Towing eye Snare where roller doesn’t reach out far enough
Example - Here is an example showing Towing Eye (Aluminium) boats. In the first case ‘All is well’ ….. In the second the roller does not reach out far enough to stop the boat. Here the more vertical post (with the same winch platform) allows the roller to sit up against the bow with the latch not too far forward. The solution is the Roller Extender allows a ‘quick fix’ without cutting, boring or welding.
Adjustment - Horizontal Adjustment48 mm max.(4 hole positions) Vertical up/down40 mm roller support armsRear hole 121 mm (4”)Front hole 24 mm (1”)50 mm roller support armsRear Hole 104 mm (4.8”)Front hole 28 mm (1.1)
The Right Winch Post & Winch Platform
Our guide to the right parts that cope with a range of boats, that you can take to your trailer supplier for correct selection OR have produced to suit your needs. Click here to open.However it should be noted that the Fibreglass boat copes more easily with a winch post that is more laid back, as opposed to a aluminium boat with a towing eye where a more vertical post gets the roller in the right position.
Whilst there are quite a few weird trailers out there. Too often the boat and the trailer are not matched.We will try to show ways around typical issues. Here are some extremes. In some cases it just pays to swap the winch post and/or winch support.
How do I cope if there is not a solid surface for the Latch to mount to… ?
Latch support shown - note snare to latch angle not optimal here
Example 2
How do I correct the Wrong Snare to Latch Angle ?One of the most common problems for not getting the best results is having the wrong angle of the Snare to the Latch. This is where the bow is at an extreme angle and/or the trailer has an odd winch post angle.
A quick solution with the Wedge Kit
[a] Replace the Winch Post or Platform (from Australian source)
[b] Replace Winch Post or Platform (from USA source)
Example … here is an Easytow Boat Trailer options...made for Boat Latch.
Summary of answers to Key issues ?
(part of the ‘Wedge Kit’)
Example 1The trailer requires that the latch be installed too far forward without support at the front of the latch. If you install it this way the latch is likely to bend at the point indicated, when under heavy load.
See simple cut out guide in ‘Before you Install’ ………………….
How to change the Latch angle…. if it is not right[1] Use the L & R ‘Wedge Kit’ which allows you to alter the angle in either direction by 140 See the Brochure “The ‘Wedge’ option” on website - under “Installation - detail version”[2] OR change the winch post or winch platform
Use a replacement from your local trailer supplier for one that has a more suitable angle.
The roller needs to stop the boat before it impacts the metal. More common with Towing eye boats.
Boat will not Latch when I drive the boat up to the Snare ?
How do I minimise boat movement on the Trailer whilst driving ?
Your boat should be securely held on the trailer - to restrict UP & DOWN movement, (even though the winch is tensioned up).The roller ‘’wedging’ the boat, as shown here.Don’t forget rear tie down straps to secure the rear of the boat if you suddenly have to brake whilst driving.
[a] Is the trailer aligned properly to the centreline of the trailer ?Essentially the boat needs to travel down the centreline of the trailer, with proper support from each side.When this is right it will also glide far more easily on & off with less effort.The rollers/slides correctly positioned so the boat with minimum force is guided up the centre line of the trailer to meet the Latch.[b] Is the hitting the Snare at the right point shown above ?[c] Is the roller stopping the boat before the hook on the latch can engage ?
What Position should the latch be in relative to the Snare ?
Where the latch should meet the Snare ?
[ f ]=1 thumb widths (25 mm or 1”)
When roller/wedge isright up against the bow
Looking from above….Position should the latch be in relative to the Snare ?
Centreline of the Boat & Trailer
Snare
Should hit here
Front Bolt goes here
Latch
If the Latch was mounted at thislocation the front would be able to be mounted to anything
If you don’t have something to bolt it ontothen the Base Plate could bend on extreme impact.
For Example
To slove this problem the ‘Latch Support’can be used (This is part of the wedge Kit)
Finger Test 1
Adjusting the Latch relative to the Snare
With boat fully forward, touching the rubber roller/bumper, you should be able to put your finger (thumb width max.), between the latch and the snare.Important: On some trailers you may have to move the roller/bumper so as to let the boat come forward sufficiently.
The Latch should move aside to give a finger (thumb width nax.) spacing as shown in the photo.Note: the Snare, on the boat should be central - if it is not the boat may not be centrally aligned on the trailer.
One finger width max..
Latch pushed as far as possible to one side.
Finger Test 2
Adjusting the Latch relative to the Snare
What are Finger Tests all about ?
A simple way of setting the distance of the Snare tyo the Latch.
The roller doesnot reach outfar enough to stop the boat
option
Roller Extender parts highlighted in green
650
850
Use a G-clamp to hold the Latch, under the winch plate to find the best location.
