trailer tragedy, and question

graphik · Addict Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 727 City: miller lake

Tragic story for you all.
Went boat shopping this past september and saw the used boat of my dreams. No trailer though. I got it for a decent deal with the understanding that I had to get a boat trailer. Did my research, and found a local place that has trailers on site. New to the inboard thing I knew what I was looking for, but wasn't sure just by seeing it. But the guy told me it would fit. My girl and I drive 3 hours to the boat and find out (in a rain storm) that the trailer was too short. Super pissed, I drive back to the trailer guy next day (lost my plate on the way $30 bye bye) and the guy wouldn't refund my money at all. He wanted me to put it towards another one. I thought this is the last place I want to do business... Took me three weeks and legal action to get my money (three weeks of boating I could have had). Phoned around again and found a place that actually makes inboard trailers. But the boat is three hours away, so I can't even give him a pic of the hull. It's a Tige, and I called Tige, and believe it or not they would not provide any info to me claiming that they don't have specs on file (that's another story).

Got a trailer made, got another plate and off to get the boat. Didn't fit again, but it was just because the trailer wasn't adjusted. So we got out the wrenches and went to work. Despite our best efforts the boat sits low between the trailer fenders. I had to get the largest brackets but it still sits 1/2 an inch or so below the fenders. This is not good for the hull as it's a really tight fit, and I've scratched the crap out of the thing getting it off the trailer to fix it. I'm thinking of adding a 4x6 on each bunk and was wondering if anyone has done this.

Oh... I had a 5 minute drive in the boat before I had to go into storage.

All Canadians, never step foot inside of Sherway Marine in Toronto

Lyte Skin · Outlaw Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 210 City: San Angelo, TX

that sucks

BIGMAC · Posted: Apr 15, 2003 12:57 pm Post subject:

Why didn't you just buy a trailer from the people who make the trailers for tige?

Millertyme · Posted: Apr 15, 2003 1:08 pm Post subject:

Who sells boats with no trailers? Not in my neck of the woods!

Millertyme

BIGMAC · Posted: Apr 15, 2003 1:13 pm Post subject:

Some people keep their boats on the water all year round and don't need a trailer. If the boat needs service they barrow or rent one form the dealer.

Millertyme · Posted: Apr 15, 2003 1:32 pm Post subject:

I nont like to keep my boat in the water overnight! Guess I just baby it?

Millertyme

BIGMAC · Posted: Apr 15, 2003 1:51 pm Post subject:

Miller I mean at a dock not literally on the water.

Millertyme · Posted: Apr 15, 2003 2:35 pm Post subject:

I figured that much. Just that around here there are not any docks to leave your boat at. so you have to anchor it in the sand. A few tymes in middle of the night when camping. The wind would come up and move boats around. Damm I hate those midnight swims half drunk. So here its just better to take it out of the water at night.

Millertyme

Mike · Addict Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 536 City: Orlando

Our boat sits on the boat lift all summer. (at night when we are not using it of, coarse). We dont use our trailer that much, but still wouldnt buy a boat without one.

ohsix · Posted: Apr 15, 2003 8:25 pm Post subject:

most boat companies dont make their own trailers. i think mastercraft does but that's the only one i know of.

i think the 4x6 idea sounds good. on our boat trailer the bunks are carpeted 2x4s so replacing those with 4x4s or 4x6s should do the trick for you. or if you could post some pics of your trailer i'm sure there's a few smart people on here that would be willing to help you figure out a solution.

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

4X6's won't conform to the hull like a 2X4. Can't you raise the brackets on the bunks?

graphik · Addict Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 727 City: miller lake

Apparently, I've got the tallest bunk brackets (14 inch). I may just get the boat in the water and take the trailer back and get them to widen it or something. If not I'll have to give it a real good look and figure something out. I can't move the bunks out any more to give it height, so I'm running out of options. I even tried to take off the fenders, but they are welded on by the axel somehow, so I can't just unbolt them.

I just hope the hull is alright after sitting like that all winter. I'll see what the service guy thinks.