BTW, the trailer does have hydrolic brakes on all four weels. and works
well.


wrote:
Thanks for all comments.

Gene thank you.

The term I used "heavy boat" is rathervague. I supose I was talking in
comparison to my small ChrisCraft. compared to it, it is a lot
heavier.

The trailer was sold with the boat new in 1977 and came factory as OE.
The tires on it are "ok" and did make the trip fine, but are one is a
matched brand and tire profile.Two have mis mached treads. even though
all four have the same load ratings.

I really didn't know there was a difference in "trailer" and
"automotive" tires.

I've seen people use both.

because the Goodyear Marathons have been highly spoken of, , I'm
thinking of persuing them when I put the boat up and do maintenence on
the trailer.



Gene Kearns wrote:
On 10 Nov 2006 18:35:01 -0800, penned the
following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

My little 18 ft ChrisCraft has a single axle shoreline trailer, which
was evidently standard with this model of boat. it has 14" tires. the
previous owner installed new Radials on it. and it tows nicely at any
reasonable speed.

I'm about to go get a 22 ft. Marquis cuddy. kind of on the heavy side.
dual axle with 15 inch'rs.

the tires are 4 ply Bias-ply tires, which supossedly arnt rotted, and I
think will make the 300 mi trip ok. But then again, I'm not sure.


If I thinkt he tires are questionable in any way, I'll reshoe it before
I bring it home.

Out of curiosity, this is a heavy boat. should I go back to the bias
ply's? or go radial?

I've heard some people say not to use radials on a dual axle trailer.

pro's? con's?

Oh, yeah.... BIG time......

Let me give you my experiences from the ground up (assuming two
axles):

First, "heavy boat" is a meaningless term. Take the weight on the
tires and divide by four.... that will determine the tire size that
you will need. The radials vs. bias ply debate is logically over
whether the tire has a sidewall that is designed to be towed or
driven. I think the bottom line is to use a tire designed to be used
on a trailer. IMHO, bias ply trailer tires are entirely adequate.
Again, IMHO, do not use auto tires for a towed vehicle.

Axles. Working backwards, if you find tires that will support the load
but do not fit on the wheels attached to the axles.... BEWARE! 5 lug
vs. 6 lug vs. 8 lug is a meaningful argument which I would be glad to
debate. Bottom line, make sure the axle is designed to support at
least the "weight on the tires" divided by 2.

Brakes... if only one axles has brakes.... the reasonable capacity of
the trailer is limited to the capacity of the ONE axle that has
brakes.

Oh, yeah.... I AM SAYING that there is a possibility that the trailer
is undersized if not specifically designed for a HEAVY boat.

FOREWARNED is forearmed.

--

Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC.

Homepage
http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/

Rec.boats at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide
http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats