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Starting a boat related business
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. |
Starting a boat related business
On 11/20/09 10:47 AM, 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 wouldn't trust someone like you, who combines the best of Murphy's Law and the Peter Principle, to touch my trailer, let alone repack the hubs. Sorry. -- If you are flajim, herring, loogy, GC boater, johnson, topbassdog, rob, achmed the sock puppet, or one of a half dozen others, you're wasting your time by trying to *communicate* with me through rec.boats, because, well, you are among the permanent members of my dumbfoch dumpster, and I don't read the vomit you post, except by accident on occasion. As always, have a nice, simple-minded day. |
Starting a boat related business
"Frogwatch" wrote in message
... 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 think it's possible, but it would be tight. They would be paying for your services and the cost of parts. You can either stock a lot of parts or go get them somewhat as needed, right? I'd suggest the latter mostly, since that would reduce your inventory, but you'd likely have to have a bunch of standard stuff. There are costs and hoops to jump through to accept credit cards... not trivial, so that's worth investigating. You'll need a business license and insurance, both for yourself and for any possible damage to customers' stuff. You'd want to insist on a cash deposit, since you could end up doing the work and not getting paid. If the generic cost if $50 (for example - I have no idea what repacking would normally cost, etc.), your deposit should approach 50% (say $20, which almost everyone would have). I know one thing ... I'm very wary of is being approached and solicited about buying something or other. You would need to look professional... e.g., have a small stand or station, not just some guy in a beat up pickup truck. Maybe it's a sign on the truck panels? Also, you would probably need to get permission from the owner of the ramp... if it's private. If it's public, then that might be tricky. One thing you could do is to try it with people you know who have boat trailers... see what they think and how much they would pay for it to be done. If you're serious about this, the best way to start is to create a detailed business plan. You can find tools online for free or for low cost. It's worth it, since it would quantify most aspects of your costs and expected return on investment. -- Nom=de=Plume |
Starting a boat related business
On Nov 20, 1:58*pm, "nom=de=plume" wrote:
"Frogwatch" wrote in message ... 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 think it's possible, but it would be tight. They would be paying for your services and the cost of parts. You can either stock a lot of parts or go get them somewhat as needed, right? I'd suggest the latter mostly, since that would reduce your inventory, but you'd likely have to have a bunch of standard stuff. There are costs and hoops to jump through to accept credit cards... not trivial, so that's worth investigating. You'll need a business license and insurance, both for yourself and for any possible damage to customers' stuff. You'd want to insist on a cash deposit, since you could end up doing the work and not getting paid. If the generic cost if $50 (for example - I have no idea what repacking would normally cost, etc.), your deposit should approach 50% (say $20, which almost everyone would have). I know one thing ... I'm very wary of is being approached and solicited about buying something or other. You would need to look professional... e.g., have a small stand or station, not just some guy in a beat up pickup truck. Maybe it's a sign on the truck panels? Also, you would probably need to get permission from the owner of the ramp... if it's private. If it's public, then that might be tricky. One thing you could do is to try it with people you know who have boat trailers... see what they think and how much they would pay for it to be done. If you're serious about this, the best way to start is to create a detailed business plan. You can find tools online for free or for low cost. It's worth it, since it would quantify most aspects of your costs and expected return on investment. -- Nom=de=Plume I'm thinking that the operator of the ramps is shortly going to have a problem with this. Even if it's the local wildlife or state park people. You're creating a liability. What if you get hurt doing this? What if you damage another trailer that is not even one you are working on? You're going to be asked to stop. |
Starting a boat related business
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Starting a boat related business
"H the K" wrote in message ... On 11/20/09 10:47 AM, 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 wouldn't trust someone like you, who combines the best of Murphy's Law and the Peter Principle, to touch my trailer, let alone repack the hubs. Sorry. -- If I'm paying someone to re-pack my bearings, I want a licensed, experienced mechanic. If it's amateur hour...I can fill the bill myself. |
Starting a boat related business
"Frogwatch" wrote in message
