To Trailer or Not
 

To make a long story short, we are in the process of considering a
trade-down of sorts to a new, but slightly smaller boat. Anyone ever
heard of such blasphemy? ;)

In any event, the new boat, which we viewed at the local boat show, from
a local dealer, included a trailer in the price. If we chose to not take
the trailer (we live on a canal, boat lift in the back yard) we get
$2600 credit. Granted to replace the trailer with a new one, it would be
significantly more than $2600, that's the deal per the manufacturer. The
dealer has offered free pick up at the ramp near by his location for
service any time I need to bring it to him.

I can think of a few times a year when it would be really nice to have a
trailer, but we can more than likely be boating just fine and never need
it. For most of the year, it will simply sit in the yard, probably just
waiting until we need it, to decide it needs maintenance. I could rent a
trailer locally, assuming one plans in advance, but how often to does
that really happen?

It is really not just a matter of the money. I am using a surprise 2006
bonus recently received so the entire deal is no real money (previously
saved or financed), so that is not my concern. Well, that's my
perspective and I got the wife to agree! If I had the trailer I could
probably make up a few reasons or trips to make just to use it, but more
to explore other areas. However, for the most part SW Florida offer
plenty of accessible areas from the reach of my back yard.

My question to all, would you take the trailer knowing you would rarely
use it, but also knowing it's nice to have a brand new trailer there
anytime you wanted or needed it?

or

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.

To Trailer or Not
 

"DownTime" wrote in message
. ..
To make a long story short, we are in the process of considering a
trade-down of sorts to a new, but slightly smaller boat. Anyone ever heard
of such blasphemy? ;)

In any event, the new boat, which we viewed at the local boat show, from a
local dealer, included a trailer in the price. If we chose to not take the
trailer (we live on a canal, boat lift in the back yard) we get $2600
credit. Granted to replace the trailer with a new one, it would be
significantly more than $2600, that's the deal per the manufacturer. The
dealer has offered free pick up at the ramp near by his location for
service any time I need to bring it to him.

I can think of a few times a year when it would be really nice to have a
trailer, but we can more than likely be boating just fine and never need
it. For most of the year, it will simply sit in the yard, probably just
waiting until we need it, to decide it needs maintenance. I could rent a
trailer locally, assuming one plans in advance, but how often to does that
really happen?

It is really not just a matter of the money. I am using a surprise 2006
bonus recently received so the entire deal is no real money (previously
saved or financed), so that is not my concern. Well, that's my perspective
and I got the wife to agree! If I had the trailer I could probably make up
a few reasons or trips to make just to use it, but more to explore other
areas. However, for the most part SW Florida offer plenty of accessible
areas from the reach of my back yard.

My question to all, would you take the trailer knowing you would rarely
use it, but also knowing it's nice to have a brand new trailer there
anytime you wanted or needed it?

or

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.



The trailer's not going to get younger just sitting around. And, will it
take up space in a bothersome way while not in use?

To Trailer or Not
 

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 07:29:12 -0400, DownTime wrote:

To make a long story short, we are in the process of considering a
trade-down of sorts to a new, but slightly smaller boat. Anyone ever
heard of such blasphemy? ;)

In any event, the new boat, which we viewed at the local boat show, from
a local dealer, included a trailer in the price. If we chose to not take
the trailer (we live on a canal, boat lift in the back yard) we get
$2600 credit. Granted to replace the trailer with a new one, it would be
significantly more than $2600, that's the deal per the manufacturer. The
dealer has offered free pick up at the ramp near by his location for
service any time I need to bring it to him.

I can think of a few times a year when it would be really nice to have a
trailer, but we can more than likely be boating just fine and never need
it. For most of the year, it will simply sit in the yard, probably just
waiting until we need it, to decide it needs maintenance. I could rent a
trailer locally, assuming one plans in advance, but how often to does
that really happen?

It is really not just a matter of the money. I am using a surprise 2006
bonus recently received so the entire deal is no real money (previously
saved or financed), so that is not my concern. Well, that's my
perspective and I got the wife to agree! If I had the trailer I could
probably make up a few reasons or trips to make just to use it, but more
to explore other areas. However, for the most part SW Florida offer
plenty of accessible areas from the reach of my back yard.

My question to all, would you take the trailer knowing you would rarely
use it, but also knowing it's nice to have a brand new trailer there
anytime you wanted or needed it?

or

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.

When I bought my boat, a trailer was part of the deal. I've used it a few
times, but could have lived without it, especially if a dealer had made the
offer yours did. If I had to do it over, I'd not have the trailer. Storage,
registration, maintenance, safety inspections, etc., would all be avoided.
--
***** Hope your day is better than decent! *****

John H

To Trailer or Not
 

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 07:29:12 -0400, DownTime
wrote:

My question to all, would you take the trailer knowing you would rarely
use it, but also knowing it's nice to have a brand new trailer there
anytime you wanted or needed it?

or

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.

