A few questions about Trailers ?

[johnebquick]

I have a few questions about trailers in general. I'm not that knowledgeable about the subject so bear with me....

I bought a 1979 24' SeaRay with a Galv bunk trailer from NJ. The trailer was sold with a bill of sale only,
No title. I would think the 24' SeaRay would be easier to load if it had rollers instead of bunks. The trailer is
the proper size and is in good shape with new tires. I replaced some broken and non working lights to
get her on the road. The brake lines are all rotted out and I'm not even sure if the surge actuator works
along with the drum actuators. My 2500 Suburban seems to pull and stop it with no problems though. Here
are my questions....

1) In DE, do I need brakes on this size trailer?

2) Would rollers be better or can I get buy with bunk style?

3) Approx how much would it cost to convert it to rollers or
should I just look for another used one?

4) Do I have register and tag it or can I just register it
without making it road worthy?

5) Would it be cost effective to replace the surge actuator,
drum actuators and all the brake lines along with
converting it to a roller trailer?

6) The Gator Galv Bunk Trailer has center rollers and is rated
to 5500lbs. I'm assuming that it's a 24-25ft trailer.

A) Approx how much does my boat weigh?

B) If I were to look for another trailer could I go with a lower
weight class?

7) Do I need a tandem axle trailer for this size and weight
boat?

[flatbottom]

this place has all your answers

http://shop.easternmarine.com/

[OUTCAST1]

I have a few questions about trailers in general. I'm not that knowledgeable about the subject so bear with me....

I bought a 1979 24' SeaRay with a Galv bunk trailer from NJ. The trailer was sold with a bill of sale only,
No title. I would think the 24' SeaRay would be easier to load if it had rollers instead of bunks. The trailer is
the proper size and is in good shape with new tires. I replaced some broken and non working lights to
get her on the road. The brake lines are all rotted out and I'm not even sure if the surge actuator works
along with the drum actuators. My 2500 Suburban seems to pull and stop it with no problems though. Here
are my questions....

1) In DE, do I need brakes on this size trailer?

2) Would rollers be better or can I get buy with bunk style?

3) Approx how much would it cost to convert it to rollers or
should I just look for another used one?

4) Do I have register and tag it or can I just register it
without making it road worthy?

5) Would it be cost effective to replace the surge actuator,
drum actuators and all the brake lines along with
converting it to a roller trailer?

6) The Gator Galv Bunk Trailer has center rollers and is rated
to 5500lbs. I'm assuming that it's a 24-25ft trailer.

A) Approx how much does my boat weigh?

B) If I were to look for another trailer could I go with a lower
weight class?

7) Do I need a tandem axle trailer for this size and weight
boat?

1) In DE, the trailer must be inspected before it can be registered and operated on the road-yes, the brakes must work.

2) Rollers are considered better, but yes, many get by fine with bunk style.

3) Conversion to rollers is not usually a viable, worthwhile option. You don't "just buy some rollers." Cross braces and additional hardware must be purchased and placed properly for balance and stability. $1000+, then add labor-trailer isn't worth it.

4) Registration requires safety inspection---has to be road-worthy. You might get by this if trailer is used once a year to launch, and once a year to recover--and boat is stored at marina or ramp.

5) No, trailer might be worth price of brake repairs, but certainly not a conversion to rollers.

6) Your boat is in range of 4000-5000 lbs. empty--5500 lb. capacity trailer is right range--don't downsize-unstable and overloaded.

7) Yes

Photo indicates little rust-fix brakes, it looks like many years of service left.

Title and registration will be headache, even after repairs. I bought a trailer in S.C., a no-title state for small trailers. DE required that I contact previous owner, who had to apply for a "courtesy title" in S.C. (issued for deals just such as mine,) before I could have it registered and titled in DE. Good luck!

[nautiduck]

Id stick with the trailer as is, as far as the bunks are concerned, I personally prefer them for larger heavier boats. I think they support the boat much better than rollers. For god sakes get the brakes refitted if you are mechanically inclined youll have about $600 in a new actuator, brakes, and line for surge brakes(last time I checked anyway about 1yr ago). Your suburban may pull and stop fine when everything is hunkydory but wait till the bimbo in her BMW on the phone pulls out in front of you.

[johnebquick]

Sounds like the trailer is right size and weight class. Like I said it is in good condition
just needs brakes. I guess I'll keep the bunks and start looking into refurbishing the
brakes when it gets warmer. I have been looking at project boats with trailers and found
a few good deals. I even found a 1986 SeaRay 23ft cuddy boat with a good trailer that
had a bad motor for $850.00. But someone beat me to the punch.

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/boa/990265155.html

I guess I will keep looking for a parts boat with a good trailer until it gets warm enough to
work on mine. If I can't find a good deal then I'll start the process of refurbishing my brakes.
I had to jump through hoops to get my 21ft CC boat trailer tagged in DE. I bought
it in MD. I had to run it illegally for over a year before I could get it tagged to run on the road.
I know how hard it is so that's another reason I wanted to look for another trailer that
meets my needs. On the good side. I can easily contact the PO if needed. I have a good
report with him and also email him.

[cdail28590]

If your looking for a good roller trailer to handle that boat I have a neighbor that has one that will fit that boat great. He said he wanted $1500 for it and that includes a 25' viking cabin cruiser. The boat has everything except the motor. All the manifolds and parts are there only needs long block. Pics are of the trailer with my old boat on it while I was painting the bottom of the boat.

[nautiduck]

Cdail do you have pics of the Viking?

[cdail28590]

I'll try to get pics of it this weekend.