The "BEST" under $50 trailer upgrade!

[16'FSHSport]

I have upgrades galore, but the Stoltz Ultimate Bow Stop model ULT-4 is a must. First of all it's a hair wider and it's made of polyurethane. I'm guessing about 100-110 durometer which means it's pretty stiff but giving. What it won't due is scuff your bow! The Shoreland'r like most trailers comes with a hard plastic bow "scratcher" especially at the out side edges. The OEM one is also a hair to narrow and the outside bow stop edges liked to ride the bow pretty hard.

Realize the ULT-4 is meant to fit a 4" bracket. The center bracket is smaller on our trailers so I used an edge-sander to remove 3/16"-1/4" on both sides (to keep it even) of the center piece of the stop. When reinstalling MAKE SURE the center spins freely and also make sure not to tighten the new bolt too much as you want to make sure the outside of the stop spins as well. All 3 sections need to spin freely.

My factory bow stop was not only hard like most trailers......none of the sections spun. The center had an almost 3/16" X 1/8" metal burr on the inside of the bracket that prevented it from turning and the bolt was way too tight.

For under $50 and with in less than an hour you can save your bow from scratches!

 

[dlkhmk]

Thanks. Nice write up. What spare tire mount do you have? Do you have any clearance issues when trailering your FSH?

 

[16'FSHSport]

The spare sits less than 3" from the hull. It's impossible for the hull to hit it. While I think the bunks on this particular trailer are set a little too low by the time the hull is near the spare it is high enough that the bow is now riding the bow stop. I suppose if the trailer were too wet/deep and you floated to the spare you could hit it.....but if you are doing it right or are on the dry side the bunks guide the keel/bow straight by the time you are this far up on the trailer.

As far as ground clearance the spare has plenty. <<<<<<<----------------LOOK at my profile picture and you can see it will never hit the ground.

I do not know the brand. I did what I always do.........I wanted the boat, but told the guy I wouldn't bring it home with out a spare or mount. $268 later they had it figured out. Looks like a generic mount..........but good quality. I have 2 other trailers and I have learned that you need a spare to avoid needing a spare. Plus a flat usually comes Sunday when everything is closed or Saturday at 5 am on the way to the dock. It's never round the corner from my friends or in front of a service station!

 

[Grover70]

I'm gonna look into it. The modification isn't crazy.

 

[Thompsbren]

Thanks for the info. My bow roller didn't turn either (bolt too tight) and scratched the glass pretty good. I'm going to buy the ULT-4. I'm guessing that scuff plate is a suff buster XL?

 

[Jordonn]

They make a 3.5" specifically for Shorelandr trailers. Works great. And I agree, a Must!

http://www.sturdybuiltonline.com/35-inch-Stoltz-Bow-Roller-with-Bells-for-Yamaha-Jet-Boat-Shorelandr-Trailers_p_1493.html