No sexy boat work yet, but did get a lot done on the trailer over the past 2 weeks (most of the time was spent waiting on shipments). The trailer that came with this boat was definitely made for a heavier boat. It was registered in FL as a home built as it has no capacity placte/VIN but was definitely manufactured (this does not matter for me as SC does not title/register trailers). It's an tandem axle aluminum I-Beam trailer with 6000lb axles, 3000lb springs, and 3000lb (6) lug hubs. Even though there is no capacity plate, I'm making the assumption the trailer weights in around 1000lbs - 1200lbs, giving me approximately 10800lbs - 11000lbs of capacity, WAY more than I'd ever need, but apart from a slightly stiff ride, shouldn't do any harm right?
Before I drove to FL to pick it up, the seller had informed me the bunks were rotted out so I ended up making a pair and bringing them down to install before driving back up. Unfortunately the bunk length I made was fine for the drive back, but not correct with how the boat is sitting on the trailer, since I needed the boat to move back on the trailer to get a better tongue weight I needed about 2' additional feet of bunk. Recruited some cheap labor and got to work:
Bunks are (2) 2x8x10' PT that are bolted together w/ countersunk with (6) 3" galvanized carriage bolts. I also hit each bolt with cold galvanized spray after tightening them down, because I had a can of it laying around. I cut a bevel in each one to match the hull and then put some outdoor carpet on each one, leaving the bottoms uncovered so they don't hold water against the bottoms of the bunks.
I replaced all the rusted galvanized hardware and before installing it coated all the hardware that comes in contact with the aluminum on the trailer (u-bolts, brackets, etc) with truck bed liner paint (rubbery) to hopefully minimize future corrosion.
Got the new bunks installed and tightened down, just need to go to the ramp and float the boat to move the boat/winch stand back.
After that it was more waiting for my order of stainless hardware (for the entire trailer), springs, hubs, wheels, axles, and brakes. It's like Christmas!
When pulling off the old axles/springs 3 of the 4 springs simply broke in half when tension on the seat was released. Glad they stayed together for the 500+ mile ride home.
Hubs were not pretty, and bearings were shot.
Brake flanges were almost paper thin.
Hit post size limit, will continue in next post.