Boat doesn't sit squarely on trailer bunks

[landlockedsailor]

Pulled the new toon out of the water to install FF and took a good look at how the boat sits on the trailer. To my surprise, the two toons don't sit squarely on their bunks. In the pics:

1. Starboard toon sits squarely on the bunk
2. Port toon sits on the outer bunk only, leaving a gap between the toon and the inner bunk.

We don't trailer the toon except to the slip. If I ever need to go some distance, should I get the bunks fitted correctly first? In its present state, even super-tied to the trailer, it strikes me as a potential disaster. Am I okay or am I just 'sessing about it?

[justrfb]

Hello "Landlocked".
In my humble opinion, any trip longer than, "just down the road to my launch" is an accident waiting to happen. I am pretty sure you may actually damage your trailer if you keep the boat on it too long. These are my thoughts and I am sure people much more experienced than I will chime in. Our boats are heavy and something a miss in the "boat - trailer" connection that doesn't seem right or "feel" right should be corrected real soon if not sooner. Good luck and best wishes.

Sincerely,
Rich

[landlockedsailor]

Rich, I hadn't even thought about the storage part! 5 mos/year sitting on the trailer. THAT alone could warrant a fix to the bunks. Thanks!

[steveiam]

I haven't seen that before but agree is a problem.

Just want to say I had those roller guides when I first got my boat/trailer and it was always hell to load.
I took those rollers off and replaced them with 2x6 carpeted boards and it made loading much easier
.

[Bamaman]

Those carpeted bunk boards are perfectly centered above the frame rails. It looks like a 8' 6" boat sitting on a 8' wide trailer.

I agree about doing away with the roller inside trailer guides and going with the carpeted boards a little closer to the toons.

Other than tying down the rear and front ends of the boat to the frame, I don't know what can be done. People run every day with pontoon boats crooked on the trailer. If you're going just a short distance, you're probably okay.

[GXPWeasel]

I agree with Bamaman, the boat is too wide for the trailer. How long have you had the boat, and did it come with the trailer? You may need to either get a new trailer, or have your current trailer modified so the bunks sit about 3-4 inches further out from the trailer frame rails. I don't see in your pictures how you're going to be able to widen the bunks very easy. My trailer, it would be really easy, but that doesn't help you much.

[redbeard]

Those carpeted bunk boards are perfectly centered above the frame rails. It looks like a 8' 6" boat sitting on a 8' wide trailer.

I agree about doing away with the roller inside trailer guides and going with the carpeted boards a little closer to the toons.

Other than tying down the rear and front ends of the boat to the frame, I don't know what can be done. People run every day with pontoon boats crooked on the trailer. If you're going just a short distance, you're probably okay.

+1

[RonKMiller]

Right now ALL the weight is riding on the outside bunk and if it fails going over a bump you have a high probablity of gouging your log with the metal supports.

I would shim the inside bunk on the left side higher - so that the log is riding on both bunks - to distribute the weight more evenly.

Then, go drink a beer!

[landlockedsailor]

Thanks for your replies so far-VERY enlightening. Yes, just purchased the toon and trailer from a dealer and going back to them for the correct trailer or a fix is NOT going to happen.

The buying part of the sales process was great fun and the dealer/staff very helpful. They agreed to keep the boat inside their warehouse for 4 mos til we could take delivery on it after KY Lake rose enough to get ample water under our dock (boy did we get water-the walkway to the dock is STILL underwater).

Then, on the day the dealer agreed to deliver the boat (date confirmed 2 weeks earlier), he called and said "you'll have to come get it, we don't deliver boats this size." I reminded him of his agreements and informed him that if the boat wasn't here by 3 pm, we were canceling the order and wanted our deposit returned.

The boat arrived at 4:00. The well-intentioned salesman/driver couldn't manage to back the boat down the ramp so the marina owner came to the rescue.

Getting ready to float the boat off the trailer, the sales guy couldn't get the engine to start and he called the office for advice. When various solutions didn't work, he passed me the phone and a delightful woman at the dealership apologized profusely and explained that the guy would haul the boat back to the dealership, fix it, and then return it to our lake mid-week with one of their employees who had a place down here. Back up the ramp.

Newbie (and blond), I asked if the boat had gas. "Absolutely, should have about 5 gal in it," the sales guy/driver responded confidently.

The tank was bone dry.

After gassing up, back down the ramp and successfully launched. The sales guy was supposed to go with us on a shakedown cruise and explain the various features/operations of the boat (we're total newbies to motorboats). Fortunately our knowledgeable boating neighbors had joined us so THEY explained everything while the well-intentioned, really-nice sales guy sat in the front fishing chair and, joining in the fun, drank a few brews.

After taking the boat over to our dock 3/10's mi from the launch ramp, we dropped off the sales guy who had agreed to put the trailer into our pole barn. Got his truck stuck so he disengaged the trailer and chains. The trailer was facing down a steep hill. Fortunately I got the chock there just in time.

He (and me, and I'm no spring chicken), manhandled the trailer thru the gravel driveway into the pole barn, tongue first. Then worked for 10 minutes trying to turn the trailer around while avoiding or moving the other trailers in the barn.

