Towing eye Snare where roller doesn’t reach out far enough
Example - Here is an example showing Towing Eye (Aluminium) boats. In the first case ‘All
is well’ ….. In the second the roller does not reach out far enough to stop the boat. Here
the more vertical post (with the same winch platform) allows the roller to sit up against the
bow with the latch not too far forward.
The solution is the Roller Extender allows a ‘quick fix’ without cutting, boring or welding.
Adjustment -
Horizontal Adjustment
48 mm max.
(4 hole positions)
Vertical up/down
40 mm roller support arms
Rear hole 121 mm (4”)
Front hole 24 mm (1”)
50 mm roller support arms
Rear Hole 104 mm (4.8”)
Front hole 28 mm (1.1)
The Right Winch Post & Winch Platform
Our guide to the right parts that cope with a range of
boats, that you can take to your trailer supplier for
correct selection OR have produced to suit your
needs. Click here to open.
However it should be noted that the Fibreglass boat
copes more easily with a winch post that is more laid
back, as opposed to a aluminium boat with a towing
eye where a more vertical post gets the roller in the
right position.
Whilst there are quite a few weird trailers out there. Too often the boat and the trailer are not matched.
We will try to show ways around typical issues.
Here are some extremes. In some cases it just pays to swap the winch post and/or winch support.
How do I cope if there is not a solid surface for the Latch to mount to… ?
Latch support shown - note snare to latch angle not optimal here
Example 2
How do I correct the Wrong Snare to Latch Angle ?
One of the most common problems for not getting the best results is having the wrong angle of the Snare to
the Latch. This is where the bow is at an extreme angle and/or the trailer has an odd winch post angle.
A quick solution with the Wedge Kit
[a] Replace the Winch Post or Platform
(from Australian source)
[b] Replace Winch Post or Platform
(from USA source)
Example … here
is an Easytow
Boat Trailer
options...made for
Boat Latch.
Summary of answers to Key issues ?
(part of the ‘Wedge Kit’)
Example 1
The trailer requires that the latch be installed too far forward without support at the front of the latch.
If you install it this way the latch is likely to bend at the point indicated, when under heavy load.
The L-&-R boat latch has been granted an International Patent. Persons or Organizations who are found to be in breach of this patent will be prosecuted to the full extent of the International patent laws.
© Copyright Release & Retrieve Boat Latch Pty Ltd, 2006 and "L-&-R" is a Trademark of Release & Retrieve Boat Latch Pty Ltd
How to Launch - How to Retrieve - Winch - Read Reviews - Dealers & Fitters - Purchase Product - Contact Us
How to measure the Latch to Snare Angle ?
See simple cut out guide in ‘Before you Install’ ………………….
How to change the Latch angle…. if it is not right
[1] Use the L & R ‘Wedge Kit’ which allows you to alter the angle in either direction by 14
0
See the Brochure “The ‘Wedge’ option” on website - under “Installation - detail version”
[2] OR change the winch post or winch platform
Use a replacement from your local trailer
supplier for one that has a more suitable angle.
The roller needs to stop the boat before it impacts the metal. More common with Towing eye boats.
Boat will not Latch when I drive the boat up to the Snare ?
How do I minimise boat movement on the Trailer whilst driving ?
Your boat should be securely held on the trailer - to restrict UP & DOWN movement, (even though the
winch is tensioned up).
The roller ‘’wedging’ the boat, as shown here.
Don’t forget rear tie down straps to secure the rear of the boat if you suddenly have to brake whilst
driving.
[a] Is the trailer aligned properly to the centreline
of the trailer ?
Essentially the boat needs to travel down the
centreline of the trailer, with proper support from
each side.
When this is right it will also glide far more easily
on & off with less effort.
The rollers/slides correctly positioned so the boat
with minimum force is guided up the centre line of
the trailer to meet the Latch.
[b] Is the hitting the Snare at the right point shown
above ?
[c] Is the roller stopping the boat before the hook
on the latch can engage ?
What Position should the latch be in relative to the Snare ?
Where the latch should
meet the Snare ?
[ f ]=1 thumb widths
(25 mm or 1”)
When roller/wedge is
right up against the
bow
Looking from above….
