Trailer mods for 14' Picnic Cat

[Doc Watson]

Hi! I'm a brand-new owner of a 14' Picnic Cat, and I love it!
Loading it onto the trailer works, but lining it up isn't as easy as I'd like.
I have the original Performance trailer: a single narrow roller at the back, flat carpeted supports, and a second narrow roller up front. When the water is murky and I can't see the rear roller, lining up is tough.
The boat is light, so I'm not worried that it rests on only a short section of the carpeted supports, but I'm considering a few modifications:
A wider, more hull-shaped roller (or set of rollers) to get the boat rolling up straight from the start. I know that's tricky with the gently rounded bottom (it's nothing like the old motorboat I had), but a better start seems to be most of my problem. I'm also considering PVC guide poles to show whether I'm sitting evenly on the trailer; I've seen them but don't know how helpful they are. More rollers might also let me get the boat on safely without wading. Right now, depending on the ramp angle and tide, it's hard to load without getting water in my boots or climbing all over the trailer.

Also, when do you attach the winch clip? Do you run it all the way down and hook the boat right away, or wait until later? Again, I can get the boat on the trailer; I just want a setup I can keep using as I age without climbing all over the trailer or wearing hip boots. Thanks in advance for any advice from the experts!

[Jon898]

My PC is now sold, but I had trailer guides installed for several years on the Performance Trailer (see the photo in the sale listing https://cpyoa.com/forum/index.php?topic=12996.0 )

 I found them very useful when single-handed.  I also installed a non-slip strip on top of the trailer tongue so I could more safely get to the winch hook without overtopping my rubber boots.  Never changed the rollers or bunks, as did not see the need.  If she ended up off-center by an inch or so after pulling out of the water, she was light enough to muscle the last bit.

Jon

[bruce]

A couple of things to get you started. I have a Magic Tilt trailer, but comparing it with others with a Performance trailer I have found them similar.

PVC goal posts will help you line the trailer up visually but aren't very sturdy and deflect easily. I much prefer guide bunks. Here's a thread that pertains.
https://cpyoa.com/forum/index.php?topic=10843.msg81785#msg81785

I haven't found the need for better rollers, although when I replaced the existing rollers on my 2010 trailer I went for the best I could find, softer more UV-resistant rubber.

I do wear sandals or water shoes when retrieving, low waterproof boots in cooler weather. The aft 3/4 of the bunks are submerged, my tires just touch the water. I'm only wading in a few inches of water. I use a bow line to pull the boat onto the trailer, the side bunks guide it on accurately. If the boat is a bit to the side I can bump it over before the final winching.

[Doc Watson]

Thank you very much for your reply, yes I think that solution would work better for me since I am sometimes loading with wind and current that push the boat sideways off the trailer as I'm loading and I think I need something actually guiding the boat rather than just visual cues.  I may try this first and if I need to add extensions to the top for visual cues and or trailer lights once the stock lights fail. Though from your picture I see they are above the fenders and so might be visible enough themselves. I'm going to order the bunks.
How/when do you attach the winch strap?
After installing the bunks I'm thinking of trying to pull the boat up with the bow line until the boat reaches me (in boots) to attach the winch.
I guess getting the depth of the tailer right is the most critical pert, right?

[bruce]

I trailer with a small wagon, currently a VW Alltrack. I open the hatchback before backing down the ramp, launching and retrieving, and can see everything well.

As advised by my Com-Pac dealer, when retrieving I back the trailer in so that lengthwise 3/4 of the bottom bunks are submerged. That provides stable support as I slide the boat on with the bow line. Crew, if available, helps directionally from the dock with a line made up to a midships cleat. At this point the bow eye is about 1-2' from the winch, I connect the shackle and winch her the rest of the way.

Since the trailer lights and tires are submerged, I find that replacement led light bulbs are much better than the previous filament-type bulbs that required an air pocket to stay dry and functional.

The pitch of the ramp is a factor, so YMMV. Plus, your Performance trailer tilts, if you use that feature. My Magic Tilt doesn't...go figure.

Here's a photo of a friend's PC. He used two vertical supports per side for added rigidity.