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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    Nsw
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    3

    Default Trailer Axle / spring help

    Hi Im new to the forum.
    Not sure if I am posting in right place but saw other trailer questions so thought id give it a go as I am stumped.
    I have an old 15 1/2 foot clinker style ( full fiberglass ) speed boat with a 292 ford y block inboard engine and wanting to know the weight as need to replace the trailer's single axle and springs but due their condition I cannot drive it anywhere to weigh and dont want to just take off and replace with the same axle as it is bent so may be under sized . If anyone knows the rough weight it would be a great starting point.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    moonbi nsw Aus
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    69
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    364

    Default

    Our resident Guru/Go Guy(bloody Americanism) for everything to do with trailers is "Yonnee". He works in that field and has a wealth of real practical knowledge.
    If it were me I would go for something quite "substantial" so you will be covered when the "what ifs" come into play

    Oh and Welcome to the Forum. Hang on tight because its a ride that covers a lot of ground. So many people with so many interesting things going on
    Just do it!

    Kind regards Rod

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    210

    Default

    The cost differnece between a "she'll do" and a "she's good" axle is two thirds of bugger all so go the bigger axle.

    I'd expect an all up weight of the boat to be around 750kg. Which techincally means it needs brakes.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
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    Vic
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    5,629

    Default

    The heaviest part is the motor and from a quick search online, it weights approximately 280 kilos, I'd expect the hull to be 150 to 250 kilos and depending on trailer construction that'll be 200 or so kilos, so you could be looking anywhere from 600 to 900 kilos I'd imagine.

    Best best is to hire a car trailer, weight it then put boat and trailer on car trailer and weight then subtract car trailer weight.
    Cheers

    DJ


    ​ADMIN

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    Nsw
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    Default

    Thanks for the replys Guys , I just found this thread again after reposting another . I think I have to read the forum instructions as well

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Nsw
    Posts
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    Default

    This is an old trailer and the slipper springs are 40" long from eye to middle of hanger and I can only seem to find 20" or 30" .
    Do I need the hangers cut and re-welded to fit the smaller springs and if so would I get them welded 5" closer from both ends to bring them in 10"

  7. #7
    Yonnee's Avatar
    Yonnee is offline Trailer Bloke & Mild Mannered Moderator
    Join Date
    May 2007
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    Tooradin, Vic.
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    Default

    Hi Riks, and Welcome.

    Can I say, Boat trailers are a PITA! Nothing but trouble, and big money pits...

    Now I've got that off my chest, I reckon DJ's pretty close. Depending on construction, it could all vary by several hundred kilos. As Zuffen has said, the cost difference between a 1000Kg axle and a 1400Kg axle is bugger-all. It's the addition of brakes that really jump the price.
    My suggestion would be to inspect your hubs first. If they're useable, then you can order a new axle in a Slimline (Ford) bearing pattern (this will give the biggest bearing/axle capacity), and then put new bearings in your old hubs. I would order the axle with Mechanical Disc brake mounts fitted to it as well (this will be bugger-all extra too). You can get springs made up, or you'll have to change the hangers. I would go 6 or 7 leaf springs (1200kg) because you can always remove a leaf or two if it ends up nowhere near that weight.
    Then once you've got it rolling with its new axle/springs, you can take it to a weighbridge and then you'll know whether it needs brakes.
    Too many projects, so little time, even less money!
    Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. It's free and only takes 37 seconds! Doing work around the home? Wander over to our sister site, Renovate Forum, for all your renovation queries.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    ACT
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    42

    Default

    Hi Riks,

    I think you might be surprised how much those older style clinkers weigh, heavier than you think.

    Once you fill it with juice, throw in the esky, all the ski gear, chairs etc etc, you'll be up around 1200kgs on the weighbridge. Easy.

    You'll end up wishing it had tandem axles. I'd never buy another inboard on single axle.
    So many ideas........so little skill........

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