Roller Supports - LengthIf they are a bit short you can use the Roller Extender Roller Supports - AngleShort Roller supports may mean you cannot hold the boat back, and the Latch can hit the boat or the Snare hits the front of the Winch Support. Solution - use the Roller Extender Latch - forward/Rear adjustmentA range of holes allows adjustment - forward & back. Can be limited if the Winch Platform length is short.Use Latch Support Bow AngleTypical shown here - but there are other extremes out there. This throws out the latch/Snare angle. See & to compensate.
Winch Post - AngleThis is shown at an angle of 650 which for Fibreglass boats is normally OK. For Towing Eye (Aluminium) boats moving up to about 850 (or replace post) will usually sort out problems, OR use the ……..Roller Extender to compensate.Winch Post - Forward/BackWhen installing - start with the winch Post back out of the way. When adjusting - move the Winch Post forward with the Roller/Wedge up against the bow.Winch Platform - HeightMove up/down to get the roller/wedge to a point just above the Snare top. You want to ‘wedge’ the boat front so it cannot move up or down on the trailer.Winch Platform - AngleYou can adjust this using the Wedge Kit + 140up or down.Winch Platform - LengthSome Winch platforms are short. This robs you of adjustable length, and you may not be able to mount the front bolt on the Latch. You can extend this by using the Latch Support (part of the Wedge Kit).
You may not need to worry many of these these. Just depends on your present boat/trailer set-up.
Your decision here will involve the width and depth of the winch post, and the height of the post. Then a suitable winch platform that will fit the post, that is suitable to mount the latch and winch.
Winch Platform is at 620 to the Winch Post. The easy solution is to cut and re-weld to a more suitable angle.
Winch Platform is re-welded at 800. The thing to watch here is that there is enough room to mount the Base of the Latch,so that the front bolt has steel to mount to. Check in position before final weld
Before
After
The angle of the winch post and Winch platform has quite a bearing on getting the roller to stop the boat at the right point. You want it to sit just above the towing eye, so that it ‘wedges’ the boat on the trailer… stopping it from jumping up and down with road travel…. and limits the boat so that the Latch engages nicely with the Snare.
Odd Winch Platform Angle …. how to sort out ?
How to make your own Winch Post and/or Winch platform ?
Covers Towing Eye Boats - Usually aluminium(In the USA some aluminium boats have U-bolts - see U-bolt section)
Covers Towing Eye Boats - Usually aluminium (In the USA some aluminium boats have U-bolts - see U-bolt section)
Whilst there are quite a few weird trailers out there. Too often the boat and the trailer are not matched.We will try to show ways around typical issues. Here are some extremes. In some cases it just pays to swap the winch post and/or winch support.
Summary of answers to Key issues ?
How to measure the Latch to Snare Angle ?
See simple cut out guide in ‘Before you Install’ ……….
Roller Supports - LengthIf they are a bit short you can use the Roller Extender Roller Supports - AngleShort Roller supports may mean you cannot hold the boat back, and the Latch can hit the boat or the Snare hits the front of the Winch Support. Solution - use the Roller Extender Latch - forward/Rear adjustmentA range of holes allows adjustment - forward & back. Can be limited if the Winch Platform length is short.Use Latch Support Bow AngleTypical shown here - but there are other extremes out there. This throws out the latch/Snare angle. See & to compensate.
Winch Post - AngleThis is shown at an angle of 650 which for Fibreglass boats is normally OK. For Towing Eye (Aluminium) boats moving up to about 850 (or replace post) will usually sort out problems, OR use the ……..Roller Extender to compensate.Winch Post - Forward/BackWhen installing - start with the winch Post back out of the way. When adjusting - move the Winch Post forward with the Roller/Wedge up against the bow.Winch Platform - HeightMove up/down to get the roller/wedge to a point just above the Snare top. You want to ‘wedge’ the boat front so it cannot move up or down on the trailer.Winch Platform - AngleYou can adjust this using the Wedge Kit + 140up or down.Winch Platform - LengthSome Winch platforms are short. This robs you of adjustable length, and you may not be able to mount the front bolt on the Latch. You can extend this by using the Latch Support (part of the Wedge Kit).
You may not need to worry many of these these. Just depends on your present boat/trailer set-up.
How do I correct the Wrong Snare to Latch Angle ?One of the most common problems for not getting the best results is having the wrong angle of the Snare to the Latch. This is where the bow is at an extreme angle and/or the trailer has an odd winch post angle.
A quick solution with the Wedge Kit
[a] Replace the Winch Post or Platform (from Australian source)
[b] Replace Winch Post or Platform (from USA source)
Example … here is an Easytow Boat Trailer options...made for Boat Latch.
