Question about aftermarket trailers
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=49837
Printed Date: March-04-2025 at 4:18am
Topic: Question about aftermarket trailers
Posted By: wtrshpdwn
Subject: Question about aftermarket trailers
Date Posted: May-22-2021 at 11:11pm
|
I recently acquired a 1974 Ski Nautique, the only problem is the boat I purchased doesn't have a trailer. So I have been searching online for information on used and new trailers and what qualities are needed for the Nautique. From what i'm hearing right now, a new trailer is a minimum 12 week wait time. So, since a used trailer fits my budget better anyways, I'm trying to stick with used.
I am new to the world of boats with inboard motors, and i'm worried about buying a trailer that won't be easy to load and unload with the stabilizer fins hitting the trailer. Most of the trailers I've found also appear to be for outboards in that they don't have a notched rear crossmember for the prop. Is it possible to buy a trailer like the photos below and expect it to work with my '74 Ski Nautique? Can I get away with finding a trailer that has the right weight rating, angled crossmembers, and just raise or install taller bunks as needed? Thanks!!   |
Replies:
Posted By: Jonny Quest
Date Posted: May-23-2021 at 12:35am
|
You really need a trailer with a prop cage and that was designed for inboards. What you show in the pictures will challenge your ability to modify and weld. I'm especially not a fan of the roll-on-roll-off type trailers as I've seen several boats lying high-and-dry on the ramp after someone prematurely released the winch strap. Starting with a Collie and hoping for a Great Dane will likely cause you grief. Just my 2 cents. JQ
------------- Current 2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-23-2021 at 7:42am
|
Steven, Modifying a trailer for your 74 can be done but depending on what you start with the mods can get involved. You've already mentioned weight rating and prop/rudder/skeg clearance but also think about axle position. If the trailer was made for an O/B, then the axle needs to be moved forward. What's you skill level for a project like this? ------------- /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: wtrshpdwn
Date Posted: May-23-2021 at 9:14am
|
Thanks for the feedback. I totally understand the need for a prop and rudder cage to protect those items while using the trailer. As far as skill level goes, I am confident in my ability to do pretty much everything except fab work. Which I realize is no small part of making these trailers work for my boat. Since I can’t seem to find any used trailers made for inboards, my hope was to find a workable trailer for an OB, then have a shop cut and weld the rear and middle crossmemeber to clear the gear on the bottom of the boat. Then I feel like I should be able to put the boat on and off, while I weigh the tongue weight to try and get it somewhere around 5-7% of total loaded weight. Most of the trailers I’m seeing have axle assemblies that are bolted rather than welded to the frame. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-23-2021 at 9:19am
Yes, this is important so the position of the axle can be shifted. ------------- /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 < |
wtrshpdwn wrote:Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-23-2021 at 9:22am
You're a little low. Shoot for 10 to 15% ------------- /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: WakeskateNW
Date Posted: May-23-2021 at 9:04pm
here are a few pics of an ez loader modded to fit an '89. not ideal but it gets the job done.   |
Posted By: wtrshpdwn
Date Posted: May-23-2021 at 10:48pm
Thanks! This is exactly what I was trying to find in my searching. I know it’s not the proper or ideal way to do it, but for now this is exactly what I was thinking. |