... On Nov 20, 6:01 pm, "nom=de=plume" wrote: "SteveB" wrote in message ... "Gene" wrote in message .. . 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 No, it's not a "microcosm of what's wrong." There are rules and regs for a reason, some of which have been identified. If you have a legitimate business, then the rules and regs can be traversed. If you don't, you either have to fly under the radar or not bother. This isn't some 3rd World country. -- Nom=de=Plume Yes, Gaia forbid that somebody could achieve economic freedom. ?? Not sure what this has to do with reasonable rules and regulations. Feel free to pollute all you want. I'm sure your neighbors won't mind. -- Nom=de=Plume |
Starting a boat related business
On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:46 -0800, "nom=de=plume"
wrote: "SteveB" wrote in message ... 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 you do it right, the millions worth of liability insurance you're required to have make it prohibitive. Not to mention all the red tape from Fish and Game and Coast Guard. Ah, I love our system. How's all that hope and change working out for everyone? Steve You sound very bitter. Did this happen to you over the last eight years or is a longer-term situation? According to Steve, a black bitch yelled on TV that Obama was going to pay for her mortgage and gasoline. |
Starting a boat related business
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 . .. 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. -- John H |
Starting a boat related business
Don White wrote:
If I'm paying someone to re-pack my bearings, I want a licensed, experienced mechanic. If it's amateur hour...I can fill the bill myself. That's almost word-for-word what you wife said in her last email. Amazing! Rob |
Starting a boat related business
"Gene" wrote in message ... 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 |
Starting a boat related business
On Nov 20, 8:57*pm, Rob wrote:
Don White wrote: If I'm paying someone to re-pack my bearings, I want a licensed, experienced mechanic. If it's amateur hour...I can fill the bill myself. That's almost word-for-word what you wife said in her last email. Amazing! Rob Well, we like it "rustic" here. Believe it or not, I am unable to get my sailboat bottom painted for lack a any facilities to haul her. Am going to sail to St Petersburg (about 200 miles) to get it done. However, I know that there are a few public landings where it is very crowded on nice days and I figured that more civilized areas would have even more. All those trailers in one spot sure seems like some kinda opportunity. I hear about long lines to launch and that sounds like a great place to approach those waiting. Repacking bearings is not hard and does not require anything but grease and maybe some cotter pins. Around here, I know you'd get away with it but you'd run out of trailers quickly. |
Starting a boat related business
"John H" wrote in message
... 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 ... 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. -- John H Oh MY GOD!! It's a gov't take-over and it's OBAMA'S fault! Shocking! :) -- Nom=de=Plume |
Starting a boat related business
wrote in message
... On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:15 -0800, "nom=de=plume" wrote: This isn't some 3rd World country. Have you ever been to the big bend of Florida ;-) Just kidding Ohara, but it may be a little "rustic" for a California girl. Never, but I'm pretty used to rednecks if that's what's around. :) -- Nom=de=Plume |
Starting a boat related business
"SteveB" wrote in message
... "Gene" wrote 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.... A sign of the times. A need. A worker. Red tape. Steve A need. A worker. Some rules. Fear of a gov't take-over. -- Nom=de=Plume |
Starting a boat related business
"Gene" wrote 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.... A sign of the times. A need. A worker. Red tape. Steve |
Starting a boat related business
On Nov 20, 10:19*pm, wrote:
On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:12:43 -0800, "nom=de=plume" wrote: wrote in message .. . On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:15 -0800, "nom=de=plume" wrote: This isn't some 3rd World country. Have you ever been to the big bend of Florida *;-) Just kidding Ohara, but it may be a little "rustic" for a California girl. Never, but I'm pretty used to rednecks if that's what's around. :) The South is a bit different than the west. There is a subtle difference in the type of innovation, lifestyle and a whole lot of "we don't care what you think". I am very much at home here but it drives a lot of people from the rest of the country crazy. The metaphor would be the difference between tangling with a grizzly bear and wrasslin an alligator. In both cases you are talking about an apex predator but the bear is a sentient mammal you might be able to reason with, the gator is 400 pounds of *prehistoric muscle and teeth that just wants to eat you. Toss in the biggest snakes, bugs and lizards in the country and you get a tough bunch of people who choose to live here. Don't confuse this with the east coast that Harry likes or Orlando. That is just where the transplanted New Yorkers go. Much like the Seminoles 100 years ago, the real Floridians have been pushed back into the swamps by northerners but their time is running out. Dang, thats quite a compliment to us crackers. Nom, yeah, it is SORTA rednecky here. Disrespectin the Stars 'n Bars'll gitcha in a heapa trouble. In spite of running out of places to grow oysters, the oyster shuckers never run out of oysters cuz the oysters is smarter than they are. As far as spilling a bit of grease goes, the last place that hauled my boat did it with a travel liftthat used a beer keg as a reservoir for hydraulic fluid and an old garbage can to catch what was dripping offa it. They built berms of sand on the ground to catch what spilled over. The shrimp boat across the river has a 4' X 8' piece of plywood nailed across a huge hole and it has been going to sea like that since Katrina. It has old truck axles welded to make an anchor. Dog Island is an anarchist paradise where it is considered bad manners to pay attention to what goes on at the grass airstrip. The only dump truck on the island has an old evinrude motor gas tank with a squeeze bulb instead of a fuel pump. Very few vehicles can be identified as to their original make. When rust overcomes one, they just allow the vines to grow over em and the drifting sand does the rest. You Yankees think you got us on the run but we have a plan. I have invented the ultimate weapon of mass destruction against Yankees, a bug that eats freon in air conditioners. |
Starting a boat related business
"H the K" wrote in message ... On 11/20/09 5:06 PM, Gene wrote: On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:58:16 -0700, "SteveB" wrote: wrote in message ... 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... Just what we need at boat ramps...some redneck who thinks "pristine" is his neighbor's do-able teen-aged daughter flushing and cleaning boat trailer hubs, and then repacking them. And all that old grease being dumped onto the ground and then finding its way onto the ramp and into the water. -- If you are flajim, herring, loogy, GC boater, johnson, topbassdog, rob, achmed the sock puppet, or one of a half dozen others, you're wasting your time by trying to *communicate* with me through rec.boats, because, well, you are among the permanent members of my dumbfoch dumpster, and I don't read the vomit you post, except by accident on occasion. As always, have a nice, simple-minded day. Hell, there are mobile car washes, mobile truck repair that will fix the diesel on the side of the road, mobile detailers, mobile oil changers. Come to your place of work and set up to change a lot of the cars oils. Probably not that hard to get permits, and make sure the grease does not pollute. Seeing requests on boating groups about who does trailer bearings and brakes, there is probably a large market in an area with boaters. Maybe the city would require a minimum liability insurance, but that is most likely needed anyway. A lot of boaters would love to be able to get their trailer serviced while out boating for the day. Charge $65 an hour and you will make a decent living if not living in Seattle or San Francisco. I can hire a bass fishing guide for $180 at Lake Fork, TX. He supplies the boat, the rods and the lures. He is making more and enjoying life more than saying You want fries with that. He is not making an upper middle class living, but he is supporting himself. But there are a lot on this newsgroup, who distain the working class. Unless they are paying union dues, etc. |
Starting a boat related business
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 m... 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. -- John H |
Starting a boat related business
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 |
Starting a boat related business
On Nov 21, 2:49*pm, 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 om... On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:47:44 -0800 (PST), Frogwatch wrote: Here is a thought experiment. *Start a business on less than $5000. |
Starting a boat related business
On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:12:55 -0500, Gene
wrote: On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:00:06 -0800 (PST), Tim wrote: My 18' has a single axle shoreline trailer an no brakes.... My point, either misunderstood or ignored, was that even a 18 foot bayliner weighs 3,000# including trailer and engine. State law, then, would *require* that the trailer have brakes installed, if it were to actually pass the inspection as spelled out. I'm betting the lights wouldn't pass inspection, either. Sucks... but those are the sort of requirements that would make the business model of the OP viable..... Perhaps I misunderstood your point. I didn't intentionally ignore it. My boat came with a single axle trailer and no brakes. Perhaps the state law mandates brakes for the load, I don't know. But the trailer and load are not weighed as part of the safety inspection. In fact, there is no requirement for a load on the trailer when inspected. So, I have no brakes on this trailer, and haven't felt the need for them. Towing the 21' Proline was a different matter. The trailer had surge brakes. -- John H |
Starting a boat related business
