1974 Ski Nautique - trailer
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40350
Printed Date: November-16-2024 at 5:36am
Topic: 1974 Ski Nautique - trailer
Posted By: robdubbleu
Subject: 1974 Ski Nautique - trailer
Date Posted: December-26-2016 at 11:04pm
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Hey folks, first post but I've been prowling the site a while. I'm going to be getting a 1974 Ski Nautique from my grandfather who's gotten to the point where he can't enjoy it anymore. The boat needs plenty of work itself but before I can begin that, I've got to figure out what to do about the trailer. Trailer hasn't been used in a couple of decades and is in worse shape than the boat. At the very least, it needs new tires. No idea what the hubs/bearings will need. Leaf springs have a generous coat of rust and there's more paint peeled up from the paint than still adhered to it. Assuming the brakes are non-functional. My questions are: -Should I fix the trailer or try to find one in better shape? -What kind of cost am I looking at to get an appropriate replacement trailer? -What kind of trailer should I look for? All help is appreciated. Expect me to be back here quite a bit looking for more expertise. I'll probably be replacing the stringers and flooring. And maybe doing a full engine rebuild... |
Replies:
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: December-27-2016 at 6:56am
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Rob, Welcome to CCfan. Here's a http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=16419" rel="nofollow - 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!  ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: December-27-2016 at 9:03am
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The older open channel correct craft trailers are usually very restorable even when they look a little rough around the edges. Are you sure it has brakes? That would be a rarity on a trailer that age. A full functional restoration for a non-braked version will run about $700, so factor in $300-400 more (worst case) for brakes if you have to replace everything. Paint will run anywhere from $50 (DIY) to $500 or so for a pro to do a full blast and spray. All together, it's usually more economical to restore vs replace. New trailers will be in the $3-4K range... and while functional, don't look the best under a vintage boat IMHO. We can talk specifics on which parts to buy and where to get them when the time comes. Most of the parts in the thread that Pete linked are not appropriate for an early 70's #3 trailer like yours, but which parts you would need is still well understood. Welcome to the site. Post pics when you can! |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: December-27-2016 at 12:16pm
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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 ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: December-30-2016 at 2:50am
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Thanks for the info everybody! It looks like I'll be restoring the trailer that comes with the boat. The main setback, which I failed to mention, is that the boat and trailer currently reside about 3 hours away from where I live. They're at Lake Gaston if anybody is interested. So right now I have no way to move either of them. Perhaps I'll just try to restore the trailer at my grandparents' place. Thankfully he's got tons of tools. Then once I get the trailer road-worthy, I can bring them both back to Mt Island Lake and begin all the work on the boat. I'll have pictures as soon as I can take some :)
No I sure don't. Hopefully it doesn't! |
TRBenj wrote:Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: December-30-2016 at 2:57am
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! |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: December-30-2016 at 5:52am
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Rob, Keep in mind a trailer doesn't need paint to make it roadworthy. Consider doing a on site wheel bearing R&R and new rubber to get it home. Many have. Also, as Tim mentioned a trailer of that era typically would not have brakes so even if it was retrofitted, you can get it back without brakes. If you do decide to just pull the trailer back home, it's pretty simple to get the boat off the trailer leaving the boat in place. If you decide to go this route, we'll fill you in on the procedure. All it takes is a jackstand on the trailer tongue. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Smithfamily
Date Posted: December-30-2016 at 7:30am
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Good luck with it Rob! You are in the right place for help! ------------- Js |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: December-30-2016 at 7:54pm
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Rob, Some have pulled the boat and trailer onto a U-Haul car carrier and strapped it down. Then they tow the U-Haul car hauler with the boat and trailer in tow home. You use a come a long wench to pull it onto the trailer. Like Pete was saying just rebuild the hubs and put on new tires and rewire the lights and hit I-85 and pray. We have a good site member that has a place on Gaston. It is a summer place for him. Donald ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: December-30-2016 at 9:44pm
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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!! |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: December-31-2016 at 12:02am
