AI Trailer Cradles

I notice that when loaded, my AI hull does not sit on the stern cradle. Instead, the Amas sit on the cradle and hold the main hull about 3/4 inch up above the cradle. Therefore, the majority of the boat's weight is being carried by the Ama cross braces.

This doesn't seem right but I've adjusted quite a bit and is as close as I can get things.

Very odd. Pictures?

I can take some but there's not much to see - the boat hull is up off the cradles.

I have them about 67 inches apart - slid them up and back to get the most conforming fit. The front is settled nice and trim with the forward cradle sitting just under the forward half of the mirage drive well. Nice fit between cradle and hull there.

67.5 inches to the rear (measured center to center) the rear of the hull fits perfectly until you fold the Amas in and place then in the cradle. Then they lift the rear of the boat off the cradle.

It really should not be stored and transported this way.

I would detach the Amas for the time being.

Is this an AI or TI cradle set?

AI.

Not something that's usually seen with the older AI's or the TI. The new AI Akas may be raked differently (sit lower).

Usually the rear saddle sits under the middle of the Ama, near the handle.

If they can see it, a few trailer owners may be able to help.

If you don't find a way to correct it, consider mounting the Amas over the boat like this clever guy.

I've built quite a few trailers so I could do that if I had to. My preference is to trailer the boat mostly assembled with the Amas in place. Most likely I'll just shim the center of the cradle to fit this boat in such a way that the hull will be supported from below rather than hanging from the Amas.

The akas tend to rotate in the crossbar receivers when the akas are folded back, causing the amas to sag when the boat is out of the water (terrible bloody design ). This is also what causes the akas to become jammed in the crossbars. This may be what is making the boat rest on the amas, instead of the hull.

_________________

Here's a shot of the under-carriage, so to speak. You can see the Amas are bottomed out in the cradle but none of the hull is supported by the cradle. Note the 3/4 inch space between the hull and cradle. The hull is hanging by the Ama attached crossbar.



Here is a shot of where I have the stern cradle located (If you wonder why the trailer is on blocks instead of wheels and tires - the dealer forget to send them. But this has no effect on the cradle or hull).

Sliding the hull forwards or backwards a bit does not change anything. This is as close as I can get it.

Tom - try this easy fix.
Once you have loaded the AI onto the trailer complete, just release the bungies that secure the amas to the akas.
I never connect them until I am about to launch.
Releasing the tension will enable the akas to pop up slightly and ensure that the hull is supported by the cradle.

_________________
Mickey
2016 AI Hibiscus
purchased NEW Nov 2021 - My 5th
Adventure Island Sailing since 2008

It may be just parallax, but looking at the side-on photo, the starboard aka seems to be at a lower angle than the port one. Looking at the underneath photo, the boat seems to be resting on the starboard ama only. Can you force the starboard aka slightly so that it rotates upward in the crossbar?

_________________

Somethings off- the port Ama doesn't fall in the saddle right either.

You should, at least, unhook the bungies.

This is the old cradle, but it should look more like this. The Amas should NOT be tight against the hull like they are now.



Have you tried reversing the rear cradle?

Thanks very much for the replies and ideas. First off, let me say that this boat is very crooked. Nothing about it is square and the Amas are in different positions both stowed and extended.

Releasing the bungees isn't likely to change anything as the Amas are pressing up, not down, on the support arms. They're carrying the boat. Nothing will change by releasing the bungees.

I think what I'm going to do is add more padding on the center of the cradle and raise it to the proper level for this particular hull.

The cradles are facing the correct direction - they mimic the shape of the hull and the Amas in this direction.

Hi Tom,
yes it also looks to me like the armas are held in too tight, thus holding up the hull.

I was going to suggest sliding the cradle forward or back a little, but I would loosen the arma hold in bungee first and see how it sits.

_________________
Geordie
West Ausie

I removed the bungees and nothing changed. There is about 1/8-inch space between the Amas and the hull. The photo may not be clear enough to show that tiny bit of space, but the two are not in contact.

The cradles are pulling the Amas in just snug to the hull. If I slide the boat (or the cradle) fore or aft, everything gets worse.