galvanizing original 26X trailer

[csm]

Others have probalby done this, but I'm quickly approaching the time (both guide-on posts have RUSTED OFF, and the frame is getting a bit worrysome) to buy a NEW ($3000+) trailer or refurbish the original 2001. I kinda committed myself two years back when I added a galvanized axle, spending $740 for materials (including tires and wheels) and $460 for welding. I got gouged a bit on the welding, but now everything is right, and I'm looking at another $250-300 to replace the painted axel and hardware with galvanized. That leaves the frame; galvanizing the trailer frame will run around $450-500, so I'm looking at a total of around $2000 ( add about $100 for upgrades like starboard bunkboards, and wiring chases for lights) to turn the original painted single axle (POS)trailer into a dual axel (#7000) galvanized trailer, that I would not hesitate to tow coast to coast to coast and all points between. It's a bit of a pain considering I have to slip the boat and prep the trailer (remove EVERY MOVING piece) prior to dip galvanizing, but I'm hoping to enjoy having the boat rigged and ready to sail while I'm pounding, drilling and grinding rusty junk. I plan to take a few pics during the process, and I'd be happy to share details if anyone is interested.

[kmclemore]

Hmm. Kind of sounds like putting lipstick on a pig. I suppose I'd go for a new aluminium trailer... you'd get not only a better trailer, but you'd cut the weight by a massive amount, saving fuel in the future.

[Catigale]

Agree with KMac on this one. You can't make a silk purse from a Sow's ear, even if it is wearing lipstick...

[bartmac]

Whilst not debating the obvious advantages of an aluminum trailer....the weight difference would not be that great and in percentage terms with the boat loaded insignificant????The cost of galvanising in Australia any way is such I searched for an alternative...and found POR15...sandblasted the trailer and did some remedial work and then coated it with the US made POR15 system....seems to work very good but time will tell.All up it was a cost effective way but realise its really a stop gap measure untill I build a duel axle trailer

[windypatrick]

Diminishing returns, a painted, lacquered and clear-coated and galvanized piece of excrement is still...



Fantastic job of extending the life of the trailer though...time to move on.

[bartmac]

In the US Mac things ie the boat and trailer are fraction of the cost here in Australia (new Macs are not much change from $70000)...the other thing we have to contend with is our rules....any trailer & load totalling over 2000kgs has to have break away systems ie a battery and actuator to apply the brakes in the event of a seperation from the tow vehicle....add all that up including both axles braked and you'd be looking $10000 quite easily

[ymikhlin]

Anybody considered ZRC coating?
http://www.zrcworldwide.com/a_marina.asp

[Gater Dunn]

Anybody considered ZRC coating?
http://www.zrcworldwide.com/a_marina.asp

anybody know where to get ZRC coating

also checkout this
http://www.neverwet.com/

[csm]

If I'd have had a extra $3k for a new trailer two years ago, I may have opted to junk the original, BUT having sunk $1200 on adding an axel, I think investing an additional $800 makes the best sense. The year I added the axel, I pulled the boat from south Texas to northern Minnesota and back with zero issues and full confidence. Once I get the frame galvanized, and repalce the old axel with galvanized, I'm confident that the trailer will serve me for the rest of my journey. My other boat and galvanized trailer are in and out of saltwater going on 23 years, and the trailer is still solid. My only regret is that I didn't consider torsional axels to eliminate spring and spring hardware maintenance/relpacement. How are the torsional axels working out on the new trailers?

[raycarlson]

i have dual torsion bar axles on the mac aluminum trailer for going on five years now.Will never go back to leaf springs again.much smoother handling,like independant 4wheel suspension,and fewer moving parts to boot.