1987 Power Play XLT-185 - floors, stringers, and upholstery

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

My apologies; I missed the part about it already being painted, and looking at your boat pics, I was looking at the boat, not the trailer .
With it being done once already, I think the plan you already had would be fine.
Check for any loose paint other than the rusted areas and clean with acetone, but I would test the paint in an inconspicuous area before doing the whole thing.
Sorry about my confusion Tod.

 

[todhunter]

My apologies; I missed the part about it already being painted, and looking at your boat pics, I was looking at the boat, not the trailer .
With it being done once already, I think the plan you already had would be fine.
Check for any loose paint other than the rusted areas and clean with acetone, but I would test the paint in an inconspicuous area before doing the whole thing.
Sorry about my confusion Tod.

No worries! I got to thinking "maybe they galvanize all trailers before painting them to protect them". Appreciate your input, as if it were a galvanized trailer, I would have just painted it like normal.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

Are you going to use a marine paint or something else?

 

[todhunter]

Are you going to use a marine paint or something else?

Thinking about using Rustoleum. @Reserector_ used it with good results.

 

[zool]

Thinking about using Rustoleum. @Reserector_ used it with good results.

Rusto is a fine choice for trailer paint. For more coin, Por 15 topcoat comes in an Oxide Red color that is really burgundy, would compliment your boat nice I think. Plus its moisture cured, so perfect for a trailer.

https://www.chevelledepot.ca/lifest...k-por-15-top-coat-paint-quart-assorted-colors

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

Thinking about using Rustoleum. @Reserector_ used it with good results.

I like that choice because I have also had good luck with it and better for my bank account .
My trailer is galvanized, so I will have a bit more prep work.

 

[kcassells]

Go tractor supply for the hardener and thinner.
Look for Mikes @Woodonglass recipe to use as spray or tip.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/search/hardener?

 

[todhunter]

Go tractor supply for the hardener and thinner.
Look for Mikes @Woodonglass recipe to use as spray or tip.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/search/hardener?

I'm trying to not spray, because that's gonna be a big mess. I do have that hardener already though from when I painted my gimbal housing.

 

[Reserector_]

Wipe galvanized surfaces liberally with white vinegar. Just soak a rag with it and get after it.
Prime with Rust-Oleum rusty metal primer.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

Wipe galvanized surfaces liberally with white vinegar. Just soak a rag with it and get after it.
Prime with Rust-Oleum rusty metal primer.

Thanks for the information! Believe it or not, after using vinegar on the carburetor, the thought of using it crossed my mind and most likely would have been something I would have asked.
My trailer is 99% rust free, so the galvanizing is in good shape, and with that very smooth, so would going over it with fine sandpaper be worthwhile in addition to the vinegar?

 

[Reserector_]

Thanks for the information! Believe it or not, after using vinegar on the carburetor, the thought of using it crossed my mind and most likely would have been something I would have asked.
My trailer is 99% rust free, so the galvanizing is in good shape, and with that very smooth, so would going over it with fine sandpaper be worthwhile in addition to the vinegar?

I have no experience with sanding galvanized surfaces. I have washed them down with vinegar, primed and painted. Done this on cars, patching rust, and it never failed.
I'm not saying not to sand it. Just that I have never tried that as prep.
Google it. Probably a ton of info out there. It was all word of mouth when I was young.
Edit: Here's a link

 

[todhunter]

I've done a few things since my last update. Got the new tires mounted on the new wheels. They look great! But the wheel offset is slightly different and the tires touch the leaf spring hardware when bolted down. So I'm going to have to run some wheel spacers.



Today a buddy and I modified the back of the trailer frame to be able to use my new auto-retracting ratchet straps. We cut off the old tab and extended the frame by 3 inches to give a better angle on the tie-down strap. The flat back of the frame will be the perfect spot to mount the strap reel. Here's a before and after. Excuse the filthy trailer - haven't washed it from all the wet sanding.

 

[sopwithcamel74]

Apologizes if you've posted it before, but do you have any images of the straps you'll be installing?

 

[todhunter]

Apologizes if you've posted it before, but do you have any images of the straps you'll be installing?

Sure - guess I did leave that out!

 

[todhunter]

Today I ground down the welds on the trailer frame extensions and shot some primer over the raw metal.



I've been picking up tools for a tool kit to keep on the boat. I settled on this Pelican ammo box to store them in, and today I made a custom foam insert to help keep things organized and reduce the amount of stuff flying around inside the box.

 

[todhunter]

Lots of pictures today. I installed the toolbox in the storage area under the dash. I used a cam strap and some tie down brackets.





I installed a Grade 8 bolt for the bow safety chain on the trailer.



I installed my BoatBuckle tie downs and notched my swim platforms to clear the hooks on the tie down straps.





I drilled holes and installed riv-nuts in the trailer, then attached my trailer plate.



And I installed my 1.5" wheel spacers and new wheels / tires on the trailer.





I tested the Gloss Regal Red Rustoleum paint on a small spot on the trailer - it's way more red than I was thinking. I'm probably going to buy a different color closer to the color of the trailer. Not in a big rush to paint the trailer...I know it'll happen later this year sometime.

 

[Meames1]

No brakes on that trailer ? Seems like a pretty heavy boat not to have brakes. Looks great !

 

[Reserector_]

No brakes on that trailer ? Seems like a pretty heavy boat not to have brakes. Looks great !

No mounting plates to bolt them to. Same situation I was in. :-( I ended up replacing spindles and all because of damage on mine.
I have a pair of plates if you want them. (To weld onto the existing stub shafts.)

 

[todhunter]

Good point guys. Maybe I'll look at adding trailer brakes later this year if i feel like im getting pushed around. But I don't think I've seen any XLT-185 trailers with brakes.

 

[sopwithcamel74]

I've looked into this a fair bit myself; I think 3,000 lbs for the total weight between the boat and trailer is the most common line of demarcation as far as state laws on brakes or no breaks goes.

Personal opinions seem to vary greatly.

Reminds me of the general rule of thumb re: tandem axles being the norm for boats 20ft and over, but less important for shorter boats. I think it comes down to individual circumstances and viewpoints.