"John H" wrote 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. -- John H My state does not even require licensing a trailer that weighs less than 700# empty. I see a lot of unlicensed trailers running around that are surely over that, but loaded, so how does a trooper PROVE that it's over 700# empty? So, there's a lot of people slide. But, to my point. Go to a busy boat launch and walk among the trailers and rigs of the people who are out boating. Look at their rigs. Some of the stuff you see is downright scary. I know it's difficult to fix some stuff with the boat on there, but if you can't fix it or have it fixed, you need to turn in your captain's hat and bar bouy. Steve |
Starting a boat related business
wrote doubt someone would give him $50 for this, more like $20 if all he is doing is repacking the bearings. The money comes when you start selling lights, bearings and seals but that requires inventory. Personally I would leave the bearings alone and just do lights with a good system that people would recognize and respect. I have a 16' Lund on a light trailer. 13" wheels. Took the bearings apart when I got it, and they had some wear. I live less than ten miles from the lake I fish, and don't get over 55, and 75% is less than 35. I took it to get a price on new bearings. $200. I just repacked them, and keep an eye on the tightness. If I start ranging out to farther lakes, I'll have it done, or meet someone in the meantime who has a press and can do them for less. Steve |
Starting a boat related business
nom=de=plume wrote:
wrote in message ... On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:12:43 -0800, "nom=de=plume" wrote: wrote in message ... On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:15 -0800, "nom=de=plume" wrote: This isn't some 3rd World country. Have you ever been to the big bend of Florida ;-) Just kidding Ohara, but it may be a little "rustic" for a California girl. Never, but I'm pretty used to rednecks if that's what's around. :) The South is a bit different than the west. There is a subtle difference in the type of innovation, lifestyle and a whole lot of "we don't care what you think". I am very much at home here but it drives a lot of people from the rest of the country crazy. The metaphor would be the difference between tangling with a grizzly bear and wrasslin an alligator. In both cases you are talking about an apex predator but the bear is a sentient mammal you might be able to reason with, the gator is 400 pounds of prehistoric muscle and teeth that just wants to eat you. Toss in the biggest snakes, bugs and lizards in the country and you get a tough bunch of people who choose to live here. Don't confuse this with the east coast that Harry likes or Orlando. That is just where the transplanted New Yorkers go. Much like the Seminoles 100 years ago, the real Floridians have been pushed back into the swamps by northerners but their time is running out. Sounds like a youtube selection bear vs. gator, human vs. car. ??? It really sounds like that? Rob |
Starting a boat related business
"Rob" wrote in message
... nom=de=plume wrote: wrote in message ... On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:12:43 -0800, "nom=de=plume" wrote: wrote in message ... On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:15 -0800, "nom=de=plume" wrote: This isn't some 3rd World country. Have you ever been to the big bend of Florida ;-) Just kidding Ohara, but it may be a little "rustic" for a California girl. Never, but I'm pretty used to rednecks if that's what's around. :) The South is a bit different than the west. There is a subtle difference in the type of innovation, lifestyle and a whole lot of "we don't care what you think". I am very much at home here but it drives a lot of people from the rest of the country crazy. The metaphor would be the difference between tangling with a grizzly bear and wrasslin an alligator. In both cases you are talking about an apex predator but the bear is a sentient mammal you might be able to reason with, the gator is 400 pounds of prehistoric muscle and teeth that just wants to eat you. Toss in the biggest snakes, bugs and lizards in the country and you get a tough bunch of people who choose to live here. Don't confuse this with the east coast that Harry likes or Orlando. That is just where the transplanted New Yorkers go. Much like the Seminoles 100 years ago, the real Floridians have been pushed back into the swamps by northerners but their time is running out. Sounds like a youtube selection bear vs. gator, human vs. car. ??? It really sounds like that? Rob There are some cool vids that have these contests... check it out. -- Nom=de=Plume |
Starting a boat related business
On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:50:15 -0500, gfretwell wrote:
They also don't inspect cars here. That was Bob Graham's claim to fame that got him in the governor's mansion, stopping the inspection program. I'm a little conflicted by this. Inspections are a PITA, but it is nice to know that all those cars out there had their brakes working at least once a year. ;-) |
Starting a boat related business