When he asked for the check for the balance due, I told him I would be happy to give it to him/them (already written out) when they completed the order. We were missing some seat pedestals and the table. He said okay and gave me the title/sales paperwork and left.

It was now well after 6 pm. No chance to call the dealership about the mixup on parts and withholding the check.

At 8:30 am the next day, I called the dealership to advise them of the parts shortage and that I'd be pleased to send them the check as soon as they arrived. Anticipating a conversation with the delightful woman I'd spoken with a day earlier, I was expecting that she'd apologize for the parts shortage and offer to send them down with her KY Lake-bound employee.

The delightful woman (apparently an owner) answered the phone and upon learning I was the caller, began the conversation by screaming at me about the check and "holding her hostage for a few parts!" Despite multiple attempts to have a conversation (you know, one person talks while the other listens and then you switch places?), I couldn't get 3 words in before she interrupted (still screaming) and telling me I'd better "drive that check over to the dealership now!" (The dealership is 1.5 hours away.)

Finally, I was able to ask if they had the parts in stock and if so, I'd bring the check over and pick up the parts. She didn't know, just bring the check.

Weary of trying to have a conversation and listening to her screaming, I agreed to the only other solution that she offered, being that they "come with the police and get the boat." I asked her if she would please bring a check with her covering our deposit.

Long story short (yeah right), I drove to the dealership with the check (while calling another dealer who happily agreed to sell and ship the parts within 2 days). Arriving at the dealership with check in hand, the guy who'd refused to deliver the boat was now all smiles. He took the parts off another boat, I gave them the check, and left. Never to return. Or to call. Ever.

Today, I love our boat and am enjoying it immensley! I am neither pleased nor surprised that the trailer doesn't fit the boat. I suppose the dealer took IT from another boat too. (Note to self-check the initial sales contract for the trailer VIN and compare it to the trailer in the pole barn. Perhaps what was promised was not what was delivered?)

Today (really), I called the other dealership to purchase the Owner's Manual for the boat (the one supplied by the first dealer was so moldy you couldn't turn the pages). Also had to purchase a 2nd engine key (only discovered it was missing after this debacle).

I guess the phone call to the other (good) dealership reminded me of my dealings with the first one. And it pissed me off all over again.

Wanna buy a SunTracker? Don't go here. Anna Jonesboro Motor Co., Inc., Anna, Il.

[PlaynDoc]

Those carpeted bunk boards are perfectly centered above the frame rails. It looks like a 8' 6" boat sitting on a 8' wide trailer.

I missed in your posting.... When did you get the boat/trailer? If it was within a reasonable time, here's what I would do... I'm not a lawyer, and I'm not giving legal advice... But, I did stay in a Holiday Inn last night....

No more phone calls to this dealership. Put all of this in writing, and send it registered mail - so they have to sign for it.......

Don't even mention the prior crappy experiences.... but...

Provide supporting documents:
1. Find out the price of a correct sized trailer. Print the ad.
1a. Find out the expected value of your USED trailer.
2. Print the same pictures you posted here.
3. Add additional pictures, that shows both sides at the same time, to confirm you're not parked on trailer incorrectly. Views from front and rear.
4. Measure the center point between your tubes.
5. Measure the center point between the trailer bunks.
6. Write a simple statement describing the incorrect trailer. Describe how the boat has been in the water since day that they drove it to your lake, they unloaded it into the water. You've not had reason to use trailer until this time - and that is when you discovered the wrong sized trailer.

Demand the dealership either:
1. Swap out for correct sized trailer - to either be picked up by you, or delivered by them - be flexible on that point.
2. Pay you the difference between the value of your now used trailer (not what you paid for it) and a new, correct sized trailer.
3. Demand written response within 15 days.

Expect either:
1. They will ignore your letter. But, before you sue, you must provide proof you asked for remedy.
2. They will try to settle with you for a lesser amount of money.
3. Say they aren't responsible, because of amount of time passed and/or 'you signed for it'.

Next step:
Sue in small claims court for full price of new, correct trailer, plus court costs and service fees. Seems to me, a no-brainer to win. If you win, judge will either, 1. Give you full payment to purchase a new trailer, or 2. The amount difference between the value of your used trailer and a new trailer.

Again, put all of this in writing, and send it registered mail - so they have to sign for it. Or, if you have the ability, hire a lawyer for 30 minutes, asking him to write a 'lawyer letter' to the dealership. Not many dealerships want lawsuits on any record, win or lose. If they call you on the phone, and offer anything except swapping out for a brand new, correct sized trailer, I wouldn't talk to them at all. Tell them to 'send that offer in the mail, for my attorney to review'.

I am not a lawyer, and I am not giving legal advice, I'm just saying what I would do. Sometimes dealerships are all lovey-dovey until they get your money. Then, they are motherfuckers when something goes wrong, expecting you to shy away, thereby saving them money and hassle. Screw that. Make them make it right.

