Restoration project

[JasonJ]

Re: Restoration project

The trailer is hidious, but probably could be serviceable if configured properly. Wouldn't be a bad idea to maybe look for another trailer for a good deal.

 

[gextyr1]

Re: Restoration project

yeah, i'll probably buy another trailer before I have to tow it anywhere. maybe convert this one into a utility trailer for other junk. When I pick it up this weekend, I'll know for sure if it is fixable. The seller told me its a good sturdy trailer, so it may indeed be fixable.<br /><br />I'm not really sure where to look for a trailer though, there are only a few marinas in my area. Guess I'll start there. I'd prefer to find a used one, since this project is on a budget anyway.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Restoration project

Good used trailers are hard to come buy for small boats. Most look similar to the one in the pic. Take a good look at the one you have and see how much work it needs. If it is too much, check out the trailers at the local marinas that sell smaller boats. A good small trailer will cost about $600.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Restoration project

When I went shopping for a trailer I found the best prices at trailer dealers (NOT marinas) near the shore. I found one that had good prices and reputation and combined a family trip to the beach with buying a trailer. Made arrangements ahead of time with the dealer and I was in and out in about half an hour. Saved $200 by driving less than two hours to the shore.<br /><br />I had looked for a while for a good used trailer, but never found a used trailer much cheaper than a new one. And not many out there to buy. <br /><br />Another option is to buy a trailer "kit". They come with everything but the frame. I found whole kits w/axle, springs, hangers, lights, hubs for under $200 for a 2,000 gvw setup. You will still have to add a winch post, winch, rollers and bunks. But kits might be a good alternative to new or used.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Restoration project

Harbor Freight actually has a boat trailer.<br /><br />Darn I think its too small but HERE it is.

 

[gextyr1]

Re: Restoration project

Yeah, a PWC trailer is definitely too small. The more I think about it (i.e. - see trailer prices), the more I like the idea of fixing up the old trailer. Since I bought the boat, more and more friends have started coming out of the woodwork offering help. Friends who are good with carpentry, fiberglass, engine work, etc. If I can just find one who can weld, the old trailer is a go!

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Restoration project

You are a lucky guy! Usually the friends don't start showing up until the boat is ready to use and the weather/fishing is good. As long as the frame is solid you can buy any replacement part for a boat trailer. Consider the length of the trailer also. Maybe the boat wasn't pulled all the way on in your pictures but you want the bunks to support the boat all the way to the transom. You also want the whole load to be balanced on the axle of the trailer so that the tongue weight is around 50-100 or so lbs. with the boat and motor on the trailer. Your trailer looks like the axle could be moved if need be. You can also extend bunks past the end of the trailer frame a bit, maybe up to a foot if the boat isn't too heavy.<br /><br />The holes in the bow of your boat are most likely for machine-guns.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Restoration project

My trailer was gawd-awful, but gringing the rust off, repainting, new lights, new rollers, rebuild bearings, and new tires really helped out.

 

[gextyr1]

Re: Restoration project

I just found an old boat for sale that has an excellent trailer, and a running, era-appropriate evinrude motor. It's hull is complete garbage, but the whole shebang costs $500 (negotiable I hope.) It might be a better option just to buy it, trash the old hull, and use the motor and trailer.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Restoration project

That could work out. Did you get a motor with the MFG? If you junk a hull you will have to pay to dump it at a landfill.

 

[gextyr1]

Re: Restoration project

yeah, my "good" boat has a non-working motor, gonna fix 'er up... hopefully.<br /><br />instead of dumping the "junk" hull in a landfill, i could fix it up too... the owner is currently using the boat... i.e. - it floats/runs, but the transom and floor are soft.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Restoration project

Ever wonder how people end up with a yard full of boats and motors? It starts just like this...<br /><br />

 

[gextyr1]

Re: Restoration project

jeez, tell me about it. good thing i don't a bigger yard...<br />good thing my wife won't let me fill my small yard up with boats

 

[gextyr1]

Re: Restoration project

Geez. Finally picking the boat up tonight. I'd have gotten it sooner, but I keep getting sent out of town for business. Hopefully I'll have more pictures, thoughts on the board here tonight.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Restoration project

Originally posted by Mark42:<br /> Ever wonder how people end up with a yard full of boats and motors? It starts just like this...<br /><br />

<br /><br />"don't worry honey, I just need a few parts and then it will be gone....this time I promise"

 

[gextyr1]

Re: Restoration project

Well, fortunately my wife is excited about the boat as I am. Unfortunately, she doesn't have much respect for the amount of work this project will be. To keep her happy, this boat will have to be water-ready by next spring, so that's the goal. Assuming the price doesn't get _TOO_ high, that shouldn't be a problem. Ya never know though.

 

[gextyr1]

Re: Restoration project

Ok, boat is home. Definitely an MFG as we all thought.<br />Here is the rundown:<br />-Trailer is fixable.<br />-Transom needs replaced/sea-cast-ed<br />-Hull is solid, need sanded and painted.<br />-Floor needs replaced<br />-Stringers in old MFGs are solid fiberglass, which ROCKS<br />-Engine is a 50HP johnson seahorse... MASSIVE. I might want a smaller one.<br />-Controls still work, and are complete.<br />-Windshield needs replaced.<br />-Lotsa hardware needs sanded/buffed/polished/rechromed.<br />-I'll put pictures up as soon as I can get my camera to work.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Restoration project

Take a look in the bilge drain holes in the back of the boat to see under the floor. If the stringers are fiberglass, it will look like corrigated cardboard cross section. If the stringers are fiberglass, the floor usually is too. But that doesn't mean it can't be cracked or sagging.<br /><br />Good to hear it's home. You have some work ahead of you. Looking forward to the pictures.

 

[gextyr1]

Re: Restoration project

Image Gallery<br />I'll try to keep this up to date as I make progress on the boat. Also, feel free to check out my Blog: http://www.gregandbeth.com/blog for progress updates.

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: Restoration project

Not for sure...but after looking at your pics again.... It looks like at some point someone added "head" lights on the front. Used to better navigate at night... Just from the look of the brackets that would be my only guess