Adjusting trailer to fit boat

[AlaskanOutdoorsman]

The boat trailer sold to me with my airboat is not designed for an airboat. Frankly, I need some advice as a custom trailer isn't in the budget this year after I upgrade my prop until I sell my mini. With the boat on the trailer tied down against the boat trailer winch post it is 18" forward of where it should sit on the trailer and very much tongue heavy. What is the best approach - cut off the rear or reposition the winch post 18" where it should be and shorten the tongue (I'm guessing this would be best to do). Sorry if this is an elementary question, search engine didn't populate much that was related to my question. I've not had to deal with this sort of thing before. Thanks in advance!

 

[keys2pines]

Move the winch post, it's what we do with ocean boats to get the tongue weight right.

 

[Gary S]

If you are planning on replacing trailer in the near future and can live with extra hanging off the back. Move the axel forward to take care of tongue weight. Looks like winch is as far back as you can get it. The trailer is going to have a value when you done with it so I would keep the tongue the way it is. I hear Alaska is a pricy place to live.

 

[ffjpowell]

If you know a welder. Have them weld a additional support crossmember 18" back. Make it wide enough to support the bolt patterns of the winch post. That way if you ever go to sell the trailer u can just cut it off so a V hull boat will fit.

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[AlaskanOutdoorsman]

I moved the winch post thanks for the recommendation. All that's left is replacing the bow roller and painting everything. In all, it was about $150 in parts plus my own time and labor. Here's a pic of the 'semi' final product.