"Steve B" wrote in message ... wrote doubt someone would give him $50 for this, more like $20 if all he is doing is repacking the bearings. The money comes when you start selling lights, bearings and seals but that requires inventory. Personally I would leave the bearings alone and just do lights with a good system that people would recognize and respect. I have a 16' Lund on a light trailer. 13" wheels. Took the bearings apart when I got it, and they had some wear. I live less than ten miles from the lake I fish, and don't get over 55, and 75% is less than 35. I took it to get a price on new bearings. $200. I just repacked them, and keep an eye on the tightness. If I start ranging out to farther lakes, I'll have it done, or meet someone in the meantime who has a press and can do them for less. Steve Just take a flat punch from the opposite side and drive out the race. To install the race, set the new one in place and lay the old race on top, with the sides contacting of different sizes. Lay a flat plate on top and drive in the bearing. If the old race gets stuck, just hit the lip sticking out with the punch. After that it is the same as packing bearings. And new bearings are maybe $20 an axle at the autoparts store. Take the old bearing with you to get the correct size. I think there are only two different spindle sizes on modern trailers. http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#packhubs will show how to pack bearings. |
Starting a boat related business
On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:23:42 -0800, Steve B wrote:
If I start ranging out to farther lakes, I'll have it done, or meet someone in the meantime who has a press and can do them for less. Have you asked at an auto parts store? Many around here have a press, an will press bearings for a couple of bucks, or for free, if they see your face on a regular basis. |
Starting a boat related business
On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:17:44 -0600, thunder
wrote: On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:50:15 -0500, gfretwell wrote: They also don't inspect cars here. That was Bob Graham's claim to fame that got him in the governor's mansion, stopping the inspection program. I'm a little conflicted by this. Inspections are a PITA, but it is nice to know that all those cars out there had their brakes working at least once a year. ;-) That was one of the big jokes here in CT with the old inspection system. Never tested the brakes as such either dynamically or static but they'd check it off the report for every inspection. They finally got rid of that nonsense. I guess they figured if you could make it to an inspection station, you passed. :) |
Starting a boat related business
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Starting a boat related business
On Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:23:52 -0500, Tom Francis - SWSports wrote:
I'm a little conflicted by this. Inspections are a PITA, but it is nice to know that all those cars out there had their brakes working at least once a year. ;-) That was one of the big jokes here in CT with the old inspection system. Never tested the brakes as such either dynamically or static but they'd check it off the report for every inspection. IIRC, your inspections are done at a licensed service station? Here, we have designated inspection centers, which are relatively thorough. There's a visual inspection for rust, cracked windows, etc., a tailpipe emissions test, a dynamic wheel balancing/alignment test, and a dynamic brake test. The problem here is, if you fail, you can be retested at a regular licensed service station. There things get considerably easier, costlier, but easier. They finally got rid of that nonsense. I guess they figured if you could make it to an inspection station, you passed. :) |
Starting a boat related business
On Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:38:28 -0600, thunder
wrote: On Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:23:52 -0500, Tom Francis - SWSports wrote: I'm a little conflicted by this. Inspections are a PITA, but it is nice to know that all those cars out there had their brakes working at least once a year. ;-) That was one of the big jokes here in CT with the old inspection system. Never tested the brakes as such either dynamically or static but they'd check it off the report for every inspection. IIRC, your inspections are done at a licensed service station? Here, we have designated inspection centers, which are relatively thorough. There's a visual inspection for rust, cracked windows, etc., a tailpipe emissions test, a dynamic wheel balancing/alignment test, and a dynamic brake test. The problem here is, if you fail, you can be retested at a regular licensed service station. There things get considerably easier, costlier, but easier. That changed about ten years or so back. There were official "State" inspection stations that were supposed to check for that, but all they were interested in was getting the money - you coud blow through the emissions inspection pretty easily with some simple tools and a hot engine. I know because I did it with an old pickup I had to bang around the woods in. :) Now they are done at certain service stations - mostly dealerships as the cost of the computer is high and your average garage mechanic can't afford the constant software updates never mind the computer. They say they do a "safety" check, but other than sticking the sampler up the tailpipe (which is an apt metaphor huh?) I've never seen them do a "safety" inspection. It's still only an emissions inspection - nothing else. |
Starting a boat related business
On Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:58:35 -0500, Tom Francis - SWSports
