Bent Winch stand

[byrddog]

I have an '89 17''center console "Trophy" Bayliner, with an '89 85HP Force motor. I have 2 problems. The first is the winch stand on the Escort trailer is bent (leaning to right); however, the bow of the boat still rest in the roller. They do not make the stand anymore and a new one is somewhat expensive. Since the bow is still resting in roller do I have to repair or replace stand. I have no skills to build my own, either. The next problem is that there is no electric tilt/trim. I'm elderly and trying to lift the engine in and out of water is extremely difficult. Someone recommended that I get a outboard tilter, that fits over the shroud and make it easy to raise and lower motor, but I understand that this piece of equipment can crack the shroud. It's very difficult to find a used tilt/trim and they're expensive when found. The CMC is also too expensive. I'm a beginner at fishing and this is my first boat (which there are mixed opinion on whether I should have bought it, lol). I would appreciate any and all suggestions and advice. And yes, I know, I bought "a hole in the water to throw money in" LOL

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Bent Winch stand

Winch- Could be a project for a high school metal shop. T/T- seems to always take $. Post your location, you may have someone near who can help.

 

[CaveRun_KY]

Re: Bent Winch stand

Can you post a picture of the bent winch stand ?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Bent Winch stand

My boat didn't come with power trim & tilt either, so I ended up buying an entire motor that had T&T. It also came with extra props, controls, and stator. It cost me $600, but I have a complete (sans power T&T of course) extra motor and all those extra goodies.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Bent Winch stand

Many of those Escort trailers had only two sheet metal panels that formed the winch stand. They were easy to bend to one side or the other and just as easy to bend back. The ticket is leverage. The boat still meets up with the stand either because the whole trailer is flexing in response to the tension on the winch at an angle or possibly the whole tongue assembly has worked its way loose. If this is the style trailer you have, see pic below, then first try tightening the large through bolts that attach the winch stand and tongue to the rest of the trailer. I've also seen a few of those where the holes themselves weren't drilled perfect in each side of that stand making it lean to one side.
If you need to bend the stand back use a long board down between the two halves and just pull till its back where it needs to be. You may have to remove the winch plate in the middle to do this easily. Often its only a matter of loosening the bolts and repositioning everything.

As far as a motor tilter, they work well.

iBoats here sells a motor tilter handle that works on top of the cover but they only recommend it up to 40hp.
I've seen them used on larger motors, but if you get too aggressive the tubing will just bend.
I took one like they sell here and replaced the aluminum tubes with stainless steel tubing for a neighbor who had a manual tilt 135hp Evinrude V4. It worked great. He removed the two rubber bumpers on the handle end and made a spacer, then bolted it permanently to the cover so it was always right where he needed it.

http://www.iboats.com/Garelick-Outb...43202341--session_id.513055931--view_id.38002

 

[byrddog]

Re: Bent Winch stand

Thanks and I appreciate all the replies but still would like to know if I can use trailer as is for awhile.
CaveRun_KY - I don't have a picture but on 3/1711 @ 5:02 ShawnaKay1983, had same stand problem and has pic of the exact condition of my stand.
Foodrisher - I live in Ocala, Fl. (a little far from you, but I would definitely appreciate being directed to an honest person because I have been taken advantage of because I don't know anything about boats. Think I found one but to point where I don't trust anyone).
NYBo - Was suggested that I buy another motor w/t&t. Seen some on craigslist. I still have the problem of trusting that I would be buying a decent motor or one the will conk out on me after I buy it (usually sold with no warranty from an owner not a dealer).
Reelfishing - Have the same stand.
Once again guys I truly appreciate all yours help.