1974 Ski Nautique - trailer

Rob,
Welcome to CCfan. Here's a link to trailer restoration out of the FAQ thread in the maintenance section Paint can come later but do address the mechanicals like hubs and brakes. Springs may be ok. Post some pictures of the trailer and the boat BTW, if you haven't run across the FAQ thread yet, take a look at it. It's a fantastic resource with links to just about anything you need to know. If you don't find what you are looking for, then certainly ask. Don't forget those pictures!

Rob,
I live about 20 minutes from you in Denver ( Of the East) , NC, at Lake Norman and I would be willing to give your trailer a look to give you some advice. I had a 1980 that I restored the trailer on it, so I have been down that road before. I went way over budget with it, but there are other ways of doing it. Some of the guys have had great results with a sander with a wire wheel brush and using POR 15 paint. It is not fun to apply but you brush it on and it sets up to look like a Spray Job.    

Some of the guys have gone to Boat Mate Trailers near Knoxville, TN and have had custom new trailers made. Reid P. has done this with a few trailers and he lives in Mooresville and I could show you his trailers to give you an idea. Many do prefer the original Correct Craft Trailers if that is what you have. I can help you determine this or a photo or two on this site would also do the trick.

Just let me know if you want me to take a look. You can send me a PM ( Personal Message ) from the site.

Donald

Donald80SN wrote: Rob, I live about 20 minutes from you in Denver ( Of the East) , NC, at Lake Norman and I would be willing to give your trailer a look to give you some advice. I had a 1980 that I restored the trailer on it, so I have been down that road before. I went way over budget with it, but there are other ways of doing it. Some of the guys have had great results with a sander with a wire wheel brush and using POR 15 paint. It is not fun to apply but you brush it on and it sets up to look like a Spray Job.     Some of the guys have gone to Boat Mate Trailers near Knoxville, TN and have had custom new trailers made. Reid P. has done this with a few trailers and he lives in Mooresville and I could show you his trailers to give you an idea. Many do prefer the original Correct Craft Trailers if that is what you have. I can help you determine this or a photo or two on this site would also do the trick. Just let me know if you want me to take a look. You can send me a PM ( Personal Message ) from the site. Donald

Donald,

Thanks so much for the offer to help out! Maybe I can figure out a way to get the trailer by itself back to my home somehow and then can restore it and then go pick up the boat. I'll explore my options and let you know.

Thanks again!

Good luck with it Rob! You are in the right place for help!

Ok well I think I've tentatively decided I'll just put new tires on the trailer, restore the bearings, and bring her on home. I have no idea when I'll be able to do it, probably a couple of months at least. I've got to get the boat's new home (my garage and house) finished and move in first.

I do have the advantage of the trailer being empty while I work on it since the boat is on the lift. Since new trailer wheels are not too expensive, and I only need 2, do you guys think I should just get a new wheel & tire combo instead of putting new tires on the old wheels and avoid the risk of issues with bad wheels? If so, what size do you think my trailer has on it now? Hub bolt pattern?

Thanks!!

14" 5x4.5

Etrailer sells some nice black powder coated steel wheels that would very closely match the original style... not sure if they sell them in pre-mounted options or not.

If my wheels are in good shape I like to buy tires locally and have them balanced. If the wheels need blasting/paint then buying online is usually the better option if working from a distance... wheel style choices locally are usually pretty poor. Don't throw your stuff away, in any case.

Definitely get yourself a spare. I'd grab a wire harness, set of lights and plate bracket when you place your order (they're cheap). I'd order 2 new hubs and a spare set of bearings... clean up the old hubs and keep them as spares. '74 would have had a standard 3500 lb axle (L44649/L68149). I'd chance the old springs/bolts/bushings on a relatively short ride home (<8hrs) but I'd replace them soon after on a trailer that age if any significant towing was planned. No need to go the uhaul root if you know the parts you need ahead of time and can replace the basics needed for a safe ride home.

I like the idea of showing up with a new set of wheels/tires/hubs so I have less work to do when I'm there, which should help minimize unforeseen issues. Especially since their place isn't very close to any auto parts stores, etc.

You guys have been very helpful so far! Can anyone recommend a hub kit?

Thanks!

Rob,

Tim knows Correct Craft Trailers better than anyone so he is giving you great info. Tim has also moved many boats and trailers over the Midwest and East Coast so he knows how to do it. However, this is all assuming you have a Correct Craft Trailer. A photo texted from your family or a neighbor would help before you purchased hubs, and wheels.

I always towed with a spare new hub in the past. I do not have one for my current 2002 set up. I need to get one.

Donald

Northern Tool also likely has ALL the parts you would need. I just got a set of wheels/tires and lights to prep a newly purchased trailer this morning.

Ehhh.... don't know why they're upside down...

I didn't think the square fenders were used until '76 but otherwise it looks to be period correct and appropriate for a 2gen SN (#3).

Awesome. Thanks guys! She's not pretty but the price is right

robdubbleu wrote: It looks like the wheels are held on by lug bolts instead of nuts. Does it sound reasonable that it may have hubs with holes drilled into them instead of studs coming out? If so, will this make any difference when I go to replace them, which I fully intend to do?

No

robdubbleu wrote: It looks like the wheels are held on by lug bolts instead of nuts. Does it sound reasonable that it may have hubs with holes drilled into them instead of studs coming out? If so, will this make any difference when I go to replace them, which I fully intend to do?

My mid 70's CC trailer had the lug bolts as you describe them.

They were a pain in the butt when it came time to change a tire unless you had 3 hands

If it's the hub you're talking about replacing, then definitely get hubs with studs. or you could drill out your holes for studs that press in from the back if you find the right stud.

I did this years ago but don't remember what I used for studs.

I have to stop with all this stud talk now, Pete keeps popping into my mind

The wheels look fine to me just get new tires and make sure they're a trailer not a car/truck tire which looks what's on now there is a difference.