Trailer Boston Whaler 22' Revenge 900 miles?

[shemandr]

I'm looking at this boat in New Jersey. I live in South Florida. The broker says the trailer needs work before being "Road ready." I assume it will need 4 new hubs installed, new tires and probably new lights. The pictures show some rust on one side on the tire rims and frame of the trailer. The other side looks fine. Would those repairs make it able to make the trip?
The boat weighs 2,300 lbs. My Jeep Grand Cherokee has a towing weight of 6,000 lbs. Assume the 4 wheel trailer weights about 1,000 lbs. Can my Cherokee do this? Or should I check into a mental health facility?

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www.raritanmarina.com

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I think you're on the right track. Perhaps you could ask the broker to elaborate on the work that's needed. If you do decide to buy it, demand that they include the missing mast!

Was this a hurricane trailer? seems odd that only one corner would have rust. Perhaps it was left submerged for a bit?

 

[shemandr]

Ha! Yeah that's a problem. But the Indian River Lagoon is really too shallow for sailing anything but a centerboard boat, catamaran, or maybe a Typhoon. I sail the Flying Scot from the sailing center but it's restricted to between the bridges and 10AM to 4 PM. I need something more flexible.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

This boat looks really well cared for. People love their Whalers!

 

[Tedd]

It looks like the trailer has surge brakes. You'll want to at least change the fluid in those, and be prepared for the possibility that they'll need other work. It's not a super heavy rig relative to your tow vehicle so towing with the brakes not working might be an option, in a pinch, but you'll need to check regulations along your route and your insurance. If brakes are legally required it's probably not smart to go any distance without them, even if you feel confident you and the tow vehicle can handle it.

 

[dmax]

Look carefully at the axles and leaf springs and all their connection hardware - these and the U-bolts that are used are known to break with age. It is not uncommon to replace axles and springs on an old trailer, keeping in mind brokers' "grade inflation" when evaluating condition. Bring a ball peen hammer and whack everything, rust can hide pretty well - the trailer does look decent overall though. Figure about 3500 lbs for the tow weight to be conservative - you're Grand Cherokee should be ok with this amount on a long trip, though it may be a little squirrely because of it's relatively short wheelbase, just keep it slow and steady. At 3500 lbs., you will be required to have brakes in most states and you will want them.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Worst case scenario the brakes will seize up the first time they are used and then the pads will fry as your poor SUV tries to pull against them

 

[shemandr]

Uhmm. Don’t think I’d like that!

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I had a wheel bearing explode once. Tons of smoke from the brakes. Didn't notice any drag with a 10 cylinder F250