I spent the better part of 2020 rebuilding my catalina. Went over every nut and bolt rigging etc. when I purchased it as part of the sale I asked if the owner could have new tires installed at my expense. He ended up replacing the hubs too. Needless to say I felt pretty secure. This week was supposed to be first sail of the season. Instead it was a lesson in axle replacement! Yes I inspected the axle it was rusty but sounded solid, and to be honest just wasn’t sexy enough to deal with while refitting the boat $500 for a axle or $500 for a chart plotter etc, so it kept getting pushed back. I am pulling out of the neighborhood (thank god all low speed) and notice the tires are splayed out like a tricked out Honda Civic lowered and. not perpendicular to the road. I pull over and see my axle is in V. I don’t even want to think about what could have happened at highway speed. So don’t be like me, if you trailer make sure your trailer is sound and ready to do the job. Not just the bearing buddies, everything, and when in doubt replace em. Might save your boat from sitting on the highway…….