Position should the latch be in relative to the Snare ?
Centreline of the
Boat & Trailer
Snare
Should hit here
Front Bolt goes here
Latch
If the Latch was mounted at this
location the front would be able
to be mounted to anything
If you don’t have something to
bolt it onto
then the Base Plate could bend
on extreme impact.
For Example
To slove this problem the ‘Latch Support’can be used
(This is part of the wedge Kit)
Finger Test 1
Adjusting the Latch relative to the Snare
With boat fully forward, touching the
rubber roller/bumper, you should be
able to put your finger (thumb width
max.), between the latch and the
snare.
Important : On some trailers you may
have to move the roller/bumper so as
to let the boat come forward
sufficiently.
The Latch should move aside to
give a finger (thumb width nax.)
spacing as shown in the photo.
Note: the Snare, on the boat
should be central - if it is not the
boat may not be centrally aligned
on the trailer.
One
finger
width
max..
Latch pushed as
far as possible
to one side.
Finger Test 2
Adjusting the Latch relative to the Snare
What are Finger Tests all about ?
A simple way of setting the distance of the Snare tyo the Latch.
The roller does
not reach out
far enough to
stop the
boat
option
Roller Extender parts
highlighted in green
65
0
85
0
![1 - No gap between roller & bow. 2 - Adjust [a], [b] & [c] so that the gap between the Snare and the bar on the Latch = 1 thumb width (25 mm or 1”). [f] [a] [b] [c] Winch not shown Roller Extender Towing Eye (Aluminium) Boat option](index_htm_files/742473.jpg)
Use a G-clamp to hold the Latch, under the
winch plate to find the best location.
Roller Supports - Length
If they are a bit short you can
use the Roller Extender
Roller Supports - Angle
Short Roller supports may mean
you cannot hold the boat back,
and the Latch can hit the boat or
the Snare hits the front of the
Winch Support. Solution -
use the Roller Extender
Latch - forward/Rear
adjustment
A range of holes allows
adjustment - forward & back.
Can be limited if the Winch
Platform length is short.
Use Latch Support
Bow Angle
Typical shown here - but there
are other extremes out there.
This throws out the latch/Snare
angle.
See
&
to compensate.
Winch Post - Angle
This is shown at an angle of 65
0
which for
Fibreglass boats is normally OK. For Towing Eye
(Aluminium) boats moving up to about 85
0
(or
replace post) will usually sort out problems, OR use
the ……..
Roller Extender
to compensate.
Winch Post - Forward/Back
When installing - start with the winch Post back out
of the way. When adjusting - move the Winch Post
forward with the Roller/Wedge up against the bow.
Winch Platform - Height
Move up/down to get the roller/wedge to a point just
above the Snare top. You want to ‘wedge’ the boat
front so it cannot move up or down on the trailer.
Winch Platform - Angle
You can adjust this using
the Wedge Kit + 14
0
up or down.
Winch Platform - Length
Some Winch platforms are short. This robs you of
adjustable length, and you may not be able to
mount the front bolt on the Latch. You can extend
this by using the Latch Support (part of the Wedge
Kit).
You may not need to worry many of these these. Just depends on your present boat/trailer set-up.
Brackets
&
fittings
separate
here
Your decision here will involve the width and depth of the winch post,
and the height of the post. Then a suitable winch platform that will fit
the post, that is suitable to mount the latch and winch.
80
0
62
0
Winch Platform is at 62
0
to the Winch Post. The
easy solution is to cut
and re-weld to a more
suitable angle.
Winch Platform is re-welded at 80
0
.
The thing to watch here is that
there is enough room to mount
the Base of the Latch,so that
the front bolt has steel to
mount to. Check in
position before final
weld
Before
After
The angle of the winch post and Winch platform has quite a bearing on getting the roller to stop the
boat at the right point. You want it to sit just above the towing eye, so that it ‘wedges’ the boat on the
trailer… stopping it from jumping up and down with road travel…. and limits the boat so that the Latch
engages nicely with the Snare.
Odd Winch Platform Angle …. how to sort out ?
How to make your own Winch Post and/or Winch platform ?
Covers Towing Eye Boats
- Usually aluminium
(In the USA some aluminium boats have
U-bolts - see U-bolt section)
Where the latch should
meet the Snare ?
