trailer set up / questions

[hugh jair]

need a bit of info and advice from those using trailers to haul around theire ski's.

the ski i got came with a "jerry rigged" old flat deck utility trailer, about 4x7. i like it because it runs on 14" rims and feels like nothing is behind me towing it. i should mention i tow it with a car.

previous owner had removed the deck and made rails for the ski to sit on like all boat trailers. problem is the ski sits so high above the trailer ( bottom hull about 8" above where the deck would be) that i need a super steep boat ramp to get it in the water.. anything with a gentle angle and i have to walk out and pull/slide the ski off the rails and into the water...off is ok but back on is a true pain in the @ss..as i need to literally lift the ski out of the water to get it back on the rails.

so heres what i plan.. cut the legs/rails off, replace the deck and using two lenghts of 4x6..or 4x4 wood create a new berth for the ski on the deck itself allowing me to launch her from shallower ramps, and easier to place back on.

plan to cover the deck in astro turf type carpet, like boat flooring so she slides well when its wet.

what i am unsure about is the following.

is it ok for the ski to be sitting flat on the bottom of its hull ie right on the deck of the trailer, or does it "need" to be on rails like a boat trailer?

can i put padding on the bottom for the base of the hull and have two wood "runners" on the sides to keep it level and prevent it from rocking on the trailer?

or is it stable enough just laying flat on its hull, throw a couple tie downs over it and drive away. i see skis in the back of trucks all the time and obviously it must be sitting on the bottom of its hull..but just wanted to make sure before i take the grinder/welder to my trailer..lol

what would the "experts" say

thanks for your help

 

[velocity]

Why not just take the "legs" off the bunks and mount the bunks right on top of the trailer? I have a flat trailer and that is how we did it, works great. I would cover the bunks with some kind of carpet though, gives some cushion and makes it easy to slide ski's on and off. We just used normal household carpet leftover from a remodel of my buddies house.

 

[hugh jair]

thats pretty much what i was thinking but after having tried about 6 local launches, the lower the ski is on the trailer the easier my life is.

from this i realised that if its on bunks but an inche over the deck there is the chance of bouncing while on road trips and i dont want the bottom of the hull smacking the trailer,
thus my thinking of putting the ski flat on the deck, with carpet, and have incredibly low bunks that help support the hull, but not lift it off the trailer..

the one thing i do like about the bunks right now is i can get under with the hose and flood the intake with fresh water after being in the salt.

heres the bottom line..on bunks its a 2 man job to reload the ski...i dont want to "need" anyone.. i wish to be completely self sufficient so if a few hours comes up and i want to play in the water..i can do so by myself without worrying about how im gonna get the ski back out of the water..

 

[jdc]

I would sell the utility trailer on craigslist and get a used trailer that is designed for a standup. Probably would end up close to a wash cash wise. You'll be happier in the long run.
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[Boris]

heres the bottom line..on bunks its a 2 man job to reload the ski...i dont want to "need" anyone.. i wish to be completely self sufficient so if a few hours comes up and i want to play in the water..i can do so by myself without worrying about how im gonna get the ski back out of the water..

The golden words that I live by.

I came up with something that allows me to do all of the above in any conditions and any location. No need to stand in line at a boat ramp and doubles as a shop stand.

P.S. I have under $100 total in the setup not including the trailer.

 

[turnagainhardcore]

wooha thats a trick set up Boris!!! I should look into doing that with mine
It looks great!

 

[SuperJETT]

Also, you can extend the bunks so they hang off the rear and angle them slightly also so they reach the water and are easier to slide it up.

 

[The Penguin]

something to consider:

the more surface area of the hull you have in contact with the trailer - the harder it will be to load or unload the ski.

2x4 bunks turned long side up are the way to go. cover them with carpet or use "bunk sliders" and it'll slide on/off as slick as snot.

and I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the obvious and very easy answer:

if your car has a receiver instead of a bumper mounted ball, get a drop hitch and turn it over. Raising the tongue just 2" makes a big difference when loading.

 

[redrrocket]

i just picked up a 4x6 utility trailer with Steel mesh bottom from Tractor Supply and bolted on two 4x4 rounded landscaping posts wrapped with carpet. its really low and short but fits the ski & fuel & coolers perfectly. and withjust the ski has NO tounge weight. but unfortunatly the sides make it too narrow to fit to Jets on side by side.

 

[hugh jair]

pretty much the same type of trailer i have, put the flat deck back on, same idea with two rounded boards, covered the whole thing in outdoor carpet and blammo!!! done deal.

roughly 30$ worth of supplies and about an hours works.. thanks for all the tips.

the winner is still boris if i ever have a boat trailer for my skis thats the way to go..no ramp no waiting nothing.. very nice

thanks again

 

[six5hooSX]

Nice trailer, Boris! My trailer rolls on 16's now.

PS: My jetski has worked flawlessly since you soldered the wiring.