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  1. ratdude747

    Modifying a 1975 Trail-R-Craft

    Apparently the transom straps have been pulling the boat backwards. See attached. The way the bunks are, to reverse the angle of need to be overhanging the bunks. Not happening without a different trailer or very unusual winch post /mount geometry. I will also note that it's been run since...
  2. ratdude747

    Modifying a 1975 Trail-R-Craft

    I'd have to look... right now they're more or less vertical. So moving the boat backwards would help that too...
  3. ratdude747

    Modifying a 1975 Trail-R-Craft

    A note that means nothing: The trailer is a 1977 build (per the trailer sticker), not 1975. 1975 was likely the original trailer; there was a messup/under-the-table nonsense with this trailer's old registration (which created a big mess when I got the trailer titled back in 2023), and I had it...
  4. ratdude747

    Modifying a 1975 Trail-R-Craft

    Yep, been there on the two and half times my wife and I ran the boat solo on the river last year...
  5. ratdude747

    Modifying a 1975 Trail-R-Craft

    The issue warranting steps is mainly my wife who cannot climb into the boat when it's on the trailer... and can only exit if I fireman carry her out. Which means I have to be in the boat for launching, and in the event it's just us two, I have to carry her out after trailering. Not good. I can...
  6. ratdude747

    Modifying a 1975 Trail-R-Craft

    Doing some research and took some more measurements. Seems modern winch poles are on a steeper angle than what my current one is... which actually works to my advantage. The current pole has what I'm calculating as a 39.1 degree angle. What I've found online* has a 27.0 degree angle. My current...
  7. ratdude747

    Modifying a 1975 Trail-R-Craft

    After buying another trailer and finding out it's maybe not what I want or worth the effort, I am looking to see the feasbility of modifying the trailer I already have to better serve my needs. It's a 1975 Art Roll Manufacturing "Trail-R-Craft". History: This is the second trailer the boat...
  8. ratdude747

    1976 Montego 16- The "Free" Puppy

    Got it installed today. Other than stretching it to fit at the end (which I was able to use the existing holes and the screws to help pull and anchor while staking it down in the track), it went without a hitch. Installation was not the reverse of removal, as instead of trying to fold the lips...
  9. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Strongly considering cutting my losses on this one. Mainly because I discovered that my current trailer already has brake flanges: So, with a brake kit (and wiring)and some bow steps I can make what I have work effectively the same (other than not having reduced dip distance). The winch...
  10. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    You're good. Saw what I needed to see.
  11. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Close enough to the 88 I measured... so 87 or 88 probably OK. Assuming they are in fact the same trailer (and one/both aren't slightly tweaked variants made for a custom order). 88 is a common straight axle size (as is 87), so either one is believable. Edit- the keel roller setup is different...
  12. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    The only thing that comes to mind is the spring setup and if it is overslung or underslung. To help deduce where the issue is.
  13. ratdude747

    1976 Montego 16- The "Free" Puppy

    Looks like I'll get to reuse the old rub rail. This particular profile appears to be long gone... modern rub rails are completely different. Hoping a warm day and some silicone spray/paste will do it. Will likely put up a fight... it's a very "solid" profile: Work it with a putty knife?
  14. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Took some measurements... and I now have a 3D CAD model of that fender. I've attached a 3D PDF for those who are curious. I haven't gotten to the point of generating flat patterns or the like, but that'll be the next step. I'm thinking of getting these cut somewhere, then bend them and weld...
  15. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    The bow stand on the old trailer is messed up... another mark against said trailer and why I wanted to replace it. Water got into the main tube of said stand and froze/ballooned the bottom something fierce (what the really rusty area on it is). Not bad enough that I'm worried about the current...
  16. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Having seen pictures of another trailer likely of the same manufacturer and design, it appears that on that one the axle is in fact underslung... so maybe what I have is correct despite looking off? On my trailer, I just don't see how with the springs installed the axle isn't going to crash the...
  17. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Other than the winch stand being way taller, that trailer looks to be identical or close to such. It appears that on that one the axle is in fact underslung... so maybe what I have is correct despite looking off? On my trailer, I just don't see how with the springs installed the axle isn't going...
  18. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Per more research and pondering, I think I am seeing what happened with the axle... I'm suspecting it was originally an overslung setup, and somebody converted it to underslung. Explains the tight wheel and keel clearance. So, if I fixed such (converted back to overslung), that would correct...
  19. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    I've seen that stuff before. That said, I found out what likely happened to the re-welded step. The angle roller bracket on that side was bent and I wasn't able to hammer it straight (at least with a 4lb drilling hammer, I didn't try the 4lb mini sledge). Likely, something terrible happened...
  20. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Thanks and noted. For personal and financial reasons I'm not looking to farm much if any of this out.
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