View this in ‘LANDSCAPE’ MODE on your PHONE
Install Section
Covers Towing Eye Boats
- Usually aluminium (In the USA
some aluminium boats have U-
bolts - see U-bolt section)
Whilst there are quite a few weird trailers out there. Too often the boat and
the trailer are not matched.
We will try to show ways around typical issues.
Here are some extremes. In some cases it just pays to swap the winch post
and/or winch support.
Summary of answers to Key issues ?
How to measure the Latch to Snare Angle ?
See simple cut out guide in ‘Before you Install’ ……….
Roller Supports - Length
If they are a bit short you can
use the Roller Extender
Roller Supports - Angle
Short Roller supports may mean
you cannot hold the boat back,
and the Latch can hit the boat or
the Snare hits the front of the
Winch Support. Solution -
use the Roller Extender
Latch - forward/Rear
adjustment
A range of holes allows
adjustment - forward & back.
Can be limited if the Winch
Platform length is short.
Use Latch Support
Bow Angle
Typical shown here - but there
are other extremes out there.
This throws out the latch/Snare
angle.
See
&
to compensate.
Winch Post - Angle
This is shown at an angle of 65
0
which for
Fibreglass boats is normally OK. For Towing Eye
(Aluminium) boats moving up to about 85
0
(or
replace post) will usually sort out problems, OR use
the ……..
Roller Extender
to compensate.
Winch Post - Forward/Back
When installing - start with the winch Post back out
of the way. When adjusting - move the Winch Post
forward with the Roller/Wedge up against the bow.
Winch Platform - Height
Move up/down to get the roller/wedge to a point just
above the Snare top. You want to ‘wedge’ the boat
front so it cannot move up or down on the trailer.
Winch Platform - Angle
You can adjust this using
the Wedge Kit + 14
0
up or down.
Winch Platform - Length
Some Winch platforms are short. This robs you of
adjustable length, and you may not be able to
mount the front bolt on the Latch. You can extend
this by using the Latch Support (part of the Wedge
Kit).
You may not need to worry many of these these. Just depends on your
present boat/trailer set-up.
How do I correct the Wrong Snare to Latch Angle ?
One of the most common problems for not getting the best results is
having the wrong angle of the Snare to the Latch. This is where the bow is
at an extreme angle and/or the trailer has an odd winch post angle.
A quick solution with the Wedge Kit
[a] Replace the Winch Post or Platform
(from Australian source)
[b] Replace Winch Post or Platform
(from USA source)
Example …
here is an
Easytow Boat
Trailer
options...made
for Boat Latch.
How to change the Latch angle…. if it is not right
[1] Use the L & R ‘Wedge Kit’ which allows you to alter the angle in
either direction by 14
0
[2] OR change the winch post or winch platform
Use a replacement from your local
trailer supplier for one that has a
more suitable angle.
Brackets
&
fittings
separate
here
Your decision here will involve the width and depth
of the winch post, and the height of the post. Then
a suitable winch platform that will fit the post, that
is suitable to mount the latch and winch.
When Towing eye Snare where roller doesn’t reach out far enough ?
Example - Here is an example showing Towing Eye (Aluminium)
boats. In the first case ‘All is well’ ….. In the second the roller does
not reach out far enough to stop the boat. Here the more vertical
post (with the same winch platform) allows the roller to sit up
against the bow with the latch not too far forward.
The solution is the Roller Extender allows a ‘quick fix’ without
cutting, boring or welding.
Adjustment -
Horizontal Adjustment
48 mm max.
(4 hole positions)
Vertical up/down
40 mm roller support arms
Rear hole 121 mm (4”)
Front hole 24 mm (1”)
50 mm roller support arms
Rear Hole 104 mm (4.8”)
Front hole 28 mm (1.1)
The Right Winch Post & Winch Platform
Our guide to the right parts that cope
with a range of boats, that you can take
to your trailer supplier for correct
selection OR have produced to suit your
needs. Click here to open.
However it should be noted that the
Fibreglass boat copes more easily with a
winch post that is more laid back, as
opposed to a aluminium boat with a
towing eye where a more vertical post
gets the roller in the right position.
