I need some direction with what to do...

Dani

Dani

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well perhaps that was too philisophical of a title, but it's really quite a simple dilemna. I have my 12 ft flat bottomed foamy boat. I want a new trailer. I want a galvanized trailer and it was mentioned to me that there are kits that I could order for such things. I've been searching the classified ads, craigslist, etc etc etc. not much out there that I've found, so I'm looking for other sources. If anyone could point me in the right direction it'd be fabulous. Thanks in advance for your help...

Danibeth
 
EZ Loader used to have a UPS-able trailer kit, but I can't find it on the 'net anymore...

Also, not sure what your budget is like, but you can buy an inexpensive galvanized trailer for not a lot of money. Venture, Karavan, American and others had small boat bunk trailers in the $500-1000 range last time I looked.
 
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Dani, I would take a ride to the nearest boatyard or marina and see what they have laying around. Usually you can find some pretty good used trailors that dont need much work for very little cash. Thats if there are any marinas-boatyards near you
 
Dani,

Put your own kit together. I would think there are a good number of old beat Galv. trailers kicking around that you can start with (salvage). I've rebuilt two to making them into what I needed. The first for my Merrymeeting Float, I started with an old tilt trailer, 3/4" spindles welded onto Galvanized angle for an axle. I salvaged the frame (horseshoe section) winch tower, and the springs (recently upgraded). Threw out the tongue (too short), axle assembly (garbage), bunks & hardware, tires & wheels (dry rot & Rust), lights didn't exist.

Did you know you can buy pre-fabed & Galv. tongues? Galv. Axles with standard spindles? With today's online Cat.s it should be even easier to put together.

Next trailer was easier except I couldn't find bunk hardware. I designed and fabricated my own from 3" angle (hack saw and grinder). They're non-galv. and I'm keeping an eye on them. I now know if they don't hold up that I can make up another set and have them galvanized locally. So far so good. Tires, wheels, grease thru hubs, winch, lights, guide posts, bow chain, new hitch for 2" ball, safety cables, huge bunks (pressure treated) and galv hardware.

These trailers are still in use and I couldn't be happier with what I ended up with. They weren't "cheap" but I sure couldn't have bought [font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]equivalent[/font] trailers for anything close to what I put together. Everything I toughed I upgraded because I hate working on my equipment in the snow banks along the side of the highway in the dark.

They were fun projects.
Scott
 
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Hey Dani,

Couple of thoughts. As Charlie mentioned EZ-Loader has a UPS shippable trailer. If you call a dealer in your area they can likely point you in the right direction. Also, I believe Mark Ronger's is an EZ-Loader dealer and might be able to find something for you. You might also try calling some independent PWC dealers in your area. I've got to imagine that in FL there are many. I've seen dealers usually have a fenced in area in the back of the shop where they store their stock. Usually there's a trailer stuck back in there with a little rust. Might be able to make a deal.
 
Around here there are always single, bunked PWC trailers for sale. Normally the owner gets one PWC and realizes that it's no fun to tear it up alone, so they get a second with a double trailer. Leaving the single trailer for sale. Another thought is an utility trailer. If your boat is flat bottomed and foam, you could just get a winch for the tongue and crank her up. Good luck with your search. BTW my little girl enjoys your posts. You're helping inspire her to be an outdoorswoman. Thanks.
 
Dani,

I bought an aluminum jet ski trailer used and can pull a small boat on it easily with an old escort. It is really easy to move stuff around on by hand. Here is a link to a company that sells trailer kits that are all aluminum. They have free shipping, but they are pricey. I have had no dealings with them so this is not a recommendation just an option:
http://www.castlecraft.com/trailers.htm

I would say watch or advertise locally on Craigslist for a trailer.
 
Thanks y'all. Probably my budget is going to have to be below $500, and if possible below $400. I'll look into the PWC trailer. There's also a store right around the corner from where I work that I'll go check out and see if they have one that might need a bit of work.
 
Dani, I found a google link from someone who posted (in 2006) a price of the EZT14 1200# model from ez loader was $500. I'd suspect the 800# model would be fine for you. Might want to give a dealer a call just to see what they're going for these days.
 
I think you'll find that in the Champion Trailer catalogue. Champion has EVERYTHING you could possible need for any boat trailer. Nice folks down in Slidell, LA; the lady that takes your order over the phone is sometimes a little gruff if you are slow, because she is so busy. I always have my items numbers organized and ready to go when I call her.

Ed.
 
I think that the boxed boat trailer from HarborFreight is a steel painted one. May not be what your looking for but its only $379.99. You can do what I did and just search thru CraigsList and find a boat and trailer for sale. Sell off the boat and you have your trailer. I found a guy selling a 14 foot alum. jon boat and galvanized trailer. $500. Trailer was in great condition and the boat was well used. I took the boat to the local ramp and put it in and took photos of it on the water. Turned around and posted the boat for sale on CraigsList with no trailer but willing to deliver it to local area. Sold 45 min. after I posted it. Price was $300. Trailer ended up costing me $200. Great deal! Added new bunks and bunk brackets and a bolt-on PVC guide kit. Total for trailer is around $300. Not a bad deal in my opinion. Good luck in your search.
 
James-

Thanks for the idea. I may consider doing that if I can find me the right trailer. I am going to try and stay away from steel. I have one now and with the rain and saltwater that that trailer gets put through, I have a hard time keeping up with the rust. So I'd really rather forgo steel again. But I will certainly keep that idea in mind.

Dani
 
Take a look on tidalfish.com You might have to register to view, but their classifieds have a boat trailer section.
 
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