wrote: It's still only an emissions inspection - nothing else. In Cook County, Illinois, where I live, it's just emissions, at state stations only. Gone through a number of variation through the years. Used to be a stick in the exhaust pipe. I flunked once with pretty new car that ran fine. Luckily it was under warranty and the dealer replaced 2 injectors and did a complete tune-up, new plugs, wires and all. Passed then. (BTW, since I do most of my own work, I had put Bosch plugs in the car, instead of the OEM AC/Delco. The dealer mech told me that's a no-no with modern computer-controlled cars. Might have been just that that caused the flunk, but he said he replaced 2 "marginal" injectors for good measure.) For a while they put the cars on a dyno here, but there were accidents and they screwed up some cars, so they stopped that. Now they just plug in the ODBII connector and check for codes. Better not go with a check engine light on or an intermittent code still stored. That will flunk you. The goofy thing is that when they started this method a few years ago, anything without an OBDII connection was excluded. So that's essentially pre-1996. IOW, the cars most likely to pollute. But maybe there's not so many of them. Anyway, it's flaky. --Vic |
Starting a boat related business
"CalifBill" wrote Just take a flat punch from the opposite side and drive out the race. To install the race, set the new one in place and lay the old race on top, with the sides contacting of different sizes. Lay a flat plate on top and drive in the bearing. If the old race gets stuck, just hit the lip sticking out with the punch. After that it is the same as packing bearings. And new bearings are maybe $20 an axle at the autoparts store. Take the old bearing with you to get the correct size. I think there are only two different spindle sizes on modern trailers. http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#packhubs will show how to pack bearings. I have changed crankshafts in v-8's, and done valve jobs, and changed timing chains and cams, and lots of stuff. I wasn't about to pay $200 when the bearing package is about $50 for all the bearings. I figured I'd tackle it when I got my shop together, which it gets electricity over Thanksgiving. A friend gave me a hydraulic press. I'll probably do it soon when I do some other repairs to the boat. Steve |
Starting a boat related business
"thunder" wrote in message ... On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:23:42 -0800, Steve B wrote: If I start ranging out to farther lakes, I'll have it done, or meet someone in the meantime who has a press and can do them for less. Have you asked at an auto parts store? Many around here have a press, an will press bearings for a couple of bucks, or for free, if they see your face on a regular basis. They changed the lugs on one hub for me, but they say they don't do bearings. Steve |
Starting a boat related business
Tom Francis - SWSports wrote:
On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:17:44 -0600, thunder wrote: On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:50:15 -0500, gfretwell wrote: They also don't inspect cars here. That was Bob Graham's claim to fame that got him in the governor's mansion, stopping the inspection program. I'm a little conflicted by this. Inspections are a PITA, but it is nice to know that all those cars out there had their brakes working at least once a year. ;-) That was one of the big jokes here in CT with the old inspection system. Never tested the brakes as such either dynamically or static but they'd check it off the report for every inspection. They finally got rid of that nonsense. I guess they figured if you could make it to an inspection station, you passed. :) Illinois had a motor vehicle inspection many years ago. All it took was a couple of $ on the seat and you passed. |
Starting a boat related business
wrote That is an EPA law and applies to cities above a certain criteria. I don't know if it is simply population or some air quality standard. I know when I was in the DC area, PG county had emissions inspection Chuck County didn't. They have it is Tamps/St Pete, Miami and Orlando but not Ft Myers. It's ridiculous. In Las Vegas, you have to have your car smogged, but if you live over the hill in Pahrump, which is in the next county, you don't. A lot of people commute to Vegas from Pahrump, driving in Clark County the majority of the way. Nevada does not have inspection laws. You can drive around with bad headlights and brakes and tires, but they want you to meet EPA requirements. Steve |
Starting a boat related business
On Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:07:34 -0500, gfretwell wrote:
On Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:58:35 -0500, Tom Francis - SWSports wrote: It's still only an emissions inspection - nothing else. That is an EPA law and applies to cities above a certain criteria. I don't know if it is simply population or some air quality standard. I know when I was in the DC area, PG county had emissions inspection Chuck County didn't. They have it is Tamps/St Pete, Miami and Orlando but not Ft Myers. I believe they discontinued this form of taxation state wide. It hasn't been in Pinellas or Hillsbourgh for awhile. |
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