Bow Stops Needed

[JB1995Ski]

Hello, I'm new to this forum. Recently purchased my 1st boat, a 1995 Ski Nautique Open Bow. It came with the GT-40 engine and we love it! I've seen Correct Craft (CC) trailers that have some type of 1.5-2" pipe loop welded together with 3-4ft carpeted pads at the front of the trailer to "catch" the boat as it's trailered. I've been told those came on older models CC trailers with Nautiques. I've had pictures sent to me with a newer version, 3" square tube mounted to the tongue of the trailer with a improved "V" pad system, but still can't find them on-line. I would like this set-up, so if anyone has one or knows where I can get one I would sure appreciate it.

/Jim

[Nautiquehunter]

Those were on the Ram-Lin trailers . The problem with them is if you are on a steep ramp with the bow of the boat against the stops it will put a lot of pressure on the rub rail as you pull out. If the boat and the trailer are not at the same angle because the boat is floating and the trailer is on the ramp the pivot will be at the bow and pad. Also it makes it harder to put the cover on. It looks like they are just bolted on with U bolts . I'm sure any fab shop could make them if you want.



If you look closely at the rub rail you can see the distortion from the pads.

[s_kelley2000]

Do you know what kind of trailer you have? I can't remember when CC stopped making trailers and outsourced the design to Ramlin but I think it was around 95 or few years before that. If it is either a CC or Ramlin trailer then Ramlin should be able to get the part for you but you might need a dealer to order it for you. I have never contacted Ramlin myself but I have heard numerous times that they do not like dealing directly with customers and will push you to go through the dealer. If you can post a pic of your trailer that would help us to identify it if you are unsure and make suggestions on your best course of action. Here is Ramlin's contact info if you want to try your luck: http://www.ramlin.com/content/contactus

[scott resick]

nautiqueparts.com has the plastic pads. you just need a couple pieces of square tubing and a welder to build the bracket. Nautiquehunter is correct about the rub rail issue, "fat lips" from pulling the boat to far in. I pull the boat on the trailer so the nose is not touching the bow craddle then pull out of the ramp and use the wench to pull the craddle to the boat. Then once home, I take the tension off of the wench to losen the cradle and cover the boat.

[Chexi]

It is really even important to get the boat touching the bow stops? If it is 1/2" off, what's the issue? I ask because the problem I have with getting it touching the bow stops is that it is sometimes hard to then crank the wench a little more to release the catch to reverse the wench. So, I leave about 1/4" to 1/2" of distance. I suppose the boat could slide forward that 1/4" or 1/2" if I came to a really hard stop, but I don't see that being a huge issue.

[DanielC]

It is OK to leave a little bit of room. By the way, the trailer flexes as to drive down the road. If the rub rail is against the bow stop, it is rubbing up and down on the bow stop. Some bow stops have a horizontal bar that the strap drops down under, then goes back up to the bow eye, to reduce this movement.