Boat Trailer Alterations

[Kiwi Dan]

Gday all,

I've just purchased another trailer and its about 200mm to long for my boat. Does anyone know where i might be able to get a 200mm section of the rear of the trailer cut and re welded?

[The Flintstones]

Gday all,

I've just purchased another trailer and its about 200mm to long for my boat. Does anyone know where i might be able to get a 200mm section of the rear of the trailer cut and re welded?

Can't you just move the winch post back 200mm?

[pelican]

Nah - just cut the boat and extend it 200mm. You can never stop the rust when you cut a trailer.

[macka17]

Nah - just cut the boat and extend it 200mm. You can never stop the rust when you cut a trailer.

That's very true.

Try moving the post first. Load boat, and check balance. If you have suspension mounted on frame that's adjustable and fixed with U Bolts. You can readjust to suit easy enough.

Otherwise you may find trailer too arse heavy. (Depending on size/weight, of boat). Small boat not too much a problem. Heavier boat. Be careful.

If you cut. Grind rear rail off first. and move boat forward to where it'll be. If balance ok. Fine.

Grind off side rails to suit. and reweld rear back on.

Check on suspension unit first. lot's are made adjustable. If so, not a prob. Shorten. Move to suit.

If not. You'll probably find it's better to move post 4 in and trim trailer 4 in. Won't affect the balance so much.

Always think. B4 you cut things. Other things can be affected. and once grinder bin there. can be embarassing.

After welding. Grind back to clean steel. Mix up some epoxy to suit. and coat with that first. B4 painting.. Can add some grey colour in it first. To Keep colour same as.

Bit long winded. But I've made a couple of them. If suspension not adjustable. on heavier boats. you can stuff up with the balance.. Small light boat.. Go for it..

Enjoy.

Macka17

Edited December 6, 2007 by macka17

[Kiwi Dan]

Thanks all,

the post is welded on as well so i cant move it.

I thought there might be a trailer place that will do it all for me. The boat isnt overly heavy, its a 4.7m Aluminium.

[pelican]

Just get a trailer person to manufacture and galvanise a extra piece of metal to fit under your current winch plate that moves the bow roller back / v block 200mm. No cutting no welding and trailer remains the same . May even be able to do it with off the shelf pre galvanised parts.

[IWANNABROCK]

Better off modifing winch post as it wont be affected as much as rear of trailer with salt water. make post adjustable with u bolts and fish plates same as used on spring pack on suspension.

[Kiwi Dan]

thanks for all your input fellas, have found a company that will do it all.

[Bigfoot]

Just get a trailer person to manufacture and galvanise a extra piece of metal to fit under your current winch plate that moves the bow roller back / v block 200mm. No cutting no welding and trailer remains the same . May even be able to do it with off the shelf pre galvanised parts.

I reckon your on the money Pelican!!!

However,

if you decide to Cut:.............

MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE!!!!!

It is not overly expensive to redip a trailer and if I was cutting, I would re-gal for sure.

[macka17]

thanks for all your input fellas, have found a company that will do it all.

If you going to just do post. You can buy posts ready made. With U Bolts and bottom plate.

Cheapest would be to Hacksaw/grind. old post off. Transfer winch to new post and adjust position to suit.

1/2 hrs work.

Just paint some rust converter Silver colour over grind and watch it.

Macka17