U-Bolts

[msbhammer]

Mulv posted his u-bolt question the other day and that made me think that I should take a closer look at my trailer, since the damm tire already fell off the day I brought her home. Well it looks like I could use a few new u-bolts as well.
Questions:
1. Does the axel or leaf springs need to be supported when replacing the u-bolts ??
2. The u-bolts attach to that square metal plate. Is the plate sitting there secured by the u-bolts ?, in my picture, there is a center screw in the center of the steel bracket it looks.
3. My trailer sits exstreamly low to the ground. Would new leaf springs raise her higher above the ground ??
4. I still havent recieved the title from the scum bag who sold me the boat and trailer, should I invest money in a trailer that I cant get tagged ??
Hell, you might see me on Judge Judy sueing his *** because he wont send me my title and bill of sale.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f153/msbhammer/DSC01701.jpg

[reelapeelin]

Hammer, I replaced spring U-bolts on mine couple of years ago...not too bad...your springs look like they're in need of replacing, too and might as well while you got it apart...the ''screw'' on top of plate is a center PIN...helps position everything during installation and locks all in place after bolts tighten up...

If you can easily get boat off trailer, it'll make work mo-better...if not SAFELY jack up and SUPPORT the trailer frame(jack-stand on front DOESN'T count)...rent or borrow a Porta-Band to remove old, rusted stuff...side-grinder will work, too...

I posted Champion Trailer's link in link section...they've got all you'll need if you can't find it locally... ;)...good luck w/it and DON'T drop that rig on yo punkin'-head!!... ;)...

Can you apply for ''lost title''??...

[msbhammer]

LOL, Thanks for the info. I was thinking the same thing when I was squeezing my head in between the trailer and boat to snap the picture. Lord, please dont snap on me now ;D

[pikfish]

I have found out that it often costs more to fix a rusted trailer than it costs to buy a nice new one!

[msbhammer]

The frame on my trailer is in great condition, but do see putting in all new rollers, bearings, winch, u-bolts, fenders, and wiring.

[reelapeelin]

Hammer, Pikfish has a good point...specially if title is unavailable...all the $$$ I've put into mine over 7 years woulda covered MOST of a new one...plus I'd HAVE a new one!!!... ;D ;D...

[macojoe]

New trailers if you get the right one will cost you $2500+ I know this cause I have a brand *new one *;D

Here you can see all, the old trailer, the old truck, the new trailer, and the boat

http://syncboard.com/albums/Boat-Tackle-Box/Picture_096.sized.jpg

$2500, *Thats alot of fixing!!

I rebuilt my hole under of my old trailer with out ever taking the boat off. except for roller replacment.

Check that axle also!! It looks pretty rusty, they rust under neath were you can't see, tap with hammer to see the holes *:o

you can get Galv Axle, new springs, Ubolts, Hubs & Berrins for about $350 + shipping

Change all in a afternoon!! *Much better then $2500 for new if you don't have it and the rest of the tailer is in good shape!

and yes Champion Trailers is the way to go!! I just got a new catalog for them today!! ;D

[Stinky_Hooker]

Nice trailer MJ.


Your springs do look ruff and axles too.

[willy]

Good advise MJ as usual, nice trailer but what is that rust bucket in front of it ::) ;D ::)

[macojoe]

which rust bucket would you be talking about??

1990 Chevy Blazer That was my baby!! I miss that truck real bad!! I rebuilt everything on it, but the body just gave all that it could!!
I sold it almost 2 years ago for $2200 the guy still dives it everyday, but the rocker panles are draging the ground all the way!!

The old Trailer?? Was a 1980 Calkins I got with the boat. replaced the axle, springs, hubs, tires, wheels, fenders, ect ect ect till it had no more to give, it was really rusting away!! I sold it for $300 to some guy who thought he was going to weld this and that and make it work for him??

