Modifying a boat trailer for an airboat

[bgmcl60]

mighty fine looking trailer. you've given me some ideas how to fix mine thanks.

[Corky]

Nice fine tuning on the winch and bow stop......That really is a good looking trailer...

[aewrigh]

Thanks....one of these days I will add some diamondplate aluminum for walkways on the sides of the boat perhaps....but I am happy with how it turned out. Lights are all that are left

[Corky]

Speaking of lights, I've been reading up on the requirements for trailers in general...It looks like 80+ inches wide is the majic number for additional lighting requirements...I was trying to figure out why some boat trailers had those 3 red lights rear,center and the 80+" is the reason...I've also read where there should be a reflector on the frame up front which my old trailer doesn't have...I guess I'll add that at the wiring stage...

[aewrigh]

Correct on the 80" or over requiring more lights. You can have reflectors or marker lights on the sides of the trailer frame. I believe they have to be towards the front and also at the widest point which would be the fenders. I am not 100% sure of that though.

[Corky]

I added 3 crossmembers to the bunk boards...And they're not just flat pieces...I actually marked the transom profile on them so they have the correct center crown.....Now the trick is to pull the 3/4 inch marine plywood down to match the profile...

[Corky]

The 3/4 inch marine plywood pulled down easier than I expected{I stood on it} and went 3 inch on centers around the sheet...It won't be going anywhere...Also, I got the rear ramp framing done today..I used the galvanized pieces that I took off the trailer for the ramp...I've made this up for a 2x12 treated board...I sprayed the welded joints with a cold galvanizing compound...

[aewrigh]

I like that! Are you putting rollers at the break point or no? I may eventually add something like that to mine.

[Corky]

Yes, I've got 3 rubber rollers to go at the break point...I was going to buy the pre-made brackets but they look thin to me...Not that a mini weighs much but I want to do this once and done...I checked all kinds of different sources for rubber coated rollers{like conveyer rollers with bearings} but they just weren't cost effective and I felt most weren't up to the task of the weight or water over the course of time..The simple boat trailer rubber rollers seemed to be the best and most simple route...Believe it or not the local Bass Pro beat all the internet sites for the rollers and roller shafts..I got 3 nine inch rollers for 7.99 a piece...

I found the thicker,marine grade outdoor black carpet at home depot..So I still have some work to do...

[aewrigh]

I had thought about using skateboard wheels after checking into prices of rubber rollers. New sets with bearings on eBay go for about 15 bucks shipped.

[Corky]

Here's the rough-in of the ramp and rollers...The rollers are spaced to match the 3 hull stringers....Yeah, as usual I went heavy on the roller brackets but now I know they won't be bending..... The pic angles are an illusion, the rollers are just below{1/6 of an inch} the main deck so they don't hold the boat up in the back...They're not as low as they appear in the pics...

[aewrigh]

Looks great and they won't be breaking! Awesome!