I'm paying $35 a month to store my trailer and haven't used it in over
2 years. I'd pass unless you have definite plans to use the boat
somewhere else once in a while. The only reason I'm keeping mine is
to haul the boat inland before I go north for the summer.

To Trailer or Not
 

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 07:29:12 -0400, DownTime
wrote:

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.

That's an interesting question.

I had a custom trailer made for my two Contenders and used them
basically as storage trailers and for hauling the boats during the
summer for wash down.

It increased the value of the boats by about $5000.

A trailer can be a bonus when it comes time to sell.

On the other hand, if you have access to a trailer via the dealer,
that's a plus.

Or you could sell the trailer for more than the dealer is offering you
for it - new trailers will return you more than $2600.

It's really up to you - my advice is to keep the trailer - you never
know if you might want to move the boat sometime.

To Trailer or Not
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 07:29:12 -0400, DownTime
wrote:

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.

That's an interesting question.

I had a custom trailer made for my two Contenders and used them
basically as storage trailers and for hauling the boats during the
summer for wash down.


Where did you have those trailers made, Tom? By whom, in other words.

To Trailer or Not
 

"DownTime" wrote in message
. ..
snip.. My question to all, would you take the trailer knowing you would
rarely
use it, but also knowing it's nice to have a brand new trailer there
anytime you wanted or needed it?

or

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.


In my area there would be no question.....assuming you have a tow vehicle
capable of pulling the rig.
If you do take it...make sure it's galvanized steel or aluminum. It should
last twenty years or so if taken care of and a good boat trailer is always
easy to sell 2nd hand around here.

To Trailer or Not
 

On Sat, 17 Mar 07, wrote:
the new boat, which we viewed at the local boat show, from
a local dealer, included a trailer in the price. If we chose to not take
the trailer

Please reconsider and KEEP the trailer.

Rick ---- who's tired of trailerless friends constantly asking to
borrow one of mine.

To Trailer or Not
 

lid wrote:
On Sat, 17 Mar 07, wrote:
the new boat, which we viewed at the local boat show, from
a local dealer, included a trailer in the price. If we chose to not take
the trailer

Please reconsider and KEEP the trailer.

Rick ---- who's tired of trailerless friends constantly asking to
borrow one of mine.

In my situation, "Tis best to have and not need, then to need and not
have.."

In my area, I ahve some lakes I can boat on, and I trailer my boats to
and from when i go and when I'm finished. I don't pay slip fees, and I
don't have the baot sittig all summer in the drink collecting moss ont
he bottom, and I don't ahve to have my boat covered at all times
gettimg mold amd mildew in everyplace it's damp. I do have a warehouse
where I store my boats and am fortunate to do so. If I didn't I'd have
it under a car port in the back yard where I can keep an eye on it.
But with a trailer, i can take the boats where I want and when I want.

I want to cringe when I see newer boats sitting in a slip at the lakes
un covered, just inviting UV rays sizzling to play havoc on the
interior, and the boat just waiting to catch a rain storm. then when
pulled out, the bottoms and engine lowers are covered with green and
brown goo.

To Trailer or Not
 

"DownTime" wrote in message
. ..
To make a long story short, we are in the process of considering a
trade-down of sorts to a new, but slightly smaller boat. Anyone ever heard
of such blasphemy? ;)

In any event, the new boat, which we viewed at the local boat show, from a
local dealer, included a trailer in the price. If we chose to not take the
trailer (we live on a canal, boat lift in the back yard) we get $2600
credit. Granted to replace the trailer with a new one, it would be
significantly more than $2600, that's the deal per the manufacturer. The
dealer has offered free pick up at the ramp near by his location for
service any time I need to bring it to him.

I can think of a few times a year when it would be really nice to have a
trailer, but we can more than likely be boating just fine and never need
it. For most of the year, it will simply sit in the yard, probably just
waiting until we need it, to decide it needs maintenance. I could rent a
trailer locally, assuming one plans in advance, but how often to does that
really happen?

It is really not just a matter of the money. I am using a surprise 2006
bonus recently received so the entire deal is no real money (previously
saved or financed), so that is not my concern. Well, that's my perspective
and I got the wife to agree! If I had the trailer I could probably make up
a few reasons or trips to make just to use it, but more to explore other
areas. However, for the most part SW Florida offer plenty of accessible
areas from the reach of my back yard.

My question to all, would you take the trailer knowing you would rarely
use it, but also knowing it's nice to have a brand new trailer there
anytime you wanted or needed it?

or

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.


I agree with all the "buy the trailer" suggestions.

You will not regret it.

To Trailer or Not
 

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 14:31:47 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 07:29:12 -0400, DownTime
wrote:

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.

That's an interesting question.

I had a custom trailer made for my two Contenders and used them
basically as storage trailers and for hauling the boats during the
summer for wash down.

Where did you have those trailers made, Tom? By whom, in other words.

Loadrite at NorthEast Industries in Dudley, MA.

