18 year olds first Seacraft

basswacker · #1 03-06-2011, 02:21 PM

Yes i am 18 and I just bought a 1976 Scepter. On 3/5 I left my house in Carver Ma. at midnight to drive down to Maryland. I got there around 7:30. I left with the boat at about 10:30. Everything was going good until we hit New York. The rear axel u bolts snapped off. we sat on the side of the highway for two hours. Called the cops 4 times but they never came out finlly a flatbed came and picked the boat up and trailered it to a yard. I will get pics of the boat when I get it at my house.

bridgeman · #2 03-06-2011, 02:55 PM

Almost as bad as some of the trailering nightmares I've had over the years, hopefully your first and last. I remember a time when I was about your age when we got a boat home 150 miles with a 3" diameter section of hickory strapped to the top of the axle after it snapped in the center. Also remember leaving with 4 spare tires and returning with none. Looks like your new ride has a lot of potential enjoy it!

McGillicuddy · #3 03-06-2011, 06:06 PM

Congratulations Weedhopper, err, Basswacker. You have chosen well. Wise beyond your years. Fine looking boat. Bummer to hear of the axle issue. Always freaks me out to hear a big THUNK! behind me

Hope its a buddy that owns that flatbed. Or did you already have trailer assist on you seatow/boatus package? Can even imagine a flatbed rescue bill...

Look forward to seeing more pics. Enjoy you new Sceptre!

newellchunker · #4 03-06-2011, 06:22 PM

Bass....I sure am glad you bought that pretty lady!! I was seriously thinking about it.....sorry about your troubles, I know you will love her though!!

basswacker · #5 03-06-2011, 07:13 PM

The The flatbed was a rip off for a 2 mile tow I sould have bought a tow truck instead

I just cant wait till i get it in my yard and start to work on it! This site has helped me out so much so far and I know you guys will continue to help me with everying. When I start to work on the boat I will be posting new questions weekly.

Basspond · #6 03-06-2011, 07:13 PM

Yikes! Was that on the BQE? Not the best of spots to break down. Hopefully you made it back to New England in one piece!

basswacker · #7 03-06-2011, 07:22 PM

It happened right after we got off the George Washington Bridge. we were almost hit so many times.

oldfielder · #8 03-06-2011, 07:23 PM

Funny thing-I had an axle break on me yesterday coming home with my skiff. I was sitting on the side of the highway thinking "what are the chances?"
Last year I decided to pony up the extra 15 bucks for trailer care with my seatow and they paid for a $250 tow yesterday-guy put my 18 foot boat and trailer up on a flatbed just like you.
Good luck with the new boat! And don't worry about the $$-the boat is gonna suck you dry anyway-it's what they do

KenB · #9 03-06-2011, 07:24 PM

I know that stretch of 95, couldn't pick a worse place for a pitstop.

Even with the detour, you got a great deal on an excellent boat.

After you thanked the flatbed guys and payed them, I hope you reminded them that the yankees still suck.

castalot · #10 03-06-2011, 07:57 PM

Hey bass you should send the state a bill for the repairs and tow I'm sure it was caused by the road conditions when I went to south jersey to get my boat I was able to see daylight under the trailer wheel several times on that stretch of highway
Do you have the boat at home yet?