Help me adapt this trailer !!

[jddenham]

I'm trying to adapt a 1964 Johnson trailer from an oddball gullwing boat to a smaller tri-hull.

I took the bunks off the old tri-hull trailer and was planning on using them but the new trailer doesn't have any frame rails in the right locations.

I had a set of rollers, so I mounted them on brackets that used to have small rollers on them. This is just temporary as I can't see the mount holding up in transport. Correct?

I'm thinking of shopping around for a bunk mount from the back of the trailer to the middle, approximately 5-6 feet. and then either using these rollers up front, or another set of bunks.

I could really use some advise as I have never done this before.

I am also going to need a new winch, and am not sure what style to get. I might get an electric one.

I also don't know where the critical support points under the boat are. I would rather have too much support and be safe.

Please give me some advise!!

 

[jddenham]

Re: Help me adapt this trailer !!

More pics:

 

[jddenham]

Re: Help me adapt this trailer !!

Also note that there is no suspension - is this going to be a problem? Should I fit springs and/or a new axle?

Maybe a different trailer would be a better starting point LOL.

I do like to use 'what I already have' so please give any advise or thoughts.

The boat should only weight maybe 1000 - 1500 pounds.

 

[jddenham]

Re: Help me adapt this trailer !!

I got some bunk mounts. They seems to not be long enough - the 2 x 4 would need to be higher.

I was wanting to use treated 2 x 4's with the 4" side against the boat so that it might flex some and conform to the boat.

Would there be any problem using a 4 x 4 to get the additional clearance?

Is a 4 x 4 too rigid for this purpose?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[wire2]

Re: Help me adapt this trailer !!

You *might* be able to locate the stringers under the floor with a home stud finder, that would be the ideal place to have a bunk directly under.

I see no reason bunks need to flex, so if a 4x4 suits you better, go for it. A bit more weight though.

In the pics, I see the transom is past the rear roller. You should have support directly under the transom, either bunk or roller.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Help me adapt this trailer !!

if you need the addition height, you can use 2 2x6 side by side. that boat really isn't heavy enough to warrant the 4 inch contact,. one 2x6 of edge would be fine. doing bunks on the flat puts more pressure directly above the bunk mounts. rather than a total distribution.

and it absolutley need suspension, or you will beat the boat to death, and the tackle will be scatter all down the highway.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Help me adapt this trailer !!

With the contact points that the roller position have now and the fact that you have NO suspension, you are asking for trouble, IMHO. Your transom also is not supported and should be. You could get a Torsion axle and maybe bend your roller arms so they make contact on the flat. IF you go with a new axle, bunks and new mounts, new bowstop, new post, winch. You might be financially better off trying to find a more suitable trailer and eBay this one.