Updating trailer parts, advise/help.

[DocTide]

My trailer is for a 14' McKee Craft and most of it is working properly. However, its starting to make me very nervous. The wheels and bearings are fine, but almost everything that hold the boat on the trailer is in need of a replacement.

For starters the bunks are only attached in the back, simple fix, but the question is: Should I just replace them, or just screw them back down? Got trailer used, and have no idea how old they are, they seem okay and are carpeted wood.

My biggest concern is the winch assembly and stand. The winch is actually a thick metal wire, parts of it seem a little rusty. The stand itself is what freaks me out the most. It is a stand with two arms coming out and grabbing the front of the boat. The following link shows how the front of the winch stand looks. The problem is that the front of the boat does not line up into the bow guards.

http://www.custompontoonboatkitsetc.com/id18.html

I want to replace it with a new winch stand and winch. The winch I would like to be used with a strap perhaps? The stand I want just the center stand with the single bow "roller" type of front. Can anyone suggest some good brands, or perhaps a better set up?

Last but not least, I wanted to ask about transom savers. My boat is old, and the top of the transom was just redone. Got a 25 HP new yami on it (186 lbs). Does NOT have power trim and tilt and when I drive around on the crappy Miami roads, it bounces a little. Are these transom savers worth the money? I am new to trailering and it still creeps me out a little, so I want everything to be safe, and last.

Thanks so much.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Updating trailer parts, advise/help.

You show a link to a pontoon trailer yet you seem to be talking about a v-hull. V-hull trailers and pontoon trailers are built very differently.

1) If you are worried about the loose bunks, fix them. If it requires new wood and carpet so be it. We can't see your boat so only you can determine if the wood is rotten or not.
2) If the boat doesn't setting into the bow stop then somethiing needs adjusting so it does. Again, we can't see your boat.
3) For winch stands you need one that actually fits your trailer. Again, no pictures prevents us from making suggestions. Generally however, a winch can be obtained at any sporting goods or department store that sells boating stuff. Even WalMart has them. And yes -- use a strap rather than a cable. For the winch post itself you should start right here on iBoats after you measure your trailer tongue. If they don't have one then Google or Yahoo is your friend. There are lots of on-line trailer stores. You can even try your local marine dealer. At least there you could see winch posts on the trailers they sell.
4) Transom savers (motor deflopperizers) are beneficial and do as they advertize. WARNING: Do NOT use one if you are a person who does not tie down the back of the boat with transom straps. A transom saver to operate properly needs the motor, boat, and trailer all tied together solidly. That means transom straps are mandatory.

 

[DocTide]

Re: Updating trailer parts, advise/help.

Pic showed was to give an idea of how the bow stop looks, with the two arms and bow guards sitting there. I understand its a pontoon boat, and mine is a V-Hull. How, and where would I measure to see what winch stopper fits? Thanks for the great info btw!