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Find a local ( Lake Gaston) tire shop for Trailer Tires on the factory rims. Chances are they are fine. Remember you need a spare tire and wheel. If you do not have one you will need it. If you have it, you will not need it. If there is a West Marine ( Most Expensive), Bass Pro, Gander Mountain, Cabalas, maybe Walmart, you can find a rim and tire for a spare. Size a bolt pattern could be all over the place. E-Trailer.com is a good place for bearings, and races. Can your Grandparents take a photo and send it to you of the trailer wheel / Rim? Is there a younger neighbor that can text you a photo? We could help if we have a photo. You go up there with bearings and rebuild kits and a spare tire and find a local tire shop and you are good to go. Get a light kit and you are golden. There is a trailer company in Lincolnton, NC, titled Red Neck Trailer (No joke). They are on-line and seem to be a big company but many on CCFan have had great result with E-Trailer.com for bearings. I hope this helps, Donald ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: December-31-2016 at 9:55am
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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. |
Posted By: Duane in Indy
Date Posted: December-31-2016 at 11:57am
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I have used this place in the past with great success. Great Tech people also if you have questions: http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=trailertiresandwheels&item=121769331418&_osacat=0&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_from=R40&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1311.R8.TR11.TRC1.A0.H3.X205.TRS0&_nkw=205+75+14+trailer+tires&_sacat=0" rel="nofollow - Tires/Wheels Harbor Freight sell a magnetic trailer light kit that plugs into tow vehicle and the lights magnetically stick onto the trailer. On sale for around $10 Another option would be to pick up a spare set of hubs and have them already set up with bearings and grease. Bolt them up to the wheels and when you get there you could be on the road in short order. Lots of options. Have fun and welcome to CCF ------------- Keep it as original as YOU want it 1978 Mustang (modified) |
Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: December-31-2016 at 12:10pm
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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! |
Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: December-31-2016 at 12:11pm
Definitely a good call on the spare! My uncle lives near them so I'll see if he can send me a bunch of pictures soon, so I can make sure I'm planning appropriately for this project. |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: December-31-2016 at 12:16pm
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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 ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: December-31-2016 at 12:27pm
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Rob, Looks like we were posting at the same time. Just one more thing to put in the BACK of your mind when working on these old trailers. When changing out the hubs, inspects the axel spindles. If you find some damage that can't be removed with Emory Cloth you can install a Speedee Sleeve as a fix instead of an axel replacement in SOME cases. Basically is a metal axel condom that covers the nicks. Hopefully, this will not even be an issue. Good luck, Donald ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: December-31-2016 at 3:26pm
| 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. |
Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: May-14-2017 at 3:33am
Well, thread revival time. As promised, some pictures of the trailer. Got some relatives to send them. It's not pretty but hopefully road-worthy enough once I put some new wheels and tires on it.    
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Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: May-14-2017 at 3:36am
| Ehhh.... don't know why they're upside down... |
Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: May-16-2017 at 2:08pm
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Can anybody confirm that what I'll be working with is the original trailer for this boat? Thanks! |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: May-16-2017 at 2:24pm
| 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). |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-16-2017 at 2:27pm
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Rob, I agree with Tim that it looks like you are OK to get the boat on that trailer. (after some work on it! )------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: May-16-2017 at 2:32pm
Awesome. Thanks guys! She's not pretty but the price is right  |
Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: May-17-2017 at 2:32am
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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? |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-17-2017 at 7:46am
No ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: May-17-2017 at 10:40am
No to the lug bolts or No to them making a difference ???? |
Posted By: KENO
Date Posted: May-17-2017 at 11:01am
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
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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-17-2017 at 11:15am
Wheels are the same for ether bolts or nuts. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: May-17-2017 at 6:56pm
| 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. |
Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: May-18-2017 at 12:38am
Yeah I knew the wheels would be the same. Just wanted to make sure it was going to be ok to swap hub styles (hubs with holes, swapped with hubs with studs). I may just get new trailer tires. My grandfather should have all the tools I'd need to get them onto the wheel. Unfortunately elbow grease is the main aspect of that job.... |
Posted By: roadtrip
Date Posted: May-18-2017 at 10:57am
| Is the plan to bring just the trailer home, or do you need to be concerned with tie downs, bunks and such so you can bring the boat as well? |
Posted By: robdubbleu
Date Posted: May-22-2017 at 11:56am
| The plan is to bring the boat also. |