[landlockedsailor]

Playndoc, thanks for your reply. BTW, you write exceptional, coherent procedures! A lost art! And the advice on what data to gather, who to send it to, etc. was on the money. I'm reminded of the old saying,

"You are right, therefore I agree." Or was it, "I agree, therefore you are right."?

I would pursue your recommendation in a nanosecond if:

1. I already had all the pictures you suggested. To get them, I'd have to pull the boat out of the water again. I'd rather be fishing.
2. I hadn't spent 12 months in a similar endeavor trying to get the insurance company to pay the benefits associated with my mother's Long Term Care policy. I blew thru a ream of paper providing documentation and correspondence. I'm tired of fighting the system.
3. I didn't have any other recourse. In fact, there's a great boat guy here on the lake who can fix the trailer, Donnelly's Marine. I'd rather pay him whatever than have any dealings (even via my lawyer) with the dealership. I'm done with assholes.

The boat was delivered April 15. I paid the balance due the 16th. And I'm having a ball with the boat! Why ruin a good time?

Thanks again, happy tooning!

[curtiscapk]

The boat was delivered April 15. I paid the balance due the 16th. And I'm having a ball with the boat! Why ruin a good time?

Thanks again, happy tooning!

Toons will do that to you!!! You sir have a great attitude

[landlockedsailor]

Thank you Curtiscapk, but that would be "Ma'am." Tho I've been known to swear like an 18-wheel truck driver with a Kenworth diesel.

Thanks to all on the forum, you guys are great. Gals too!

[steveiam]

Playndoc, thanks for your reply. BTW, you write exceptional, coherent procedures! A lost art! And the advice on what data to gather, who to send it to, etc. was on the money. I'm reminded of the old saying,

"You are right, therefore I agree." Or was it, "I agree, therefore you are right."?

I would pursue your recommendation in a nanosecond if:

1. I already had all the pictures you suggested. To get them, I'd have to pull the boat out of the water again. I'd rather be fishing.
2. I hadn't spent 12 months in a similar endeavor trying to get the insurance company to pay the benefits associated with my mother's Long Term Care policy. I blew thru a ream of paper providing documentation and correspondence. I'm tired of fighting the system.
3. I didn't have any other recourse. In fact, there's a great boat guy here on the lake who can fix the trailer, Donnelly's Marine. I'd rather pay him whatever than have any dealings (even via my lawyer) with the dealership. I'm done with assholes.

The boat was delivered April 15. I paid the balance due the 16th. And I'm having a ball with the boat! Why ruin a good time?

Thanks again, happy tooning!

Its great to see someone that has peace in their life.
People around you are fortunate.
Just saying--

[steveiam]

Those carpeted bunk boards are perfectly centered above the frame rails. It looks like a 8' 6" boat sitting on a 8' wide trailer.

I missed in your posting.... When did you get the boat/trailer? If it was within a reasonable time, here's what I would do... I'm not a lawyer, and I'm not giving legal advice... But, I did stay in a Holiday Inn last night....

No more phone calls to this dealership. Put all of this in writing, and send it registered mail - so they have to sign for it.......

Don't even mention the prior crappy experiences.... but...

Provide supporting documents:
1. Find out the price of a correct sized trailer. Print the ad.
1a. Find out the expected value of your USED trailer.
2. Print the same pictures you posted here.
3. Add additional pictures, that shows both sides at the same time, to confirm you're not parked on trailer incorrectly. Views from front and rear.
4. Measure the center point between your tubes.
5. Measure the center point between the trailer bunks.
6. Write a simple statement describing the incorrect trailer. Describe how the boat has been in the water since day that they drove it to your lake, they unloaded it into the water. You've not had reason to use trailer until this time - and that is when you discovered the wrong sized trailer.

Demand the dealership either:
1. Swap out for correct sized trailer - to either be picked up by you, or delivered by them - be flexible on that point.
2. Pay you the difference between the value of your now used trailer (not what you paid for it) and a new, correct sized trailer.
3. Demand written response within 15 days.

Expect either:
1. They will ignore your letter. But, before you sue, you must provide proof you asked for remedy.
2. They will try to settle with you for a lesser amount of money.
3. Say they aren't responsible, because of amount of time passed and/or 'you signed for it'.

Next step:
Sue in small claims court for full price of new, correct trailer, plus court costs and service fees. Seems to me, a no-brainer to win. If you win, judge will either, 1. Give you full payment to purchase a new trailer, or 2. The amount difference between the value of your used trailer and a new trailer.

Again, put all of this in writing, and send it registered mail - so they have to sign for it. Or, if you have the ability, hire a lawyer for 30 minutes, asking him to write a 'lawyer letter' to the dealership. Not many dealerships want lawsuits on any record, win or lose. If they call you on the phone, and offer anything except swapping out for a brand new, correct sized trailer, I wouldn't talk to them at all. Tell them to 'send that offer in the mail, for my attorney to review'.

I am not a lawyer, and I am not giving legal advice, I'm just saying what I would do. Sometimes dealerships are all lovey-dovey until they get your money. Then, they are motherfuckers when something goes wrong, expecting you to shy away, thereby saving them money and hassle. Screw that. Make them make it right.

Impressive---Very well written.