Boat weight???

[Part-time]

I'll be towing my boats over 5000 kms, one way trip from Ontario to Vancouver Island.
I'm looking to find out how much these boats weigh to make sure the trailer tires will handle the trip.
I'm getting all brand new tires for peace of mind but I also don't want to go broke buying new rubber seeing once I get out there these trailers will hardly get any use.
The first to go out west is a recently purchased 1974 25' Starcraft Chieftain with a 165hp mercruiser.
The second is a '79 18' Starcraft with a 140hp mercruiser.
Also, all are on 13" tires right now, should I up the size to 14" or even 15" wheels?
I'm thinking larger wheels won't turn as fast = less wear on the tires and bearings...

 

[thumpar]

13" seems pretty small for a 25'. I run 15" on my 20" boat with tandem trailer. The weight of what you have is hard to say. You may want to check it with a scale.

 

[Scott Danforth]

my Cruisers came on a trailer with 8-ply 13" tires. each tire rated at 1700#. I have since gone to 14" tires which are easier to come by in the proper capacity.

however my Cruisers is 3600# dry.

The problem I found going from 13" to 14" is I had to trim my fenders a bit. you may want to check your clearance now, and determine if you can live with about 25-30mm less clearance going to a 14"

in your picture, the tires look to have white walls. these would not be trailer tires currently if they have white walls.

 

[Alumarine]

You will want to check the towing regulations for the different provinces.
In Manitoba any trailer over 2000 lbs (trailer with load) needs electric breakaway brakes on the trailer.
Other provinces may have stricter regulations.

My 18 ft Sylvan 140 I/O (identical to a Starcraft) on the trailer weighs 1250 kg or 2755 lbs with a light load, just a bit of fuel and no trolling motor.
My trailer is not light weight though.

 

[Part-time]

You will want to check the towing regulations for the different provinces.
In Manitoba any trailer over 2000 lbs (trailer with load) needs electric breakaway brakes on the trailer.
Other provinces may have stricter regulations.

My 18 ft Sylvan 140 I/O (identical to a Starcraft) on the trailer weighs 1250 kg or 2755 lbs with a light load...

My 18 footer's trailer only has a 2000# axle under it... so I was looking for a 3500# axle, or another trailer... and I came back home with the 25' chieftain instead :facepalm:
The Chieftain's trailer has surge brakes... or should I say had. They don't seem to be doing much.

 

[Scott Danforth]

are you adjusting them every few outings? there are no self adjusters on trailer brakes

 

[Part-time]

are you adjusting them every few outings? there are no self adjusters on trailer brakes

I just bought the Chieftain this week.
I'm thinking either there is air in the system or the master is bypassing.

 

[Bob_VT]

That boat weighs in about 3600 lbs (dry weight) figure the trailer at an additional 1000 so it I consider the entire load at 5000 lbs. The surge brakes probably need a full service. I would pull the wheels, pack all the bearings, adjust the brakes and replace the brake fluid. Since brake fluid attracts water I would replace it. Surge brakes work fine and really are a pain for backing up

 

[Alumarine]

Will you be making 2 separate trips to get the boats out there?
If so, when you get the Chieftan's trailer up to snuff you could use it to tow both boats.

 

[Part-time]

Well... the master cylinder is nfg and seeing the trailer is only on a pair of 2000# axles.
I decided that I'm going to wait till spring to bring the Chieftain out west.
I'm going to get 2 brand new 3500# axles with electric brakes.
For the 18 footer,
I've decided that I'm going to remove anything that isn't bolted down and load it in the box of the pick up to lighten the load.
I'm going to chance the trip with the single 2000# axle for that one.
I also have a 33' Chriscraft Coho that I need to build a trailer for and haul out west as well.

 

[Alumarine]

Princess Auto often has the axles with brakes on sale.