's what it's called, the long step/ridge that goes entire length of hull).
As for keel hitting trailer, yes the keel is damaged, but where are the marks on the trailer?? If it hits that hard the paint will be missing from the trailer beam.
My 175 also sat close to the crossbeams, same trailer as the 185. Each beam had a plastic-Teflon-rubber piece that protected the keel if it did make contact. Only time it would touch, is when the launch was very steep, causing the boat to stab the trailer instead of gliding on flat. Moving the brackets, inward or outward will do no good, since the crossbeam is angled like the hull.
You maybe able to buy the bracket that holds the bunk. Get ones a little taller so you get more clearance. You could do all 4 brackets. If you go that route, you'll also have to adjust the front post.

You hit it right on the head! I eventually found out that it was hitting the crossbar and did rub off quite a bit of paint from the trailer. Since you have a similar set up do you know if the keel rubs on the plastic protective crossbar piece will it still damage the gel coat? Also since it seems like the boat launch's are on the steep side where i boat, how do you compensate for that? Do you back in further than top of fenders, or do you back in not as far a normal?
I would like to not have to modify my trailer brackets since it was set up this way from the factory.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Searayguy185]

The trailer that came with my 185 is a Shorelander that SeaRay provided. It is basically the same as your trailer except it's galvanized. It also only has one set of bunks. The brackets that hold the bunks on my trailer are a couple of inches taller than yours. I don't know why, but your bunks are too low. Is that the original trailer?

Yes it is the original trailer. I believe these are the original bunks and hardware as well.

 

[dutchman]

Oops, slow typer, see your trailer pic and you already have 2 guards. Looks like you are hitting the front beam. To me that means you are not deep enough or the launch is very steep.

My SR sat very low on the trailer and once loaded, was only a couple inches above the beam, but never had problems like yours. Every trailer set up seems to be different, so a little experimenting is in order. The trailer fenders are used as a guide, but depending on the steepness of the launch, will change the water depth. A steep launch you usually back in further, but then the stern might be floating way off the trailer. Just get someone to back the trailer in, and stand in the water to watch the stern start to float and then compare with the bow.
You can lower the hitch ball to get the trailer tongue lower making the trailer a little closer to horizontal.

As to the plastic guard, my shorelander had one of them on every beam. Lots of various kinds, but should look something like this.

 

[Searayguy185]

That looks like a typical setup for that sized boat, and they do not look like they were cut off short. On a 185 there are only 2 bunks on the trailer. As for location, looks correct to me, should be a 1-2" outside the "strake", (I think that's what it's called, the long step/ridge that goes entire length of hull).
As for keel hitting trailer, yes the keel is damaged, but where are the marks on the trailer?? If it hits that hard the paint will be missing from the trailer beam.
My 175 also sat close to the crossbeams, same trailer as the 185. Each beam had a plastic-Teflon-rubber piece that protected the keel if it did make contact. Only time it would touch, is when the launch was very steep, causing the boat to stab the trailer instead of gliding on flat. Moving the brackets, inward or outward will do no good, since the crossbeam is angled like the hull.
You maybe able to buy the bracket that holds the bunk. Get ones a little taller so you get more clearance. You could do all 4 brackets. If you go that route, you'll also have to adjust the front post.

Thanks for your reply. You hit it right on the head as far as

Oops, slow typer, see your trailer pic and you already have 2 guards. Looks like you are hitting the front beam. To me that means you are not deep enough or the launch is very steep.

My SR sat very low on the trailer and once loaded, was only a couple inches above the beam, but never had problems like yours. Every trailer set up seems to be different, so a little experimenting is in order. The trailer fenders are used as a guide, but depending on the steepness of the launch, will change the water depth. A steep launch you usually back in further, but then the stern might be floating way off the trailer. Just get someone to back the trailer in, and stand in the water to watch the stern start to float and then compare with the bow.
You can lower the hitch ball to get the trailer tongue lower making the trailer a little closer to horizontal.

As to the plastic guard, my shorelander had one of them on every beam. Lots of various kinds, but should look something like this.

Do you think it would damage the gelcoat of the boat if it contacts the plastic protective cover slightly?

 

[BillK2632]

Another option would be to cut some pads from 1x4 and screw them where the bunks screw onto the brackets, this would raise the boat 1" which would probably solve your problem.

 

[Prosideus]

It seems to me that your launch ramp is at the unlucky perfect angle to cause this. Further into the water with the trailer is the most likely way to avoid coming into contact with the forward cross member (or middle cross member if less trailer in the water) without somehow raising your bunks. But may not be feasible if it puts your setup too far into the water. You may try splitting a noodle and spreading it across the forward cross member and zip tying it on - cheap option until you find a more permanent solution.

 

[Searayguy185]

I called Shoreland'r and they varied that my trailer was supposed to come with a black protective cover. Must of fallen off before I bought or was never put on from factory. They are sending me one to but on. I would like to think this will protect my boat and solve my problem