I thought you could google anything...traliering a pontoon/

square1 · May 30, 2016

I have searched all...and searched videos...and searched images...and searched...but cannot find the answer to how much clearance there should be between the ground and the bottom of pontoon tubes (logs) when trailering on a flat level surface.

I have a center lift crank style trailer with one cable attached to a winch that, when tightened, raises the top bunk on which the pontoon boat rests. A second fixed length cable also is attached to the top bunk on one end with the other end hooked into an eyelet near the coupler on the trailer tongue. When you let out the winch cable the top bunk and boat moves away from the tow vehicle and drops down until the fixed length cable becomes tight. Towing is supposed to be done in this position (boat lowered and both cables tight). When set up this way I have 2 1/4" clearance between the ground and the bottom of the logs. I'm guessing the trailer / cable length is set up for an older pontoon with smaller (18"?) logs which would result in 5 1/4" clearance in the towing position. My boat has 24" pontoons. The thought of grinding holes in the bottom of the logs on the trip to the lake concerns me greatly

I'd like to adjust (shorten) the fixed cable to set my boat at the proper height. Anyone here trailering their pontoon on this type of trailer (Hoosier brand)? How much clearance do you have before the metal meets the road?

TIA!

RedNeckRacin · May 30, 2016

Wow, 2" doesn't sound near enough. I'd raise it just for that reason alone, is there any downside to raising it higher??

square1 · May 30, 2016

RNR,
Raising the boat raises the center of gravity which can lead to tipping due to a pretty narrow trailer wheelbase (~48"). Pontoons are very stable on the water, on the trailer, not so much

It was towed home (very slowly) after purchase at full elevation which provides over 12" of clearance. During that trip all the weight was on the winch cable. If adjusted properly the weight is equal on both cables and if one were to let go the other would support the boat's weight and hold the elevation.

Diamondpilot · May 30, 2016

When we used that old style trailer we had 6" or so clearance.

Be careful turning, especially with these new boats. They are much more top heavy and tip very easy on those trailers because the wheel base is so small. I seen a few do it at the marina.

Chris

square1 · May 30, 2016

Thanks Diamondpilot!
6" clearance is what a boat with 18" tubes would have on the trailer with both cables taut. That's the measurement I am hoping to have confirmed. I have 2 1/4" to the bottom of a 3/4" high "V" shaped wear bar / channel that runs the length of the bottom of the tube.

I've seen one pontoon on it's side on the road shoulder and enough pictures on-line to scare me 3/4's to death. Do not want to be "that guy"!

civilian · May 30, 2016

I have seen trailers set up for pontoon boats that actually support the boat under the pontoons, and have a wider tire stance. The boat rides higher off the ground. Not sure about lauching the boat, however. Is this an option to utilize a trailer like what I am describing? Jon

square1 · May 30, 2016

civilian,
Bunk style do come with their own special concerns, one of which you mentioned is shallow launches. That isn't an issue for me and a bunk style would be my preference but I own the trailer that I have

I went with 8" clearance on flat level ground. There's a pretty good incline where the driveway intersects the road. With the trailer axles on (at the bottom of) the incline the motor is at it's lowest point and the skeg has 4" inches of clearance. I hope that's enough. If on a similar incline the truck front tires were to crest the hill, pivoting the hitch upward, it would probably use up that 4" pretty quick. I can't recall encountering a steeper and / or shorter incline, but then I really haven't been paying very close attention to these things until lately:confused3:

mykleh · Jun 1, 2016

my pontoon trailer has a piece of box tubing that intersects just shy of full upright with a cross pin to keep the weight off the cable.. I can put a 10" block and a 2x6 underneath at that height as I store it on blocks in the winter off the trailer tires... Don't forget to put your motor up as high as possible!!

Diamondpilot · Jun 1, 2016

mykleh said:
my pontoon trailer has a piece of box tubing that intersects just shy of full upright with a cross pin to keep the weight off the cable.. I can put a 10" block and a 2x6 underneath at that height as I store it on blocks in the winter off the trailer tires... Don't forget to put your motor up as high as possible!!

Never store a motor tilted up. If water collects in the property hub area and freezes it can do damage. In addition it allows any water left in the block to drain out freely.

Chris

MinnesotaEric · Jun 1, 2016

square1 said:
I have searched all...and searched videos...and searched images...and searched...but cannot find the answer to how much clearance there should be between the ground and the bottom of pontoon tubes (logs) when trailering on a flat level surface.

I have a center lift crank style trailer with one cable attached to a winch that, when tightened, raises the top bunk on which the pontoon boat rests. A second fixed length cable also is attached to the top bunk on one end with the other end hooked into an eyelet near the coupler on the trailer tongue. When you let out the winch cable the top bunk and boat moves away from the tow vehicle and drops down until the fixed length cable becomes tight. Towing is supposed to be done in this position (boat lowered and both cables tight). When set up this way I have 2 1/4" clearance between the ground and the bottom of the logs. I'm guessing the trailer / cable length is set up for an older pontoon with smaller (18"?) logs which would result in 5 1/4" clearance in the towing position. My boat has 24" pontoons. The thought of grinding holes in the bottom of the logs on the trip to the lake concerns me greatly

I'd like to adjust (shorten) the fixed cable to set my boat at the proper height. Anyone here trailering their pontoon on this type of trailer (Hoosier brand)? How much clearance do you have before the metal meets the road?

TIA!

Rental trailers pick pontoons up off of the ground a good 18" or more.