To Trailer or Not
 

On Sun, 18 Mar 2007 10:25:22 GMT, Tom Francis
wrote:

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 14:31:47 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. ..
On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 07:29:12 -0400, DownTime
wrote:

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.

That's an interesting question.

I had a custom trailer made for my two Contenders and used them
basically as storage trailers and for hauling the boats during the
summer for wash down.

Where did you have those trailers made, Tom? By whom, in other words.

Loadrite at NorthEast Industries in Dudley, MA.

Thomas Francis is my brother's name. How could that happen, unless you are
he? But he lives in Mass.

--
***** Hope your day is better than decent! *****

John H

To Trailer or Not
 

On Sun, 18 Mar 2007 07:29:01 -0500, John H.
wrote:

On Sun, 18 Mar 2007 10:25:22 GMT, Tom Francis
wrote:

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 14:31:47 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 07:29:12 -0400, DownTime
wrote:

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.

That's an interesting question.

I had a custom trailer made for my two Contenders and used them
basically as storage trailers and for hauling the boats during the
summer for wash down.

Where did you have those trailers made, Tom? By whom, in other words.

Loadrite at NorthEast Industries in Dudley, MA.

Thomas Francis is my brother's name. How could that happen, unless you are
he? But he lives in Mass.

So did I.

Interesting data on names:

1 - Thomas consistently ranks in the top 25 of first names in the
United States (by decade) until recently - like, starting in 2000
where it dropped to 35th and is the 11th most popular surname in the
United States.

2 - Francis is the 485th most common surnames in the United States and
is (or was) in the top 50 first names in the United States among
women.

3 - The most likely last name first and first name last confusion
combines Thomas and Francis.

The things you learn on a newsgroup huh?

To Trailer or Not
 

"Tom Francis" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 14:31:47 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. ..
On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 07:29:12 -0400, DownTime
wrote:

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they
arise.

That's an interesting question.

I had a custom trailer made for my two Contenders and used them
basically as storage trailers and for hauling the boats during the
summer for wash down.

Where did you have those trailers made, Tom? By whom, in other words.

Loadrite at NorthEast Industries in Dudley, MA.


Seems like I've seen that brand often around here. Do they only do custom
work, or off-the-shelf models, too?

To Trailer or Not
 

On Sun, 18 Mar 2007 14:22:31 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Tom Francis" wrote in message
.. .
On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 14:31:47 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 07:29:12 -0400, DownTime
wrote:

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they
arise.

That's an interesting question.

I had a custom trailer made for my two Contenders and used them
basically as storage trailers and for hauling the boats during the
summer for wash down.

Where did you have those trailers made, Tom? By whom, in other words.

Loadrite at NorthEast Industries in Dudley, MA.

Seems like I've seen that brand often around here. Do they only do custom
work, or off-the-shelf models, too?

LoadRite is out of PA and a big player in this market. Northeast
Marine Industries makes trailers out of parts supplied by LoadRite.

http://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/

They can do custom trailers for just about anything up to 40 feet I
believe, but there are limitations.

To Trailer or Not
 

DownTime wrote:
To make a long story short, we are in the process of considering a
trade-down of sorts to a new, but slightly smaller boat. Anyone ever
heard of such blasphemy? ;)

In any event, the new boat, which we viewed at the local boat show, from
a local dealer, included a trailer in the price. If we chose to not take
the trailer (we live on a canal, boat lift in the back yard) we get
$2600 credit. Granted to replace the trailer with a new one, it would be
significantly more than $2600, that's the deal per the manufacturer. The
dealer has offered free pick up at the ramp near by his location for
service any time I need to bring it to him.

I can think of a few times a year when it would be really nice to have a
trailer, but we can more than likely be boating just fine and never need
it. For most of the year, it will simply sit in the yard, probably just
waiting until we need it, to decide it needs maintenance. I could rent a
trailer locally, assuming one plans in advance, but how often to does
that really happen?

It is really not just a matter of the money. I am using a surprise 2006
bonus recently received so the entire deal is no real money (previously
saved or financed), so that is not my concern. Well, that's my
perspective and I got the wife to agree! If I had the trailer I could
probably make up a few reasons or trips to make just to use it, but more
to explore other areas. However, for the most part SW Florida offer
plenty of accessible areas from the reach of my back yard.

My question to all, would you take the trailer knowing you would rarely
use it, but also knowing it's nice to have a brand new trailer there
anytime you wanted or needed it?

or

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.


We had a similar situnation when we got rid of a cuddy and went to a
bowrider. What changed for us was getting a little weekend place (we
call it the shack) on a nice lake. The bowrider we purchased did not
have a trailer as it had lived in rack storage it's whole life. Anyway I
don't miss the trailer. Don't miss having to keep it somewhere and keep
the plates up to date or having to go over the bearings. We opted for a
boatlift. One time a local boat guy I had winterize it at the dock one
year (Hello Clams :-) Last year I did that myself. If I need to have
pulled for service all the local marinas are more then happy to use on
of their trailers.

Only you know if it is right for you to have a trailer or not.

Cheers:

Capt Jack R..