[willy]

Like I told you before my baby, money pit was an 1986 Blazer who was an unstoppable tank. But could not help but drop rusty body parts within a few months of a each redo on part of the body or another. Like that trailer man, I'm thinking of selling one of my kids and getting one 8)

[msbhammer]

Macojoe,
I would prefer to go with new trailer. Maybe next year.
Oh by the way, in the picture, it looks like you keep the trailer close to the road. What size ball does your trailer take. Whats your address again. ;D ;D ;D ;D

[willy]

Msh I got dibs on the Yammie ;) 8)

[macojoe]

Yes it is big money!! I got it cause the Mrs. let me use my tax refund to get it!!, But I had to also pay for seasonal camping, $3000

Yes the trailer tongue is about 20' from the road all summer, but it is in the back yard all winter.

2" ball Yarmouth Ma. and if you can get it out the yard with out me or my neighbor filling your *** with buck shot, its all yours!!

willy its a 17 year old motor this year!! *But I trust it!!

[CapnBill]

Msbhammer....

I just redid my springs and ubolts... have about $125 into the job.

Visit eastern marine's website - they are up in Newark, DE near 896 and 95 about 1 1/2 hr from you.

http://www.easternmarine.com/

Buy new spring set (pair) ubolts, and bolts for springs.
Get a new cutting disk for your 4 1/2 grinder and cut all the old bolt off ... oh yeah take the boat off the trailer - it will shorten the job by about 5 days !!!

I did my trailer in my garage in November - 3 hrs Sat and 2 hrs Sunday - hardest part is cuting off the old sheeet.
It is a dirty greasy job - at this time of year do it inside if possible.

But before you go thru the trouble and expense - make sure the rest of the trailer is worth it - if frame, axle and cross memebers etc. are OK . If not (as mentioned in previous posts) look at a new one...

Cbill

(I'm 75 mile west of you - across the bay bridge in Annapolis)




Cbill

[CapnBill]

MSb-

Just looked at your tailer in photos from your other post.

Since it is a tandem ... (I thought it was a single) ...so
If you can get the title - consider selling the trailer as is for about $1K and go a new one for about $2K - $2.5K.

Since it is a tandem - you'll have $300 - $500 into the undercarriage, plus time and labor and so for another kilobuck think about new.

But wait for the spring - April - May to put the trailer on the
market - to get top dollar.

C-bill

[msbhammer]

Hate to put out $2500.00 on the old credit card for new. But I also ;D dont want another tirs falling off as well, or the axcel snapping as well. It looks doable to repair, but just never done it before. Leaf springs, do they need a special tool to compress to remove or to install ???
Newark isnt far at all. Always passing through to get to Pa. and to Tow Mulv's boat away ;D

[msbhammer]

C. Bill
Again, great trailer site. Prices are doable to. Cheaper then West Marine. But I seem to agree with ya on the cost. Spings, U-bolts, spindles, hubs, rollers, winch. It all adds up really quick then double the cost because I will need two of everthing.

[macojoe]

if you don't got it , you don't got it.

I did all mine on a singal axle trailer and nevertook the boat off. If you can and have the time to takes yours off go ahead.

as stated before, a 4 1/2 grinder is going to be your best friend to start!!

First if you are leaving the boat on the trailer, Jack up and block well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Remove tires

Grind all bolts and take all apart.

add new leaf springs first, they are easy and requrie no special tools.
You will see the type springs you have when you take it all apart. There are slipper springs, hook springs, and eye to eye springs.

Slipers have one bolt in one end and just ride on the frame on the other end.

Hook springs are just like the slipers but hook over a bolt.

Eye to eye have a bolt on each end and spread with the shackle.

Now install the alxe, the springs will sit right on top then a plate goes over them and then the U bolts.

then hubs then tres and away you go!!

[msbhammer]

Sounds easy enough. How soon can you get her done ;D
Thanks,
Hammer.

[macojoe]

If you were near me we would already have it done!!

[mirage2521]

New trailers if you get the right one will cost you $2500+ I know this cause I have a brand *new one *;D

Here you can see all, the old trailer, the old truck, the new trailer, and the boat

http://syncboard.com/albums/Boat-Tackle-Box/Picture_096.sized.jpg

$2500, *Thats alot of fixing!!

