Old Tilting Boat Trailer

[sparksnsuch]

I recently aquired a old tilting boat trailer for my 14 foot aluminum boat. The previous owner thought it was homemade. It is a very well built and sturdy boat trailer I paid $85 for her. Upon closer study I discovered that it had Holsclaw stamped in raised letters on the baby moon type hubcaps (see pic) and a partialy obscured decal showing through chipped paint on the left side (see pic). There is means to move the axle forward and backward along the frame. There is a data plate riveted to the left side of the tounge but is has been painted over and is unreadable. The original paint color of the trailer appears to be a deep blue.<br /><br />Is she indeed a Holsclaw tilt trailer?, any idea of what year? Any suggestions on removing the paint on decal and data plate with out messing them up? She has adjustable roller bunks, any suggestions on the proper way to adjust these critters? What's the proper way to operate the tilt feature when launching? Thinking of mounting the tail lights on posts to keep them clear of the water when launching any thoughts/ideas on this? Any websites that feature with old Holsclaw trailers? <br /><br />You can drop me a line at wmboothill@earthlink.net <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Dave<br /><br />

 

[Lark40]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

Your picture doesn't show on my computer, but I was familiar with Holsclaw.<br /><br />My family had an Evinrude/Crestliner/Holsclaw dealership in Greenwich, Ct. in the 50's and 60's.<br /><br />We sold a lot of dark blue Holsclaw tilt-tongue trailers for boats under 18 ft.<br /><br />Have not heard of them lately, probably long out of business. The tilt feature made launching from steep gravel ramps very easy.

 

[sparksnsuch]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

To Lark40,<br />Please Email me at wmboothill@earthlink.net and I email the pics to you. Would really be interested in talking to someone who was familiar with the Holsclaw and finding all the info I can on this unique old trailer. Do you have any pics or old advertising brochures you could scan and email?<br />Thanks,<br />Dave

 

[Lark40]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

OK - I can see the picture on my laptop.<br /><br />Looks familiar - pretty certain it is a Holsclaw.<br /><br />We closed up shop when my Dad retired in 1968. Sorry, but I can't offer you any history other than to try google and dogpile and yahoo and other search engines for Holsclaw.

 

[vaccfam]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

You might try a product called "oops". It is designed to remove paint, glue, etc.<br /><br />Mike

 

[MrBill]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

I did a Google search entering "holsclaw trailer" and could not believe the number of answers, some with reference to reconditioning and painting. Looked like most of the applications were for sailboats. And....I just can't resist saying that it looks more like the lunar landing module.

 

[sparksnsuch]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

To Mr Bill,<br />You wrote :<br /> "did a Google search entering "holsclaw trailer" and could not believe the number of answers, some with reference to reconditioning and painting. Looked like most of the applications were for sailboats. And....I just can't resist saying that it looks more like the lunar landing module."<br /><br />I tried a Google search and did not see that many hits, also could not find referance to reconditioning and painting a Holsclaw trailer, could you fill me in on a link or two? <br /> <br />Lunar landing module, indeed...well kinda <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Dave

 

[bomar76]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

Well, this search produces 368 hits:<br /> Google search 1 <br />This one 527:<br /> Search 2

 

[sparksnsuch]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

To Bomar,<br />I asked Mr Bill about the specific links to websites he mentioned that featured reconditioning Holsclaw trailers. <br /><br />Could not get your links to work. I tried a Google search again and got some 300 or so hits. Most are for sale ads mentioning Holsclaw trailers or the word Holsclaw as part of someones name n such, hits for hits sake are not what I'm after, pard. I'm trying to find sites that are somewhat akin to the sites that feature scans of old boat brochures n such like this Feather Craft Boat site for instance: <br /><br /> http://www.feathercraftboats.com/Catalogs, Brochures & Price Lists.htm <br />

 

[Lark40]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

Well, there will be a limit to how much you find.<br /><br />That's because trailers are "incidental" or "accessory" items in boating.<br /><br />There are no fan clubs or collector markets.<br /><br />Perhaps your best source may be Holsclaw family members or long-time employees, if you can make contact.

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

I have a Holsclaw trailer for my 18ft boat>>>its a mid '70s fully galvinized 2 axle model>>>Nice trailer!!! only paint is on the axles>>DARK BLUE.<br /> I would try some 400 or 600 wet/dry sandpaper (use it WET) and slowly remove the paint on the tag>>>this way, if careful and work slowly, you will NOT inadvertantly remove the factory paint on the tag. My tag is on the winch mast, and has info Stamped into it>>>BUT the factory info CATAGORYs are PAINTED onto the tag, SO BE CAREFULL!!!<br />As far as I could find out, the company folded in 1986>>>GOOD LUCK

 

[Uncle Dave]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

If you can determine the city of the Holsclaw manufactreing co., the Chamber of commerce, newspaper , better biz. bureau,etc. might be able to contact you with some previous workers or even the owners.<br />Fitz.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

Sorry for the delay in responding...here's a couple links for painting, etc.<br /><br />Painting:<br /> http://www.pagebiz.com/bds/aluminum/alum.m/3486.html <br />Parts:<br /> http://www.etrailerpart.com/

 

[mnfrog]

Re: Old Tilting Boat Trailer

I had a Holsclaw trailer I got in Duluth, MN. Don't remember if it was made there or not, but it was a deal that eliminated the dealer, through a friend. Don't remember if it was from the Mfg. or wholesaler.