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Boat trailer maintence & repair...HELP!

We just bought a new toy (Windrider sailboat) and brought it home. As hubby is disabled, I'm the one who has to do everything and I've found trouble right off the bat. I can't seem to get the trailer wind-down wheel lift to turn (it was a major hassle just getting it turned to the ground). I'm assumming that it must be heavily rusted and have been spraying it with WD40 and some spray grease. So far I haven't managed to budge it. Then I decided to go ahead & take it off the ball using a long pole to lift it....and....you guessed it....that is also rusted and I can't get it to lift up. I might be devastated if we hadn't got a good deal on a boat that hubby has been aching to have for months!!! Can anybody give me any pointers or should I go searching for a strong man!!! The trailer itself looks to be in great shape but it has been sitting in the open for a while with no care or maintenance.

Thanks! And while I'm asking...once I get it unstuck, what maintenance should I be doing on the trailer. I do have a grease gun for the buddy berrings.

Sandy
Jun 3
I wondered about that myself with my Futon tongue jack because of salt water use. Thay do sell one especially for salt water but I was advised to just drill the proper size hole in the barrell, insert a grease fitting and keep it filled with the proper wheelbearing grease.

In your case... it probably depends on how badly corroded it is. I'd replace the thing with a new one. The lighter ones aren't all that expensive and worth it if you are providing all the muscle. Same with the coupler.... if it's corroded badly...get a new one at a trailer parts store. I'm guessing your boat isn't that heavy so a new 7/8 inch coupler might cost in the $20 range. Even a 2' version isn't bad....again especially if you're the muscle. Boating is a lot more fun when things run smoothly.

** hold on.. I just did a search on the boat and it weighs only 120 lbs. It shouldn't cost too much to make your light duty trailer a joy to use.

Don
Jun 3
oopps that should be Fulton tongue jack...

here's one internet site with boat trailer advice... http://www.geocities.com/palmbeachboating/trailer_maintenance_detailed_instructions.html

BTW you didn't mention how disabled your husband is... here we have special boats rigged for the disabled. The organization is called Sail Able and uses Martin 16 open boats. http://www.sailable.ca/halifax.htm

We even have the national championships here this summer... http://www.sailable.ca/mobcup.htm

Don
Jun 3
   
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