I rebuilt my hole under of my old trailer with out ever taking the boat off. except for roller replacment.

Check that axle also!! It looks pretty rusty, they rust under neath were you can't see, tap with hammer to see the holes *:o

you can get Galv Axle, new springs, Ubolts, Hubs & Berrins for about $350 + shipping

Change all in a afternoon!! *Much better then $2500 for new if you don't have it and the rest of the tailer is in good shape!

and yes Champion Trailers is the way to go!! I just got a new catalog for them today!! ;D

That is an exceptionally nice trailer, I have found 2 different manufatureres who will sell you a very nice tandem trailer for under $2000.00 though. One of them was aluminium and posted on here a few montha ago, I am sure someone saved the address.

[Skools Out]

http://www.fishingworld.com/vDealers/NC/OuterBanksBoatHarbor/Default.tmpl

there ya go or old site was


http://www.boattrailers.org/

[CapnBill]

MSB -

another handy trailer info site

http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html

- Cbill

[msbhammer]

Capt.Bill
Thanks for the info on the trailer. Checked out your boat in the gallery. SWEEEEET ;D ;D

[msbhammer]

Well, it looks like I wont be doing any work on the trailer I have now. By accident I figure, I managed to contact the smuck I bought the boat and trailer from, and he answered the phone. He stated he cant send me the title back because its the wrong title. So it appears he knew that all along. Delaware is exstremely tuff with trailer titles. I pleaded with DMV and with the crime unit who checks all the vins #'s, they said no title, no registration :'( :'(
So it looks like I'll be out shopping for one shortly :'(

[macojoe]

Here in MA. we just say we have a home made trailer that is less the 2000# and there is no title needed.

There are so many illgeal trailers here!! I must say that the one I have now is the first leagle trailer I have ever own!!

No one ever checks trailers here! I was stoped by a cop once and he looked at the reg. *that said home made and 2000 pounds, and said ok have a good day! *That was with the V20 on it.

I have 3 friends with 23 footers and a 25 footer and all there trailers are registered that way *:o

Thats to bad!! *But maybe its a sign that you need a new trailer??

[msbhammer]

Yeah, well it looks like I will be doing a stealth run over to MacJoe's. Hopefully the Blazer is broken down and teh shotgun is out of arms reach ;D ;D

[Blue_Runner]

I didn't have my title either. I'm in NC.

I was able to contact the guy who's name the title was in. This was 2 owners ago (not the person I bought from)!

Since I was able to contact him, all he had to do was apply for a duplicate title then transfer it to me. It actually had nothing to do with the previous owner at all since he never put it in his name.

Bottom line is if you can find out who's name it was in last (maybe check boat registration to find out) then if you can reach them have them apply for a duplicate and transfer to you.

That should be possible in any state IMO but I'm not sure.

Also, I replaced u-bolts, springs, rims, tires, lights, winch, bearings, bearing buddies, etc. for under $500 counting tax on my 1981 Cox tandem trailer. Wasn't a bad job if I had more tools! Impact wrench would'a made short work of getting the old nuts off the u-bolts! That was my biggest complaint.

[macojoe]

you never going to get mine thats for sure!!

But I will let you reg. here in ma as a homemade under $2000 ;D about $35 a year

[Skools Out]

i have 4 trailers with no titles but have a homemade trailer i just grind the numbers out of the axle and tongue restamp and get a homemade title for it again for each and then go with it. All my trailer say homemade but 2 and the ones that say homemade are titled as 70 models for taxes. Homemade titles are free here. then tags are $18.

[Blue_Runner]

I was going to have to do that Skool if I couldn't get hold of the guy who's name was still on the title.

It was cool talking to the guy. I had heard the guy on the title was dead. When I got him on the phone I said, "hey the guy I bought the boat from said you were dead!" He replies, "reports of my death are greatly exagerated." Which was of course and old Mark Twain quote from way back! I got a good laugh out of it.

I got to hear a little history on the '73.

[msbhammer]

The title that came with the trailer didnt match the trailer vin # the guy said. I looked for the vin # and was unable to find it.

