On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:49:44 -0500, Gene
wrote:

On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:29:01 -0500, John H
wrote:

On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:58:07 -0500, Gene
wrote:

On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:25:27 -0500, John H
wrote:

On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:06:44 -0500, Gene
wrote:

On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:58:16 -0700, "SteveB"
wrote:


"Gene" wrote in message
news:773eg5tjb1i7kpd7mdrn5lpgntgads5a46@4ax. com...
On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:47:44 -0800 (PST), Frogwatch
wrote:

Here is a thought experiment. Start a business on less than $5000.
It has been said that to enjoy your work and be successful, you should
go into a business you enjoy. Well, we are all boaters here,
so............
How often do you go to boat ramps and see 50 boat trailers sitting
empty the whole day while the boats are on the water? How many of
those trailers need to have their hubs re-packed? How many have
malfunctioning lights?
Get an old truck (already have one) and tools and grease and such and
go to the ramp at first light. As people get in line to launch offer
to repack their hubs while the trailer sits there. Offer to repair
trailer lights while it sits there. You would have to do this by
credit card cuz most people will not have $50 on them but that is ok.
You might be able to fix trailer brakes while you are there.

I know where there was a large panel van set up to do just this. Owner
couldn't make it and the unit was put up for sale. That was in
Wilmington, NC.... it might make some beer money, but don't quit your
day job....

If it were to be done RIGHT, one would have to comply with so many laws that
it would be cost prohibitive. You would need to carry several million in
liability alone. And then, either Fish and Game or Coast Guard would come
into the picture. It is a microcosm of what's wrong with this country.
There's a need. There's a guy that wants to work. But there's all these
agencies and laws in the middle. It's so discouraging. So, what does a guy
do? He goes black market, working from a van, and doing things for cash.
Then the unthinkable happens, and someone gets hurt or worse. Well, the guy
probably doesn't have much to sue for, but even a poor schmuck can be raked
over the coals by a bottomfeeding lawyer.

Steve


Actually, you are headed in the wrong direction.... most people won't
fix a trailer until it breaks. In fact I've seen one actually break in
the middle and dump the boat on the ground between the two halves.

There actually would be more work to do if the laws were strictly
enforced.... but then the laws are kinda stupid to begin with.

It ain't that simple...

Virginia mandates an annual trailer inspection and display of a
sticker indicating such. The only things inspected on mine are the
tires and the lights. Still costs $12 for three minutes work.

In NC, that would be the case for a trailer rated at 4,000# or less.
Over 4,000# and they have to check the brake system. I think at
10,001# the law reverts to a required Federal DOT inspection... just
like it was an 18-wheeler trailer.

Add to this all of the ever changing requirements for reflectors and
lights. Just like your boat, it may not have come from the factory
lighted in accordance with existing or future laws.

Here this law is not enforced because they don't have a way to mandate
the existence of inspection stations. Locally, I haven't been able to
locate ANY inspection station that will inspect a trailer, regardless
of published materials to the contrary. It is difficult enough to find
somebody to do a motorcycle....

Here the brake system must be checked if the trailer is so equipped.
The same stations that inspect autos will inspect trailers, and
motorcycles. Although I was once told they couldn't inspect my
motorcycle because they didn't have any motorcycle stickers, which are
a smaller version of the auto sticker. Unless the inspector is a
motorcyclist, he usually does a ****ty job of inspection.


Your laws are weirder than ours. If the "actual gross weight" is 3,000
pounds or more, it is required to have brakes and is required to be
inspected. (The "actual gross weight" is the weight of the trailer
plus the weight of any load that the trailer is carrying.) If the
"actual gross weight" is less than 3,000 pounds, it is not required to
be inspected; however, any trailer under 3,000 that is equipped with
brakes is also required to be inspected.

I hope you have brakes......

http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Safety.shtm#FAQSafety

Nope. No brakes on the trailer. But my boat is not a heavy one, and
the 4Runner has no trouble stopping it. Of course, using the three
second rule helps.
--

John H