Grumman Sport Boat Trailering

A

art

Active member
After seeing Dave's post on his trailer rebuild and lighting responses, I'm redoing my trailer with uprights for the lights, and going to LED's.

I have a question for those with Grumman Sport Canoes..... What size trailer do you use? I've always hauled mine on a 14' Spartan, but the boat is over 15' long, and a trailer for a 16' is way too big. A 16" trailer is set up for a larger, heavier boat and the springs are way too stiff to flex with the 112# boat on it, and it just "pounds" going down the road.

I never had a problem with the overhang with a 6 hp motor on the back. I could just extend the bunks out back, but wonder how launching and getting the boat back on the trailer would be affected.

I love the Grumman..... Used it for years water trapping when we first moved to WI in 1970. I cannot even count the number of 'rats and 'coon that came over the gunnels of that boat. I took the 4 oarlocks off, and it slides right in the vegetation when I duck hunt with it.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Art
 
Art,

Years ago a buddy of mine had a Grumman Sport Canoe. I built a custom trailer from scratch for him. Well the frame was all new materials be we salvaged the running gear out from under a small tent pop up camper. It was a good match up and trailered well.

I suspect the 14 foot trailer frame and springs would suit your given load the best. I might suggest extending the tongue length to give you the needed OAL for your load. Yes you will give up some turning radius but overall I think modfying the 14 foot trailer is your best option. Depending on how the spring set is attached to the frame, you may be able to adjust the axle position to achieve the best location. Location will affect balance (tongue weight), turning radius and overhang behind axle (ease of launch esp. low water ramps).
 
For my 16' scull boat I used a small boat trailer 12'-14' size and replaced the tongue with a longer piece of tubing. Later due to salt water use and rusting issues I bought a galvanized tongue to the longer length. The leaf springs should be the lightest available for the spring length, 500 - 550 LB is probably the lightest you'll find for small boat trailers. Trailer part stores on line will list the springs based on end designs, length and capacity. Matching springs to load is an easy, very worthwhile upgrade if needed. I've gone both ways on springs, stiffer (2 leaves to 3) for my 14' V-Hull and lighter for my sneakbox.

Good luck,
Scott
 
Art,

I have hauled my Grumman on the same trailer I haul my Chuck Huff box. I think if you really have the right width you could lengthen the tongue for a Sport Boat. As for upright guides, I followed the link in a response to Dave's rebuild and saw the factory uprights that are available. I found a set at the Oakdale Fleetfarm (didn't check Hudson0 68.99 for the pair. They are galvanized bases with PVC uprights. I'm not putting lights on the top though. I'm just putting reflective tape so I can see them when backing in the dark. When it comes time to replace my lights down the road a few years, then I'll relocate to the top of the guides.
 
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