Is this workable?

[oneoldude]

I just bot a 1991 15' Bayliner Utility with a 55HP Evinrude on it . I checked NADA and it says the boat weighs 975 lbs . I do not know if that is with or without the motor . <br /><br />I have a branded trailer designed for 15' boats. It used to carry an aluminum runabout with a 70 'Rude on it but it looks real flimsy to me .<br /><br />The trailer is fabricated from galvanized u-channel that is 1" x 3" and has 12" wheels with tires rated at 780#'s max load.<br /><br />Is this trailer going to get the job done ? Or do I have to find a stronger trailer ?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: Is this workable?

Your trailer tires are rated to carry 1560 lbs max. If the trailer is in good condition (springs & no rot on the tire sidewalls) you should be OK.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Is this workable?

1. Get the boat and trailer weighed, don't rely on any published weight. Go to a public scale, truck stop, or recycling center. Have engine, gas, and anything else you normally carry in the boat.<br /><br />2. There should be a label on the trailer (check the tongue or the inside of the frame) stating the capacity and GVW. If there isn't, see if the manufacturer can supply this. information.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Is this workable?

Picking up on Solittle's coment:<br />Your trailer tires are rated to carry 1560 lbs max.<br />This figure has been reached by adding the max load of each tire together. That's fine in a straight line, but hit a tight corner with negative camber, and the inside wheel will carry very little weight, while the outside wheel will take the brunt.<br /><br />-Could easily exceed maximum rating then.

 

[JB]

Re: Is this workable?

Very marginal, Dude.<br /><br />Boat-975 + Engine-250 + 12 gals gas in steel tanks-100 + tackle-50 + misc-100 = 1475lb. Too close for comfort.<br /><br />Tires rated at 780# are likely to be automobile tires, not trailer tires.<br /><br />If the tires are original the trailer is probably rated 1000# to 1500#.<br /><br />At the very least I would upgrade to "C" rated ST tires, but I would much prefer a stronger trailer.<br /><br />Good luck.