How do I cope if there is not a solid surface for the Latch to mount to?
(part of the ‘Wedge Kit’)
Example 1
The trailer requires that the latch be installed too far forward without
support at the front of the latch. If you install it this way the latch is likely to
bend at the point indicated, when under heavy load.
Front Bolt goes here
Latch
If the Latch was mounted at this
location the front would be able
to be mounted to anything
If you don’t have
something to bolt it onto
then the Base Plate
could bend on extreme
impact.
For Example
To slove this problem the ‘Latch Support’ can be used
(This is part of the wedge Kit)
The roller does
not reach out
far enough to
stop the
boat
option
Roller Extender parts
highlighted in green
65
0
85
0
How to make your own Winch Post and/or Winch platform ?
Latch support shown - note snare to latch angle not optimal here
Example 2
Boat will not Latch when I drive the boat up to the Snare ?
How do I minimise boat movement on the Trailer whilst driving ?
Your boat should be securely held on the trailer - to restrict UP & DOWN
movement, (even though the winch is tensioned up).
The roller ‘’wedging’ the boat, as shown here.
Don’t forget rear tie down straps to secure the rear of the boat if you
suddenly have to brake whilst driving.
[a] Is the trailer aligned properly to
the centreline of the trailer ?
Essentially the boat needs to travel
down the centreline of the trailer, with
proper support from each side.
When this is right it will also glide far
more easily on & off with less effort.
The rollers/slides correctly positioned
so the boat with minimum force is
guided up the centre line of the trailer
to meet the Latch.
[b] Is the hitting the Snare at the right
point shown above ?
[c] Is the roller stopping the boat
before the hook on the latch can
engage ?
What Position should the latch be in relative to the Snare ?
[ f ]=1 thumb widths
(25 mm or 1”)
When roller/wedge is
right up against the
bow
Looking from above….
Position should the latch be in relative to the Snare ?
Centreline of the
Boat & Trailer
Snare
Should hit here
Finger Test 1
Adjusting the Latch relative to the Snare
With boat fully forward,
touching the rubber
roller/bumper, you should be
able to put your finger (thumb
width max.), between the
latch and the snare.
Important : On some trailers
you may have to move the
roller/bumper so as to let the
boat come forward
sufficiently.
The Latch should move
aside to give a finger (thumb
width nax.) spacing as
shown in the photo.
Note: the Snare, on the boat
should be central - if it is not
the boat may not be centrally
aligned on the trailer.
One
finger
width
max..
Latch pushed as
far as possible
to one side.
Finger Test 2
Adjusting the Latch relative to the Snare
What are Finger Tests all about ?
A simple way of setting the distance of the Snare tyo the Latch.
![1 - No gap between roller & bow. 2 - Adjust [a], [b] & [c] so that the gap between the Snare and the bar on the Latch = 1 thumb width (25 mm or 1”). [f] [a] [b] [c] Winch not shown Roller Extender Towing Eye (Aluminium) Boat option](index_htm_files/742740.jpg)
Use a G-clamp to hold the Latch, under the
winch plate to find the best location.
80
0
62
0
Winch Platform is at 62
0
to the Winch Post. The
easy solution is to cut
and re-weld to a more
suitable angle.
Winch Platform is re-welded at 80
0
.
The thing to watch here is that
there is enough room to mount
the Base of the Latch,so that
the front bolt has steel to
mount to. Check in
position before final
weld
Before
After
The angle of the winch post and Winch platform has quite a bearing on
getting the roller to stop the boat at the right point. You want it to sit just
above the towing eye, so that it ‘wedges’ the boat on the trailer… stopping
it from jumping up and down with road travel…. and limits the boat so that
the Latch engages nicely with the Snare.
Odd Winch Platform Angle …. how to sort out ?
The roller needs to stop the boat before it impacts the metal.
More common with Towing eye boats.
The L-&-R boat latch has been granted an International Patent. Persons or Organizations who are found to be in breach of this patent will be
prosecuted to the full extent of the International patent laws.
© Copyright Release & Retrieve Boat Latch Pty Ltd, 2006 and "L-&-R" is a Trademark of Release & Retrieve Boat Latch Pty Ltd
Install Section
