Opinion

[onnoff]

Will this trailer work for a 1999 226 GW Seafarer?

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/bpo/5165397589.html

It seems like it needs work, but I'm definitely looking for a trailer and can do most of what it needs.

Looking for some insight before I go ahead and purchase something that won't work..

Thanks!

 

[Daman858]

I'm no expert but does it have brakes? You will need brakes for your size boat.

 

[DennisG01]

I don't care what someone says in regards to what boat "used to be on there" - that means nothing. We need to find out what the trailer is officially rated for, which will tell you if the frame, axles (and that tilting mechanism), etc are rated for the 'wet' weight of your boat - which you need to figure out.

From the picture, it appears that it is a non-braking model. What are the laws in your state about that? For example, in PA, any trailer that is rated for 3,000lbs gross or more (gross included the weight of the trailer) MUST have brakes on ALL axles.

But, let's assume it's properly rated for the amount of weight you would need and that it's just an illegal trailer (from a braking standpoint). It's a "keel roller" trailer - they can be a real pain in the butt to load as you have to make sure the keel of the boat stays perfectly centered on the keel rollers - otherwise you're scraping the keel on the trailer frame. In reality, this means you'll be completely rebuilding the bunk system. And, you'll have to add, I'm sure, brakes to at least one axle to be legal. By the time you're all said and done, you'll probably have (including tires/lights) somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,200 to $1,800 invested in it... on top of the initial cost. In my book, that's a "no-go".

 

[onnoff]

Sounds like I am going to end up buying myself a new trailer. Christmas came early 8)

I don't care what someone says in regards to what boat "used to be on there" - that means nothing. We need to find out what the trailer is officially rated for, which will tell you if the frame, axles (and that tilting mechanism), etc are rated for the 'wet' weight of your boat - which you need to figure out.

From the picture, it appears that it is a non-braking model. What are the laws in your state about that? For example, in PA, any trailer that is rated for 3,000lbs gross or more (gross included the weight of the trailer) MUST have brakes on ALL axles.

But, let's assume it's properly rated for the amount of weight you would need and that it's just an illegal trailer (from a braking standpoint). It's a "keel roller" trailer - they can be a real pain in the butt to load as you have to make sure the keel of the boat stays perfectly centered on the keel rollers - otherwise you're scraping the keel on the trailer frame. In reality, this means you'll be completely rebuilding the bunk system. And, you'll have to add, I'm sure, brakes to at least one axle to be legal. By the time you're all said and done, you'll probably have (including tires/lights) somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,200 to $1,800 invested in it... on top of the initial cost. In my book, that's a "no-go".

 

[DennisG01]

Yeah, good used trailers are tough to find. More often than not, the only reason someone gets rid of one is because it's seen better days. Not all the time, of course, as every once in a while you can find a good one. But it can take some time and patience to wait for the right thing to come along.

Merry Christmas! :mrgreen:

 

[Parthery]

Take a look on CL or eBay....some options up your way.

 

[seasick]

Will this trailer work for a 1999 226 GW Seafarer?

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/bpo/5165397589.html

It seems like it needs work, but I'm definitely looking for a trailer and can do most of what it needs.

Looking for some insight before I go ahead and purchase something that won't work..

Thanks!

The fact that the trailer had a 4000 pound load on it doesn't mean a thing. What is important is the rating. Your boat weights about 3000 pounds not counting motor and fuel/water/gear. You shouldn't load a trailer for more that 80% of its rating. Let's assume 500 pounds for the motor, 100 gal of fuel adds 650 pounds and all that gear adds another 150 pounds. So you are at about 3800 pounds of load. You need a trailer rated for about 4700 pounds or so.
In addition to the legal requirements, you need brakes and lights.
If you are only using the trailer in a yard for hauling and storage you can cheat a bit but if you want to trailer on the road, that one is not a good match.
One more thing. Your state may require a title for the trailer to register it. In some states, not having the title is a show stopper. There is generally no way to register the trailer.

 

[Parthery]

The 226 is heavier then you think. I owned one and took it to the scales...with a 200 HPDI, a hardtop, and 1/2 tank of fuel (roughly 50 gallons) it scaled out at about 6000 lbs. Even with the 800 lbs for the trailer, you are looking at a boat that weighs north of 5000lbs when you add fuel, gear, etc....

There is a place in NH and a place in CT that both sell 6000 lb capacity Venture aluminum tandem trailers with brakes for less than $3K. I'd start there.......