Eagle Trailer Loading Issues 2008 SANTE

[swatguy]

So I have been going bananas here with the Eagle trailer for my 210. I just picked up the boat last year and am finally putting it through its paces adding in about 65 hours so far. Let me preface this with the fact I have loaded probably thousands of comp boats over the years. As you can see from my signature I have also personal owned handful of different boats and never had one issue.

HOWEVER
This Eagle trailer is killing me on loading and unloading. Just curios if this was a common issue for those with the custom Eagle one. There seems to be a lack of a bow support(by design). This prevents me from loading the boat with out power loading hard up the bunks. If I go a little deeper the bow ends up below the bow stop, and then I have to pull the truck up just a tad and still power load about 2 ft up the trailer which is leaving scuffs along the hull. My old boats almost all had boat buddy's and I could load the boat barely having to touch the bunks until the last foot before catching the bow stop.

Anybody have a solution or pics to a Boatmate or Phoenix trailer of that vintage? This really has me contemplating dumping the trailer or modding the existing.

[Quinner]

It is the bow stop, my first Eagle had crash pads and it loaded fine, the dealer talked me in to the bow stop on this one and I hate it for the exact reasons you mention. Often thought of changing mine to a crash pad just don't use the trailer enough for it to have happened yet.

Should be an easy swap as either assembly is complete with winch mount and just bolts on to the square tube frame.

[G]

Yes, the Eagle trailers are a beast to load. All my other boats had ramlin trailers and they were a breeze. Mine now does not have the crash pad so it took me awhile to learn how to get it on without looking like a newby or scratching something. I finally got it right by getting the correct finder depth for the steepness of the ramp and will coast on and let it lightly touch the runners and then hook the winch and winch it up with alittle throttle. I also thought about switching trailer but never did. But I will never have another eagle trailer in the future, one and done.........

[nukemustang]

I have a Phoenix and have a similar problem, too deep and the bunks up forward don't "push" the bow up over the bow roller, too shallow and I have to give it wayyyy too much gas to load. I have found what I consider the "sweetest" spot I have with this set up, fenders just under water, drive the boat onto trailer, then jump out and just crank it the last 2-3ft like G said above... I have seen no damage to hull, trailer, or bow since.

In the longer term, I think I need a larger drop on the trailer hitch, but it seems like it could get expensive trying a 3-1/4" and then 4" and maybe additional drops to get it "better" plus every ramp would be slightly different anyhow. When I had the boat on vacation in Tennessee, no problems what so ever compared to my "home" ramp.

[swatguy]

Thanks guys. The Crash pads didn't even cross my mind. That may be the ticket as a first try instead of dumping $$$ into new trailer. My problem would be solved if I could adjust the roller down for loading and then back up so the pads give me that "area of use. Let you guys know how it turns out. Off to call Eagle

[Quinner]

Let me know what they quote you on that since mine essentially needs the same thing. Of course with crash pads then you have the challenge of getting the cover on if boat is tight to the crash pad, lol

[BoardSkier]

My Eagle is the same. Gotten pretty good about finding the sweet spot. The steeper the ramp, the more back and up I need to do. Crash pads would be better. Might be able to cut the bow roller and convert it. I also moved my winch stand forward an inch. That helped. Be careful of your tongue weight.


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[nyryan2001]

This prevents me from loading the boat with out power loading hard up the bunks. If I go a little deeper the bow ends up below the bow stop, and then I have to pull the truck up just a tad and still power load about 2 ft up the trailer which is leaving scuffs along the hull.

Ok, with the angle at my particular ramp I have this same issue. But hold on....

If your boat comes up to even or slight below the bow stop.... relax, not an issue. connect your winch strap, get it close and continue to crank the winch... with your free right hand palm up push up hard on the bow, lean in close with your chest....you are real strong there.... I can lift my G bow with 200lbs lead in the bow up 3-4 inches...continue to crank and it pulls it right over the bow roller, and snug the bow ring against the roller. Its really that easy.

Seems I have this issue only with certain ramp angles. More steep or more shallow its not an issue.

[BoardSkier]

You also might want to try to spray some substance that makes the bunks slippery. I dont know the name off hand but West Marine sells it. Spray on the rear bunks.


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[swatguy]

Thanks for the additional replies. I here ya on that Nyryan but we are talking more than couple inches. It's like a good solid 6-8 below.

I am gonna give the ram pads a go. 277 from eagle. For the assembly and the matching paint job.

[swatguy]

Eagle has been noting short of a nightmare to deal with direct. A 2 week order just arrived today. Paint chipped and destroyed from shipping and poor packaging. No hardware at all to install it, and left out two other parts I ordered. SMH

[Skidave]

Swatguy...Eagle changed a few years ago. Not sure if it was ownership or something along those lines. My trailer is an 2003 and they were great back in the day. I ordered a spare tire mount and a few other changes for my trailer and no issues. I broke a reflector lens about 4 years ago and the parts guy was telling all about the company changes. Doesn't help you, but fyi...

I replaced my bunk carpet with a 40 foot roll of new carpet from Eagle. It was much softer than the original and the boat loads and unloads a lot easier. That may help you.

My bunks really hug the hull, which is great when the boat is on the trailer, but does make it a challenge to load and unload. When this trailer rusts out due to age, I'm not getting another Eagle.

[Neverenough]

Not to derail this thread but.... I sure do miss my Dorsey!!! New boat Boatmate is a POC. Our old Dorsey was much easier to load and never had any issues. My spankin new Boatmate has cheap chrome trim falling off and is a PINTA to load unless you just right on he ramp.Not to mention 6 lug heavy axles the old Dorsey had.

Sorry just had to vent.