trailer extension

[Short Sale]

In order to launch and retrieve our boats, we need to dunk the trailer deep enough for the boat to float off or back on.  The ComPac 16, with its bunk trailer design, is carried higher on the trailer than a typical power boat.  This means that the trailer has to be pushed well down the ramp, often resulting in the tow vehicle being partially in the water and the tail pipes bubbling.  This is bad enough for a vehicle in fresh water, but even worse in salt or brackish water.

Clearly, every sailor and every ramp is unique.  Some of you have resolved the problem with the inexpensive 18 inch extension from Harbor Freight.  Others of us need more length.  I had a welder create a 6 foot extension for easier launch and retrieval using Commodore Greene's design.  He has conveniently added a link to his post in this thread. He was also kind enough to add some clarification to his original post after I PM'd him.  Thank you again, sir.

This extension is easy to use and when stowed on the trailer, it is convenient to carry.
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Here are some pictures to help you get a better idea of the extension.

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The rear pin that secures the extension to the trailer is not visible, but you can see how the ball and pin hole that secures it to the tongue are located at the aft of the extension.  All of this fits securely beneath the boat.[/center]

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The original tongue skid had to be removed and the old 1 7/8 hitch was replaced with a 2 inch hitch.[/center]


Using the extension is easy.  I park near the ramp and rig the boat for sailing.  After everything is setup, I lower the tongue wheel,  unhitch the trailer and roll the trailer back about 6 feet. (If I am on a hill, I chock the trailer wheels and move the tow vehicle forward.)  I then position the ball on the extension in the hitch of the trailer and insert the pin at the end of the extension into the flat bar on the trailer tongue.  Finally, I position the hitch on the extension on the ball of the tow vehicle and raise the trailer wheel.  The rig is ready for launch.  I  remove the extension after I have retrieved the boat but before I start to break everything down and  secure the boat for the drive home.

George

[Pacman]

Short Sale,

Thank you for the excellent write up.

How much did it cost for materials and labor?

[Short Sale]

I paid $350, but I am sure I paid too much.  My friend's son works at a machine shop and I wanted to help him.  It is also important to know that I could not possibly fabricate something like this myself.  I lack both tools and skills.  He obtained the materials and did all of the work, so I am unable to breakdown the itemized costs.  The materials included the steel tube, two 2 inch couplers, a 2 inch hitch ball, two brass pins with cotter pins to secure everything to the bunk supports, a wire lock hitch pin, and some flat bar.

The kid did a great job for me.  Using the 6 foot extension means that my tow vehicle is 6 feet further away from the water's edge at the ramp when launching and retrieving the boat.

George

[Pacman]

$350 for all the parts, materials and labor does not sound like too much and it looks like he did a great job.

It will definitely save you $350 worth of aggrivation.

Well done.

[mayrel]

I just had a tongue extension installed on my 83' CP16/Magic Tilt trailer for $140.  The fabricator cut the original tongue about 34" from the base of the tongue, then welded a new galvanized section of tubing, about 10" shorter than the original.  He then installed another piece of galvanized tubing which slid inside the tongue.  I had him cut it about 2.5' longer than the original tongue.  He then drilled two holes on 6" centers beginning about 1.5' from the coupler.  He then drilled two more holes in the end of the extension using the two existing holes.  I added a little grease to the bottom of the extension tube.  I did have to install a quick disconnect for the ground wire as it needs to be far enough forward to reach the car, and you don't want to screw anything into the tongue or it would bind the extension.  It works like magic, and I retained the tilt feature.
I'm a big believer the trailer is as important as the boat.  I installed LED lights, new tires, wheel bearings and buddy bearings, replaced the black bow stop with a gold colored one that won't leave marks.  I'm very happy with the extension and the cost was more than reasonable.  Hope this helps...John