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Post by gnrphil on Jun 8, 2015 12:07:46 GMT -6
In my excitement buying the boat last September I neglected to look at the trailer properly, seller said he'd put new springs on it not long ago. So now before an up coming long haul to Ft Lauderdale I thought it a wise plan to make sure the rig is good to go , so glad i checked Oh and I had to break the calipers off they were so badly corroded .
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Post by gtightline on Jun 8, 2015 12:28:18 GMT -6
Wow!! That has to be the worse I've ever seen...When metal starts to flake like that...geezzz...Chances are you never would have made it down here...Hahaha
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Post by Juan on Jun 8, 2015 14:25:50 GMT -6
Glad you caught it in time... If it were me, I wouldn't put the brakes back on it since they'll probably rust away again or freeze up 6 months after it's first dip in saltwater. and since you're rebuilding it anyway, why not consider torsion bars instead of springs? They don't rust like springs do and ride a lot better.
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Post by Simple Man on Jun 8, 2015 14:32:53 GMT -6
Glad you caught it in time... If it were me, I wouldn't put the brakes back on it since they'll probably rust away again or freeze up 6 months after it's first dip in saltwater. and since you're rebuilding it anyway, why not consider torsion bars instead of springs? They don't rust like springs do and ride a lot better. Yep, I snatched mine off after the rust globed and froze up. I think they make all stainless ones. Has anyone ever used them? Do they last?
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Post by gnrphil on Jun 8, 2015 14:35:52 GMT -6
Good ideas there Juan but I've already put new brakes and springs on it, just got to replace the brake lines now. It doesn't normally see water but I'll have to ramp in at Laurderdale (first time should be fun), I use a lift at the marina and usually only trailer twice a year. I'll be sure to give it a good rinse of when I'm done.
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Post by Simple Man on Jun 8, 2015 14:53:32 GMT -6
I was very meticulous about washing mine off and they lasted 5 years.
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Post by gtightline on Jun 8, 2015 15:40:40 GMT -6
Good ramps down here 5 minutes from the ocean would be John Loyd state park...They have two excellent ramps, cleaning tables and fresh water hook up, so you can spray and wash her down good before hittin the road...That's where I always put in. I think those are the best ramps around with plenty of parking....you should check it out gnrphil... www.floridastateparks.org/park/Lloyd-Beach
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Post by gnrphil on Jun 8, 2015 15:42:29 GMT -6
I was very meticulous about washing mine off and they lasted 5 years. Did you use a ramp to launch all the time? you have a lift now right?
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Post by gnrphil on Jun 8, 2015 15:51:21 GMT -6
Good ramps down here 5 minutes from the ocean would be John Loyd state park...They have two excellent ramps, cleaning tables and fresh water hook up, so you can spray and wash her down good before hittin the road...That's where I always put in. I think those are the best ramps around with plenty of parking....you should check it out gnrphil... www.floridastateparks.org/park/Lloyd-BeachThanks for that, I've made plans to go to Harbour Towne which I see is close by because they have secure parking while I'm over at Bimini. Do they have secure parking at Lloyd beach?
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Post by Juan on Jun 8, 2015 17:41:57 GMT -6
Phil. is your boat's steering wheel on the right side?
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Post by gtightline on Jun 8, 2015 17:50:23 GMT -6
Yes they do have "security" at John Loyd, that is, when the cops patrol in there. I personally have never had a problem with thieves or vandals at John Loyd...I have also put in at Harbour Towne, they do have 24 hour security that is always there patrolling in their golf carts, they have about 6 or 7 ramps. The only thing I don't like about it is that if you launch during low tide it can get extremely shallow in the canal that takes you out to the Dania cutoff canal that leads into the intracostal where you will head north, that will take you out through the Port Everglades inlet...it is about a 20 to 30 minute ride from Harbour Towne at idle speed, no wake zone until you get into the inlet ..If what you are planing on doing is leaving your tow vehicle at the ramps, then I would have to say that Harbour Towne is for sure the better place to do so, because of the 24 hour security. If you can put in during high tide it will make things a little easier....Good luck, and catch em up gnrphil.......
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Post by gnrphil on Jun 8, 2015 18:25:27 GMT -6
Phil. is your boat's steering wheel on the right side? No it's on the wrong side
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Post by gnrphil on Jun 8, 2015 18:26:30 GMT -6
Yes they do have "security" at John Loyd, that is, when the cops patrol in there. I personally have never had a problem with thieves or vandals at John Loyd...I have also put in at Harbour Towne, they do have 24 hour security that is always there patrolling in their golf carts, they have about 6 or 7 ramps. The only thing I don't like about it is that if you launch during low tide it can get extremely shallow in the canal that takes you out to the Dania cutoff canal that leads into the intracostal where you will head north, that will take you out through the Port Everglades inlet...it is about a 20 to 30 minute ride from Harbour Towne at idle speed, no wake zone until you get into the inlet ..If what you are planing on doing is leaving your tow vehicle at the ramps, then I would have to say that Harbour Towne is for sure the better place to do so, because of the 24 hour security. If you can put in during high tide it will make things a little easier....Good luck, and catch em up gnrphil....... Thanks for that, good to know about the tides beerchug
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Post by Simple Man on Jun 8, 2015 22:45:59 GMT -6
I was very meticulous about washing mine off and they lasted 5 years. Did you use a ramp to launch all the time? you have a lift now right? No lift then. I've only had my lift since Christmas '14
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Jun 9, 2015 20:19:08 GMT -6
That probably looks so good put back together.
If your in the intercoastal down there and see a short tan rounder looking "gentlemen" running a blue hull 27cc feel free to pull him over and tell him his nephew said he has some beers for you on me. lol
ps. salt away spray when im done at the ramp is what i use. Only go in and out 1 each per season (usually) and salt will kill that stuff even over night. So its deff worth the extra work. And my motto is if Simple Man does it, then its the right way to do it!!!
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Post by gnrphil on Jul 7, 2015 20:42:08 GMT -6
Well I pulled Helios out the water Sunday to bring her home and get ready for the great Bimini adventure, everything felt good with the trailer and the brakes work nicely. Got home and checked the hubs and found one a little hot "no bother I'l adjust that tomorrow", so next day I jacked it up and the wheel wobbled and I could take the lug nuts of with my fingers. I tightened them with a impact wrench when I rebuilt the thing !!!! and all the others where a little loose too, the rim is toast and so are the studs so today I'm rushing around to get it fixed (leaving for Lauderdale at 8AM tomorrow). Got it all done with some help from a tire and break shop I do a lot of business with and now we're ready to roll ( I think)
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Post by Juan on Jul 8, 2015 5:37:40 GMT -6
What is that, about an 8 hour drag pulling a boat? Good luck and let us know how ya do over there. emthup
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Post by gnrphil on Jul 9, 2015 11:16:33 GMT -6
Made it over in 3.5 hours, rough seas but the sea pro made it. Had a little engine trouble about 5 miles out so we might have to stay here :-)
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Post by freezerfiller on Jul 10, 2015 8:18:36 GMT -6
Glad you made it. Have a great time!
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Post by gnrphil on Jul 10, 2015 18:04:10 GMT -6
Got the boat fixed today, having a great time. Pics when i get back.
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