[Skools Out]

it doesn't matter if the vin doesn't match just restamp the trailer with the new numbers.

[macojoe]

Just forget you a cop for 15 min and do it!! Save you alot of headaches in the future!

Home made trailers here have nothing stamped on them, they take are word for it ::)

[msbhammer]

I begged and pleaded with the DMV. If it doesnt look homemade, they wont budge. :( :( :(

[Skools Out]

do you or someone you know had a homemade trailer? if so just get it titled and use it's title then later do it again and you will have the needed extra title

[msbhammer]

Hmmm, thats an idea. But then again, the smuck who I bought the trailer from said he would give me a thousand bucks back for the trailer. Would make a down payment on another one, but I"ll believe that when it happens. Hopefully I will hear back from him in a few days and we can settle this once and for all. If I had it my way, I would have him arrested for Theft by Decption.

[msbhammer]

Lordy, Lordy, can it be true ??, after all this fighting over the trailer title, the guy finally agreed to buy back the trailer for a thousand bucks. Will make a nice down payment towards another trailer. One less problem I have to deal with now. ::)

[macojoe]

Thats great news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

add another grand and you come real close to a brand new!!

[msbhammer]

Will be taking the boat up th estreet to th eboat yard where they will lift the boat off and place her on jacks. Then I'll be returning the trailer, grabbing another one
WITH A TITLE ;D "Damm Delaware DMV".
While the boat is on jacks, I guess I'll get started on the gell coat repairs, painting the deck and installing the deck drains and scuppers. Decide if this kids wants to swat my scooter for ahardtop. If not, I was given a price of $700.00 to install an enclosure around my bim top. BUT then again, that guy in Cape May NJ. who was selling the v-20 with the blown motor, that boat has a full enclosure and a trailer. I might be saving money going that way. Thats if the trailer has a title. and the top fits. If I go that route, anybody want a boat ?? The wife will bury me if I bring home a second boat.
Come on warmer weather.

[msbhammer]

That boat in Cape May is still for sale. Boat is a 1974 year with twin saddle tanks. Motor is blown. Motor and controls yanked, but go with it. Full enclosure top was done 3 yrs. ago for 900.00 he said. Also had the transom completely rebuilt.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f153/msbhammer/644885_1.jpg

[reelapeelin]

Hammer, what year hull you got now??...I wouldn't go back to a '74 w/no flotation and a 20'' transom if your hull is newer...not even for a full enclosure and trailer... ;)...plus I don't like that trailer for a V20...wheels are tucked under hull which causes it to ride high....

[TheTinMan]

Heard great things about these trailers. Prices look very good too. If I were to buy a new trailer it would DEFINATLEY be aluminum/bunk style.



http://www.nextrailofamerica.com/

[reelapeelin]

I remember seein' those...prices gonna be hard to outrun!!... ;)...

[macojoe]

That trailer was never ment to be under that V20!!

If your happy with what you got then stick with it, trailers are all over the place!!

As for the top, IMO I hate the glass on a bimi they are just not stable anough.

[msbhammer]

TinMan,
Glad you pulled that site up. BUNK TRAILERS GUYS, ??
A guy sales them here in Delaware and says bunks trailers are fine for a deep-V. I kinds like it, but will a Bunk trailer work or not ???
They are cheaper then a roller trailer.

[msbhammer]

Reel: I have a 86 model V-20. 1974 didnt have floatation ??, meaning hull wasnt spray foamed in ???
Hmm, learned something new, never knew that.

[msbhammer]

I called that trailer place and left a message. I dont follow the concept though of side bunks compared to rollers. What does the keel sit on...metal ??
Again, been told this is the new way to go with boat trailers, plus less maint on rollers. Request Input.

