Rootski needs Trailer help!

Everything looked just fine when I left for Pool 2 this afternoon. When I came off the river, I found that the rear most cross brace on my Spartan trailer had cracked in half!

I’m going to have to get the weight off before I can get the two side butted up together, any ideas? Maybe make a cradle out of wood? I don’t think I can get the boat off the trailer due to the weight involved. It’s a 16 foot Lund with a 60 horse Merc on the back. Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys!

Rootski

pull it together with a cable hoist and use a jack to lift in position and weld it ,after wards put a plate on front and back andd weld them both to crossmember,clean welded areas and paint white.

Oh no that sucks, Dad!! I forwarded the post to Billy’s email so he can see the photos. I’m sure he’ll have plenty of ideas on how to get this fixed. Talk to you tomorrow!

Rootski, When you have it welded make a long narrow gusset(2) that follows the contour of your trailer. Your tubing may be to thin from rust to get a decent weld close to the crack. Know anyone with a hoist? You could use a strap saddled under your boat to raise the weight while repairs are made. I would contact a local machine/fab shop as they could raise it, cut a couple gussets and make your weld. Good luck with your fix.

Go fishing and have someone else take it to get fixed. You might concider having the whole cross member changed, depending on how solid the remain steel is. You see if you beef up the area where the break is, it will more than likely break next to the patch work or the next weakest spot. That is just my 2 cents worth.

Duct tape or JB weld.

BIRDDOG

With some help I actually rolled my old bass boat right on the ground. With the roller trailer it should be relatively easy. Put some blocks under it to help get it off the ground a little in the front so you can slide the trailer under the boat a few feet to get it started.

Good luck

Rootski,
I had the same problem on my Yacht club trailer 2 years ago, I called the company with my trailer model number and they sent me a new cross member….tok 2 days to arrive…I took the boat to a landing near me, launched and pulled it tight to shore.
I had a set of wrenches with me and swapped it out right at the landing, took about 30 mins, good to go no more issues. If I remember correctly it was less than 150.00 for the entire cost, probably about the same amount you might pay just to have it welded………just my .02 good luck

Egyptians built pyramids 5000 years ago and you cant get a boat of a trailer?

But seriously folks……

Rootski,

Do what Rich said. Sometimes those cross members are bolted on each end. My Karavan is that way. That way you don’t have to worry about how much good metal is left for the weld.

Good Luck,

FDR

Give me a call if you need a hand Steve. Sure glad you found that now before you headed up north. Maybe you could grab a few bags of salt from the salt sale to drop the boat on.

Rootski,
Isn’t Spartan trailer in West. St. Paul? Right by Target. Maybe you could call them and go right there and pick up the cross brace today.

Rootski, If you decide to have it welded, there is a phenomenal welding shop 1 block from my house here in Eagan. I’ve seen some of the heavy-duty gear they make out of that shop and I’m certain they would have you back in top shape fast. My neighbor has had them weld up motorcycle frames and he spoke very highly of them too.

Marty

Update:

First and foremost, a big thank you to everyone who responded. You guys are great!

My son-in-law Billy came by this afternoon and inspected the job. We now have a plan of action and once we get some materials I think this is going to be OK. Billy thinks he can work under the boat so I don’t have to worry about getting it off the trailer. He’s very talented welder/fabricator and does very nice work. He wants to put gussets on the front and back and then run a strap under the member too.

Oh, on this trailer the cross members are welded on, not bolted.

Thanks again everyone!

Rootski

should you want to un load the boat get about 6-8 used tires works good with the boat off it would be a lot easier to fix–snagged

Drop me and the boat into your favorite lake and I can fish while you guys fix the trailer
If you need a hand, just holler

Ron