---

Thank you all for chiming in, I never thought that my simple question, it seamed simple at the time would generate this much discussion.

I guess that is what happens when our boats are stored for winter, well at least for some of us.

We are privileged to be able to express our thoughts in such a forum as long as we keep it civil and stick to facts and first hand knowledge, experience is valuable.


I have read and pondered all you comments, suggestions and observations, and I would like to add few details and hopefully close off this thread.

The boat has been on this trailer for 35 years and it is still quite intact and in my opinion good shape, no falling parts,the owner before me would trailer with the motor tilted all the way up and no transom saver, and before that it was a commercial boat for Bell Canada in Northern Quebec used in dirt and gravel roads, the boat has no sign of stress cracks at the transom where I would expect to see some, maybe it's the extra fiberglass this being a commercial hull.

The trailer is built up of 3 inch square steel tubes and has a custom welded steel cradle that holds the bunks and wobbler rollers at the back bolted onto the frame, even the fenders are thick steel, I weigh in close to 280 and can stand on the fenders with little flex, it also has quite a wide track, I know it is made to carry a bigger load, it is hefty but not that long, you would not be able to fit a much longer boat on it

I had the boat off so I could sand and repaint the trailer, plus other maintenance (bearings) even empty it was a chore to move around, i trailered it empty and did not notice any bad road behavior, not that much bounce, I do not know if the springs where modified, it still had the EZ loader tag on it but the model and specs were not legible.

I have had two other boats prior to this one on single axle trailers that had a lot more bounce and not as good overall road behavior than this one.

As long as the trailer is road worthy I plan on keeping it. The boat, motor and trailer have been together since day one.

I will be buying trailer tires next spring and have sourced some Canadian suppliers that have some decent pricing, it is not feasible to buy in the States and ship to Canada (Shipping, taxes, broker fees and customs) and warranty issues

On another note, I think the wife has put a few boating gifts under the tree.

I wish all my fellow Whalers and their families a safe, peaceful, and joyful Holiday season.

Cheers

Marc