2017 Boatmate trailer issues GS20

[MT Jack]

Is anybody else having problems with their Boatmate trailer on their GS model boats? Tires rubbing inside fenders?

We took possession of our GS20 sitting on a Boatmate trailer and had to pull off the highway because the tires and fender boards had no clearance. Tires cut huge marks into the fender boards and scraped a lot of the sidewall off the tires.

Boatmate sent out a new trailer, but the replacement has the same issue. No clearance between the tires and fender board. This is on the trailer model where the boat sits between the fenders, not above the fenders. We also have the oem 15" tires.

We have been working with Boatmate to solve this issue but the fixes all involve a compromise imo. We moved the fenders in. But now the tires stick out past the fenders. Why would we want that?

Next option was to move to a 14" tire from the manufacturers specs of 15" to gain some clearance. Why we want to deviate from Nautiques specs?

Moving to a 205 tire from the 225 does not create a big enough difference. So BM suggested a 14"

Boatmate also suggest to use a hammer and bend the fender tab between the wheels to pull the fender board back.

I have asked for a fender that does not rub the tires, allows for the boat to fit on the trailer and provide 100% coverage of the tire. Does this sound crazy?

I have now personally looked 6 of these trailers (GS20 and GS22) and all have the issue of tires rubbing. It is the degree that varies. If you have a GS try and put your hand between the back of tire and the fender board

[Quinner]

14" tire is not deviating from any specs, when using a standard rim/tire, most single axle trailers use 15" rims and dual axle trailers use 14" rims. Sounds like they need to use a wider fender unless maybe they are already maxed out on legal width.

[MT Jack]

14" tire is not deviating from any specs, when using a standard rim/tire, most single axle trailers use 15" rims and dual axle trailers use 14" rims. Sounds like they need to use a wider fender unless maybe they are already maxed out on legal width.

Boatmate is who said the oem spec is the 15". They made it clear we would be deviating from that so it makes me wonder why I would want to. But it is an option to try and make the right tolerances work.

[Wake.BC]

They already gave you one new one. My solution would be to get the version with the 18s and the boat above the fenders


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[Evening Shade]

I haven't noticed this issue with mine, but I need to check next time I'm at the lake house. Maybe I just haven't noticed it.

I don't know if it makes a difference or not, but I ordered my trailer with stainless steel fenders.

Could you put a spacer between the hub and the rim to give you more clearance or use a rim with a different offset to get more clearance?

Your pic makes the fender look pretty narrow to me. Is Boatmate using narrow fenders so the trailer doesn't exceed DOT width limits with these trailers that allow the boat to sit between the fenders so the overall height is reduced? My dealer told me the guide posts exceed DOT width limits, but they pass inspection only because they are removable.

[MT Jack]

Boatmate is using a tapered fender to allow the boats to fit between the fenders. Fenders taper from 9.5" at bottom to 7.5" at the top. The issue the taper creates is that when you have space behind your tire to the fender to prevent rubbing, you likely end up with the the tires outside sidewall and some tread sticking out past the outer side of the fender. So spacers or offset will only put more tire outside of the fender.

I have asked for an above the fender bunk replacement trailer as this model does not appear to have the tire and fender issues. Not sure Boatmate wants to send out another trailer. Here's hoping!!!


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique