coup < ler

[64osby]

The other day I picked up a used boat. Went over the trailer back to front. Adjusted bunks and rollers, checked tires and bearings. It was a little heavy on the tongue but there was no motor on the boat. Lights worked great.

Had about a 6 mile run back to the house on country roads. Stopped by the local gravel pit to weigh the boat / trailer. Pulled in the driveway and backed it up, went to unhook and this is what I found. See Pics

Boy was I ever shocked. At a closer look there were cracks up about half way that I did not see before. They were rusted but I had not noticed it.

I consider myself very very lucky to have made it home. I was planning on replacing the coupler to a 2" size even before this happened. I have moved the boat back to adjust the tongue weight and have a new couple in hand. Next comes a motor.

 

[dude11]

Re: coup < ler

Just as soon as I got it home--I'd gone straight to the store and bought a Lottery ticket!!!!!!!!

 

[64osby]

Re: coup < ler

I did that and I won $3.00.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: coup < ler

YUP! I'll take luck over skill anytime!

Seriously, if the coupler is that bad, you had better go over the frame with a fine tooth comb.

 

[HondaPower]

Re: coup < ler

Lady Luck must have been riding shotgun on your trip home. Glad you made it OK.

 

[paidfor]

Re: coup < ler

that is one reason for good safety chains!!! go over that whole trailer again.

 

[64osby]

Re: coup < ler

I will be going over the trailer, probably in the dead of winter, Remodeling the house and deer season up next. I'll be doing a new post on how to set up a trihull on the trailer???

I would estimate the tounge weight when I moved it at 400lbs or more, Once I find a motor then I will rebalance.

Sometimes it is better to be lucky then smart.

And yes I had the chains on and the boat secured with 6000lb strap.