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On Sun, 7 Dec 2003 16:31:25 -0500 (EST), wrote:

It really depends upon the center of mass of the boat in relation to the
axle position. If the center of mass is directly above or behind the
axles you will end up with neutral or negative tongue weight(dangerous
situation). Ideally, the center of mass of the boat should be just ahead
of the axles, just enough to give you the tongue weight you're shooting
for. All else being equal/unchanged increasing the tongue length will
increase tongue weight by the amount of extra material in the tongue.

Sorry, but that's just not true. Even if you discount the fact that the
tongue is acting like a lever, not *all* of the extra weight of
lenghtening the tongue is supported by the hitch. Some of it is also
supported by the trailer wheels. The only way this would not be true is
if all of the added weight of the new length of tongue was centered
right over the hitch, which isn't likely. Now, if you take into account
the fact that the extra tongue is lengthening the lever, the only way
the tongue weight will be greater by doubling the tongue length is if
the extra material in the tongue weighs more than over half the original
tongue weight.

Steve