Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degrees!

[Ryan50]

So I just bought a 95 Regal, got 5 miles from home and the wheel studs broke on right side tire. Too late to fix tonight, so the boat is beside the interstate until morning. Biggest problem is I/O motor was run today and its supposed to get down to 30 degrees tonite. Do I need to go drain the block and manifolds or will it be OK. A quick response is appreciated as it is 7:00 pm now. Thanks!

 

[Cheetah 210es]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

Does trailer have brakes? If not get vice grips on what's left of studs and wind them out of hub, borrow a couple of studs from the other side or possibly from tow vehicle if they're the same. I wouldn't want my boat left at the side of the interstate. If that's really not an option then its worth going back and draining just for peace of mind.

 

[rheagler]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

I'm no expert, but I would say if it is only 5 miles away it is a "better safe than sorry" situation to drain the block & manifolds. Is it prohibitively expensive to flatbed it the rest of the way? It would really stink if something happened to it overnight, or it gets towed away by the authoritys.

 

[Philster]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

Wont crack w/ a single chilly night.

No way.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

this is a no brainer... get it towed home and winterize it

 

[Don S]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

Just drain the block and manifold/s. Just because the weather shows 30? for the night, won't prevent that particular area from being colder, or even warmer that what the weatherman predicts. If it gets to the mid 20's, it can get expensive.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

I'm an outboard guy, so I'm useless. But, is there any way to add antifreeze to anything?

 

[oregoncruiser]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

Pop the hub off where it sits. Knock the broken studs out. Grab some nuts and bolts and bolt it together to get it the 5 miles home. Should take about 20 minutes to make it mobile!

30 probably wont crack the block, but..... no need to chance it. I did and it was very expensive.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

Most new cars have low front cowlings so most tow companies have flatbeds. Only 5 miles away would probably less than $100. Some insurance companies will pay for the tow too! If money is that tight and you can't afford to tow this rig home you might want to rethink boating as a sport as it ain't cheap. Don't leave a rig on the side of the road as it might not be there tomorrow!

 

[Ryan50]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

I just drained the manifolds and engine to be safe. I called a towing service-$300 bucks minimum. I notified the authorities and have the OK to leave it until morning. The only way to steal it is to pick it up, I just don't see that happening. I feel better knowing the water is out. I will be there at sun up. Of years of towing, this is the first time I have been stranded.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

Boat left on the side of the interstate possible freezing temps, sleepy trucker or sticky fingered lowlife take your pick do what you gotta do to get it home. IMPRIVISE!!!!!!

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

I've used bolts and nuts with no problems at all.... but DO NOT LEAVE IT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD!!!!!!!!!! Its way to expensive to risk... what's $3 worth of bolts in comparison??

 

[Harritwo]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

Academy Sports and Tractor Supply are still open and both sell Hubs for $40-45 if that is an option where you are at.

 

[MWG2600]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

My boat is only a 12' but i would not dream of leaving it on the side of the highway. Use bolts and nuts to get it home!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

welcome to the world of boating.

In south carolina, I wouldn't worry about freezing

can't speak to the road

 

[roscoe]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

DHS will be searching it in a few minutes.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

sunrise! so what happened? been up all night worrying

 

[Cheetah 210es]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

Hoping it's where you left it.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

Yup, curious here too. In the future, carry a BFH in the truck. Couple of whacks and those studs will pop out, put in replacement studs, or a couple of bolts to limp home with.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Help...Just bought boat, trailer broke, boat on I-20, and temp to get to 30 degre

I'd swap on a new hub. Then fix the busted one and keep it as a spare.
Swapping a hub should take no more than 15 minutes.