[Skools Out]

some like rollers i only go with bunks i've had several roller trailers and hate'em. Bunk Prefered. The keel shouldn't sit on anything wheather it be a roller or bunk trailer. If the keel is resting on something the boat will tend to rock when in tow. As for Maint. there's more for a roller trailer. Personally i'd buy a trailer for a larger boat too. I'd buy a 21'-23' tandem bunk trailer

[msbhammer]

Macojoe:
Strange how you said that the trailer was never meant to be under the V-20. A few friends had concerns about how low the trailer was to the ground "inches" from the ground, plus the 13" inch tires as well. 14" tires would hit the inside of te fenders, raising fenders would hit the hull.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f153/msbhammer/DSC01690.jpg

[Skools Out]

hey here's a thread where i loaded a boat on to a bunk trailer. see how it sits on a bunk trailer

here's the link of that thread
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=off_topic;action=display;num=113073 4335;start=0#0
See Here the a copy of the link

First Line up the trailer by hand then wet the runners be bunks or rollers helps load easier.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-001S.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-002S.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-003S.jpg

Take a floor jack and center it mid ways back to five ft from the bow, then jack the boat off the blocks in the front
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-006S.jpg

then start to wench the trailer under the boat.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-004S.jpg

Notice the back is still supported by jack stands in the case of my boat usually blocks.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-005S.jpg

Once the boat trailer is to the floor jack let the jack down which will lift the front of the trailer.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-007S.jpg

But before letting the jack all the way down set the front blocks between the rear blocks and the trailer
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-008S.jpg

Start to wench the boat on the trailer it will have the trailer still lifted up in the front.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-009S.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-010S.jpg

Keep wenching the boat on to the trailer the trailer will finally come down to the ground slowly then remove all the blocks from the boat. It will wench the rest of the way on easily now. then tow it home lol.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-011S.jpg

Notice i changed the trailers wench post and bow stop. That was so the boat would move 3 inches forward and would work better on heigth for the front of the boat.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-012S.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-013S.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/Skools_Out/other/Trailer-014S.jpg

[reelapeelin]

Hammer, I THINK reference to side bunks is in ADDITION TO the lower bunks below the hull...side bunks are guides to help center the boat as it loads onto the trailer...I guess that's the reference...

13'' wheels on mine for years, LOTTA towin'...it's the TIRES you put on 'em that have to have LOAD RATING to carry the weight...each of my tires is rated for max 1850 lbs...that times 4 gives me a max gross of 7400 lbs...whole rig is only 4600 so I'm well under rated load... ;)...

[msbhammer]

So..lower bunks are the same as the keel rollers that are pictured. ??

[reelapeelin]

Wouldn't say they are the ''same as'', but they do the same job as rollers...and are in the same place... :)...

[macojoe]

I am a roller guy!! They say Bunks are nice and i am sure they are for some but not for me!!

Here we have alot of steep ramps and low low water at low tide. I habve a buddy with a bunker and I am home showered and sleeping when he is just getting out of the water.
you need water for a bunk to work!

With rollers I am in or out no matter the water leavel, and I still hand crank my boat so rollers are gret for that!

Depending on were you fish, how much water you have there , do you hand crank, this is what will determin what you need for a trailer.

Bunk trailers are easy maintanice!! Just replace a 2x6 every few years and you good to go. Rollers need to be taken care of all the time to insure they are not frozen in place, and whenyou have 36 of them it gets to be a pain!

[msbhammer]

School, you have a picture of your V-20 on a bunk.
Hmm, Mac, good point, the low tides and steep, STEEP ramp here in Lewes now makes me wonder.

[Skools Out]

we have steep ramps too, never caused a problem for any of my boats. Bunks will last around 4 to 5 yrs before needing any work. you can drive on either trailer. I just like less maint. on the trailer so i go with bunks now. i've had 3 or 4 roller trailers. i'll get some pics for you of mine sitting on it's bunks. look in my gallery you'll see my V20 on the trailer. Look at the links at the bottom of my reply and see pics of all my boats on both types of trailers.

Here's a link to several V20 pics

http://www.boatshots.zoomshare.com/1.shtml/20%27%20Wellcraft%20V20%20Boat

[msbhammer]

School,
Your like a Stripper !!, the bunk trailer looked good, but flaunting that sweet looking Johnson motor at me is to much !!! : ) ;D