CP-16: placement on trailer

[ChuckD]

So, the PO didn't like how the CP16 sat on the trailer - "tongue weight seemed wrong." So he moved the winch forward - I'm estimating 14 inches. (When I compare to online pics, it's obvious mine sits farther forward.)

I wonder if that's why I have a slight challenge launching the boat. My ramp is fairly deep, but I need to perform a couple brake-in-reverse nudges to get her floating. (I've researched extensions... would rather avoid, if possible.)

Question: Can you think of any negative ramifications if I move the winch aft to its original position?

Notes:
. I keep my boat/trailer at my marina - it's a 1/16th of a mile to the ramp. No problems with Subaru Outback.
. I'm new to the Com-Pac world - I've now launched/sailed/retrieved 4 times. Launching isn't wicked - just looking for some efficiencies!
. Retrieving with the current setup also means extra cranking on the winch to cover that extra 14 inches. (That's about 2184 inches per year!)

Thanks, Captains!
Chuck

[Duckie]

Is it the factory trailer?  Check to see what the tongue weight is with the boat in that position.  If you need a scissor jack to lift it, it is probably too far forward.  The biggest problem if the tongue weight is too light would be the boat swaying and weaving around behind you.  I am also a little skeptical of putting too much weight on the middle of the light weight tongue of a hutch trailer.  Mine is already bent.  My CP 16 seems to tow pretty well with a weight that I can just barely lift to drop it on the ball.  Probably about 100 pounds. 

Al

[jb]

I had a similar problem getting the boat off the trailer when launching.  Moved the winch back so the tongue weight was around the 80 lb mark. There was a U-Tube video explaining the formula for determining the proper tongue weight.

Still had a problem at my ramp so I lowered the front end of the bunks about an inch or so. Now, with a slight manual lift to the bow.
the boat floats off the trailer..


Note, I keep my boat on a mooring so my trailering is limited to two trips a season.

j

[hinmo]

i bought a 14 inch extension from Northern for $39 (cheap). I only put it on at the ramp. Works great, just enough additional length. It also has a step

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200514174_200514174?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Automotive%20%3E%20Truck%20Hardware&utm_campaign=Ultra-Tow&utm_content=22605&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=22605&gclid=COLnja_clMgCFdYWHwodbtcLEA

[mattman]

My understanding is tongue wt should be 10-15% of trailer load, with that said however, my 16 is about 80lbs and tows well. It does depends on tow vehicle is terms of getting into the water. I use full sized 4x4 long bed (I don't have a 4 wheel drive because of the boat) which puts the boat farther back from the wheels than your Subaru. I don't worry about backing wheels into the water, however I don't submerge the breaks or breather in the differential. If the 1/16th mile trip to the ramp is not a regular road... I would put on an extension and just leave it on the trailer, unless there is a room issue. Best of luck.

[kickingbug1]

   the tongue weight on my trailer is probably less than matt's 80 lbs. i could pick it up and kind of wheelbarrow it around in my garage. i never had any issue towing. pulled it with an s10 pickup and never knew it was back there. i upgraded to 12 inch wheels and that made towing even more effortless. i never needed an extension at my ramps with the 16 however i need all i can get with my catalina 18. i would experiment with moving the winch stand and see how it trailers.