Put a 26X on a 26M trailer?

[Normer]

I have been happy with my 26x '98 stock trailer, but recently purchased a 2005 steel replacement trailer that I am considering using as a replacement. Looking at the two trailers side by side, it occured to me that I may need to modify the bunks on the M trailer to fit the less acute angle of the X hull (however the most forward "V" bunk appears to be the same on both trailers).

Has anyone done this, and if so, what adjustment is needed to tweak the M trailer for my X? It appears that I might be able to remove the "risers" for the middle and aft bunks, and place the bunks directly on the cross members of the trailer. Is that correct? I also wonder about the most aft "side bunks" that woud restrict lateral movement. It appears they may be OK as is.

I attempted an advance search on the forum for these specs but could not find any specific dimensions / advice. Any help will be much appreciated!

[Tomfoolery]

I don't know anything about the trailers, but I did map out the bunks on my original '99 trailer. Maybe this will help you. If nothing else, it could save you the trouble of measuring yours, though I would encourage you to check anyway (trust, but verify ).





Looking at them now, it would probably have been helpful to indicate the axle location relative to some datum. I'll add that some time when the boat isn't on it.

[Ormonddude]

I have fitted many boats to trailers and I just want to say its not a exact science both boats are made to be beached so as long as you have reasonable contact it should be fine. Now some things you may want to consider is working on the swing keel is it a good idea to make sure it can still be removed while on the trailer YES. Now the way I have always done it with any boat is to make sure by measuring that you have reasonable contact and then go ahead and launch and switch trailers and retrieve the boat and do a good visual inspection all the measuring in the world will not show the hull flex like just trying it and realize as long as your not hitting speed bumps and pot holes your boat is very safe. After I do this I take some pictures of contact points and check clearances and take it from there using generic clamp/bolt on fittings I displace the weight as I see fit using rollers or bunks and frankly my trailers have always worked better than the originals on a variety of boats from small backwater to aluminum to a Glastron speed boat and yes I know I could make a better set than Mac too. Frankly the the 3 bunks going the wrong way is a really bad design some center line rollers and side bunks is a much better solution that would allow easier launch and retrieval however the hardware will cost a couple of hundred dollars so if it works fine you may want to leave it as is.

[Normer]

Excellent! You are officers and gentlemen Very useful advice which I intend to apply!

I'll try to get the bunk locations on the M trailer in the ballpark using the measurements supplied by Tkanzler, then launch and adjust per Ormondude. Those smaller side bunks to port and starboard of the furthest aft bunk have me wondering though. They appear to be almost vertical while the X version looks to be about a 45 degree angle. I'd like to do this right; because if there is a pothole out there I'm sure I will find it!

Another note: the steel on my used M trailer seems to be in generally good condition, but I notice the brake line exits the drawbar on the aft end of the bar. It seems that the hole would allow water to enter the drawbar and cause rust. I will channel that out so it can drail properly. Any other characteristic problems on the M steel trailer that I should watch for (other than high maintenance to avoid rust)?

[mastreb]

I had a guy with an X borrow my M trailer to move his boat. No problems at all for either the boat or the trailer. If it's for long term use, you'd want to adjust the bunks to fit perfectly, but it works fine.

Matt

[Tomfoolery]

Those smaller side bunks to port and starboard of the furthest aft bunk have me wondering though. They appear to be almost vertical while the X version looks to be about a 45 degree angle.

32.6 degrees, give or take.

[dr_soarus]

I was the guy who borrowed Matt's trailer and it worked great for the X. The front bunk was perfect, but it did rest on the sides of the aft portion of the boat rather than the bottom. If I was going to keep it on the trailer or go a long distance, the center of the back bunk would need some shoring up with probably a 4x4 or so giving adequate support.

Mike

[Normer]

Alriighty! Thanks much for the tips...

[Normer]

I began the work on modifying the M steel trailer so that I can put my X on it. Using Tkanzler's measurements, It appears the M trailer cross members are essentially the same as the 98 X trailer other than for the "risers" on the center and aft bunks that raise the outside of the bunks to create the more acute angles for the M hull. Therefore, I am simply removing those risers so that I can rest the bunks directly on the cross members as per the X trailer. No change is planned for the forward V bunks...

Not sure yet what to do about the small side bunks port and starboard of the aft bunk.

I shall keep the forum posted...

Norm

[Tomfoolery]

Not sure yet what to do about the small side bunks port and starboard of the aft bunk.

You could always add side rollers, which I believe are commercially available. This trailer had a pair of them, plus a keel roller up front. To be honest, the small vee in the front of the Mac trailer does a great job of centering the boat to the bow cushion and winch, while the roller on this Aquarius trailer was not so good. I often had to back it up and try it again to get it right, while the Mac always ends up center perfectly in front.

The back I can get right just by looking in the mirrors and timing the side-to-side sway, when there is any at least, and just pulling up the ramp when it looks right. But I would think bolt-on rollers would work just as well as the little bunk wings, along with the goal posts.



This is an OEM 26X trailer, but it isn't mine (found it on the web somewhere). It shows the bunks pretty clearly without a boat on it.

[Normer]

side rollers may be a good plan. I'll get her on the bunks then take some measurements. Tanks for pics...

Norm

[Normer]

A brief update: I modified the M steel trailer by removing the metal "risers" that are required by the deeper "V" of the M (no risers on the most forward bunks). I put the bunks directly on the middle bunk frame, and raised the center of the most aft bunks 1/25 inches by using a wood block. The outside of those aft bunks were on the frame.

All that worked great; my X sat happily on the the lowered bunks. However, the larger (15#) wheels and tires of the M trailer were now a bit too close to the hull. I plan to raise the middle and aft bunks a bit to address that problem.

The boat rides very nicely on the trailer; feels much more stable. I like not being so close to the lower weight ratings of the stock X trailer axler and tires.

Normer