In a trailer conundrum

[jleger98]

So I was going to pull my boat out today and as I backed the trailer in, the inside bunk on the wheel well started floating away.

Long story made short, we VERY carefully loaded without it and then I jammed it back in there for the 15 mile drive home. I get home and took a closer look and ...no surprise....the wood for that piece is rotted all to hell. In addition, the tabs that it attaches to are all rusted.

Two pics, one is the piece (on the opposite side) that fell off, the second is what 3 of the 4 metal tabs look like.

So the question is what the heck do I do now? The fender is welded on. Any suggestions temporary and/or permanent???

[skyski_tige]

I would take it to a trailer shop and sure they can fix you up. Might as well fix both sides at the same time. Mine did the same thing. Is it a Roadrunner trailer?

[jleger98]

naw its a Dorsey. What kind of trailer shop?? Would it have to be one that specializes in Dorsey? I'm guessing I would have to have the boat off too. Wouldn't want them welding that close to the gelcoat

I can order the fender from Dorsey for $50.

You think a skilled welder could take the old off and put the new on?? My neighbor manages a machine shop. but then you gotta prime/paint and all that stuff eh?

[skyski_tige]

A skilled welder could definitely fix you up. I had a local welding shop do my of my repairs. You might have issues finding paint to match.

Definitely take the boat off the trailer.

[Razzman]

ANY trailer shop can do it. This is a very common problem on earlier model boat trailers. My old Tigé was no exception.

[rogersbm82]

any trailer shop or welder can fix it. I just got mine back from a friend of my dad's who is a welder. My trailer was bad, don't have any pics but pretty much redid the entire trailer, cost me $200 bucks.

[lee]

Dorsey can also send you a pint of paint.

[jleger98]

Cool, I found a shop right up the road. Am waiting to hear back from them on what they can do. Thanks guys

[jleger98]

I heard back from the shop, they charge $85/hour for a welder, and he thinks two-four hours should be enough, without seeing the trailer. Seems reasonable to me.

So has anyone ever taken their boat off the trailer in their driveway?? I don't remember where I read how to do this, but it would involve a couple of jacks some concrete blocks etc. Essentially jack the boat up off the trailer and slowly work the trailer out from underneath the boat.

Is this totally insane?? Sounds like I will have to leave my trailer at the shop for two days. They charge $170 to take it off the trailer and $170 to put it back on, and I don't know anyone nearby with a dock I can put it at for those two days. Additionally, I'll have to paint the fenders once I get the trailer back, so thats another day.

Thoughts? advice??? ideas??????

[Razzman]

Unless you know someone with a dock or can rent a slip for a few days i don't see any other option.

[lee]

I heard back from the shop, they charge $85/hour for a welder, and he thinks two-four hours should be enough, without seeing the trailer. Seems reasonable to me.

Thoughts? advice??? ideas??????

Does that include his lunch break? All they have to do is cut off the old fender and weld on the new one. Two hours tops. Do you have a way to cut, grind, rip off the old fender?

[TeamAllen]

I'm with Razz. Isn't there a lake where you can rent a slip for a couple of nights?

[jleger98]

I'm with Razz. Isn't there a lake where you can rent a slip for a couple of nights?

Not thats nearby. closest would be like 30 miles 1-way.

[jleger98]

Does that include his lunch break? All they have to do is cut off the old fender and weld on the new one. Two hours tops. Do you have a way to cut, grind, rip off the old fender?

I'm still waiting to talk to my neighbor. He might know someone who would do it on the side.

He just said 2-4 hours because he has not seen the trailer. My guess is that 2 hours would be plenty too.

I'm more concerned with what to do with the boat in the mean time.

[Razzman]

That's not bad, still cheaper than $340 to remove/replace boat on trailer isn't it? When i did mine i called the nearest lake at 45 miles out and it was still cheaper by far for gas and two nights at $20 each than the $80 each to remove/replace.