How to change the Latch angle…. if it is not right[1] Use the L & R ‘Wedge Kit’ which allows you to alter the angle in either direction by 140[2] OR change the winch post or winch platform
Use a replacement from your local trailer supplier for one that has a more suitable angle.
Your decision here will involve the width and depth of the winch post, and the height of the post. Then a suitable winch platform that will fit the post, that is suitable to mount the latch and winch.
When Towing eye Snare where roller doesn’t reach out far enough ?
Example - Here is an example showing Towing Eye (Aluminium) boats. In the first case ‘All is well’ ….. In the second the roller does not reach out far enough to stop the boat. Here the more vertical post (with the same winch platform) allows the roller to sit up against the bow with the latch not too far forward. The solution is the Roller Extender allows a ‘quick fix’ without cutting, boring or welding.
Adjustment - Horizontal Adjustment48 mm max.(4 hole positions) Vertical up/down40 mm roller support armsRear hole 121 mm (4”)Front hole 24 mm (1”)50 mm roller support armsRear Hole 104 mm (4.8”)Front hole 28 mm (1.1)
The Right Winch Post & Winch Platform
Our guide to the right parts that cope with a range of boats, that you can take to your trailer supplier for correct selection OR have produced to suit your needs. Click here to open.However it should be noted that the Fibreglass boat copes more easily with a winch post that is more laid back, as opposed to a aluminium boat with a towing eye where a more vertical post gets the roller in the right position.
How do I cope if there is not a solid surface for the Latch to mount to?
(part of the ‘Wedge Kit’)
Example 1The trailer requires that the latch be installed too far forward without support at the front of the latch. If you install it this way the latch is likely to bend at the point indicated, when under heavy load.
Front Bolt goes here
Latch
If the Latch was mounted at thislocation the front would be able to be mounted to anything
If you don’t have something to bolt it ontothen the Base Plate could bend on extreme impact.
For Example
To slove this problem the ‘Latch Support’ can be used (This is part of the wedge Kit)
The roller doesnot reach outfar enough to stop the boat
option
Roller Extender parts highlighted in green
650
850
How to make your own Winch Post and/or Winch platform ?
Latch support shown - note snare to latch angle not optimal here
Example 2
Boat will not Latch when I drive the boat up to the Snare ?
How do I minimise boat movement on the Trailer whilst driving ?
Your boat should be securely held on the trailer - to restrict UP & DOWN movement, (even though the winch is tensioned up).The roller ‘’wedging’ the boat, as shown here.Don’t forget rear tie down straps to secure the rear of the boat if you suddenly have to brake whilst driving.
[a] Is the trailer aligned properly to the centreline of the trailer ?Essentially the boat needs to travel down the centreline of the trailer, with proper support from each side.When this is right it will also glide far more easily on & off with less effort.The rollers/slides correctly positioned so the boat with minimum force is guided up the centre line of the trailer to meet the Latch.[b] Is the hitting the Snare at the right point shown above ?[c] Is the roller stopping the boat before the hook on the latch can engage ?
What Position should the latch be in relative to the Snare ?
[ f ]=1 thumb widths (25 mm or 1”)
When roller/wedge isright up against the bow
Looking from above….Position should the latch be in relative to the Snare ?
Centreline of the Boat & Trailer
Snare
Should hit here
Finger Test 1
Adjusting the Latch relative to the Snare
With boat fully forward, touching the rubber roller/bumper, you should be able to put your finger (thumb width max.), between the latch and the snare.Important: On some trailers you may have to move the roller/bumper so as to let the boat come forward sufficiently.
The Latch should move aside to give a finger (thumb width nax.) spacing as shown in the photo.Note: the Snare, on the boat should be central - if it is not the boat may not be centrally aligned on the trailer.
One finger width max..
Latch pushed as far as possible to one side.
Finger Test 2
Adjusting the Latch relative to the Snare
What are Finger Tests all about ?
A simple way of setting the distance of the Snare tyo the Latch.
Use a G-clamp to hold the Latch, under the winch plate to find the best location.
800
620
Winch Platform is at 620 to the Winch Post. The easy solution is to cut and re-weld to a more suitable angle.
Winch Platform is re-welded at 800. The thing to watch here is that there is enough room to mount the Base of the Latch,so that the front bolt has steel to mount to. Check in position before final weld
Before
After
The angle of the winch post and Winch platform has quite a bearing on getting the roller to stop the boat at the right point. You want it to sit just above the towing eye, so that it ‘wedges’ the boat on the trailer… stopping it from jumping up and down with road travel…. and limits the boat so that the Latch engages nicely with the Snare.
Odd Winch Platform Angle …. how to sort out ?
The roller needs to stop the boat before it impacts the metal. More common with Towing eye boats.