Trailer restore/modify help

[AaronJ]

Hi gang,

I am restoring an old steel trailer as part of a bigger boat restoration project (http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=434197).

Its a tad longer and much more heavy duty then need but I can get to those details later.

It is currently a tilt trailer. However, I am thinking in modifying to remove the tilt function in order to save weight and slightly shorten its overall. Well, not shorten is as such, but modify it so that the winch post can be moved to better suit the boat.

I wanted to ask (being a first time boatie, just how useful the tilt function is for a small runabout. Do I really need/want it? Does it make launch and recovery that much easier with a small light runabout?

Any advise is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Aaron.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Trailer restore/modify help

Depending on the ramps and the water level a tilting trailer can be very nice. Longer trailers are easier to back up. How much extra weight do you think it adds to your trailer?

 

[Rudi2]

Re: Trailer restore/modify help

Depends on where, and how your ramp is designed, water level, etc. I've had a couple of tilt trailers over the years and never used the tilt function once.

 

[gozierdt]

Re: Trailer restore/modify help

Took a look at your restoration thread- really nice concepts for the boat.

Given that your trailer is built for a heavier boat, I think you'd have trouble getting it to tilt with the light weight of your boat. But looking at the rig, I think where the boat is sitting on the trailer may be about right, to keep the tongue weight correct. If you put your boat all the way to the rear of that trailer, with a relatively heavy outboard motor on the stern, you'll (I think) have a strong rearward weight balance. I'd think about cutting off the rear couple of feet on the trailer (cut sections out of the side rails, and move the rear crossmember forward).

And together with the poster above, I've had several tilt trailers, and never really had to use the tilt function (no flaming, I'm sure there are places where the tilt is usable, but I haven't had the experience). I wouldn't hesitate to change the tongue around, but if you shorten the rear as I suggest, it might not be necessary to move the winch post back...

Is the trailer aluminum or galvanized- can't tell from the pics. If it's aluminum, you'll have to get it TIG or Heliarc welded. If galvanized, be careful of any welding fumes- bad stuff.

 

[AaronJ]

Re: Trailer restore/modify help

Thans for the input guys. Not sure I've made my mind up about the keep/remove of the tilt function.

Its a steel trailer and rusty in sections, so not sure if it was originally galved or not. It certainly has a layer of galv paint on it.

Will let you know what I decide and about to start another thread talking trailer coating options.

Cheers,
AJ