Who's the wise guy that told me I could DRIVE the boat on the trailer?

[Lark]

Some of you may remember my previous stories of how I keep chicken'n out driving the boat up on the trailer and instead jump off the bow and swim the boat on the trailer. Well, my left nut finally dropped and today I was feel'n brave.

We took the boat out to Lake Lewisville (I hate that lake!) only because it being nearly Novemeber I didn't think the lake would be too crowded. It wasn't bad (but VERY low) and we had fun watching the sail boats and Bryce (my 5-year old) got to take his friend Lander. But all good things must end...

We headed back and I slowly pulled up to the dock that was floating on "land" so Kim could jump off and get the truck. The boat lightly rubbed on the sand lightly scuffed up the bottom on the forward part of the boat. But it gets better. Kim backs the truck down the ramp and I'm on a mission. I line up the boat with the trailer and feel like I approached it fairly straight. But once on the trailer I heard...and felt...something that didn't seem right. I thought the side of the boat must have rubbed up against the trailer? Well, we get the boat out of the water and damn if the prop didn't hit the side of the trailer! I was really surprised to learn the back end of the boat would move around that much on the trailer. I'm guessing the trailer was too deep, but Kim tried to make sure the top of the fender was just under water. Oh well, life's a lesson, right?

Here's some pictures of the world stop'n damage. And while viewing them tell me if...

1) since the prop is brass, is it likely no damage was done to the shaft?

2) what cheap and inexpensive options are available for touching up the trailer? paint code/color? (other than red, duh!)

3) is it best to replace the damaged prop with another one of same make and model?

4) how do I avoid doing this again in the future? what did I do wrong?

Thanks guys!

[Lark]

Oh yes, my son wanted me to scare all of you with his scary Batman costume!

[Lark]

...and when did the 4 image limit, including smilies, take effect?

[Mag_Red]

Originally Posted by Lark

...and when did the 4 image limit, including smilies, take effect?

I'm too scared to answer that! tell your son Great Costume!
As far as the trailer thing......... I'm guessing it was in too deep. Sorry to see the damage to your prop

[erkoehler]

Ok...welcome to the club!

First, the trailer was probably in a bit to deep....I try to keep the fenders on my new (07) 197 about an inch ABOVE the water when putting the boat on the trailer. You can always go in deeper if needed, but start with the fenders above the waterline. This will pretty much remove the chance of hitting the trailer again.

Second, your MC dealer can supply you with a color matched can of spray paint for the trailer....if you want, I can supply that to you???

Third, the prop looks like you can have it rebuilt...I've seen much worse damage rebuilt before. Probability of damage to the strut, I'd say from these pics that your fine, doesn't look like that hard of an impact.

How's the damage to the front of the boat?

[TMCNo1]

....and yes, you had the trailer too deep in the water. If it was farther out of the water, the hull settling into the bunks and between the guide bars would have prevented that and you probably had the steering wheel turned to the right for it to hit on the left like that.

[Lark]

Originally Posted by erkoehler

How's the damage to the front of the boat?

Thanks for the quick responses.

I wouldn't say any damage to the front, just lightly scuffed. There were some deeper scratches further back (but in front of the fins) that were there when I bought it. It's an '06 TT.

I'm guessing since it's not a race boat, it probably will not affect the performance of the boat? Should I get it buffed or just forget about it?

Thanks for the offer on the spray paint. I'll get in touch with you if my dealer does not have it. I'll drop the boat off on Tuesday.

[erkoehler]

Originally Posted by Lark

Thanks for the quick responses.

I wouldn't say any damage to the front, just lightly scuffed. There were some deeper scratches further back (but in front of the fins) that were there when I bought it. It's an '06 TT.

I'm guessing since it's not a race boat, it probably will not affect the performance of the boat? Should I get it buffed or just forget about it?

Thanks for the offer on the spray paint. I'll get in touch with you if my dealer does not have it. I'll drop the boat off on Tuesday.

What are you dropping the boat off for?

[east tx skier]

It can probably be wet sanded out. If it's right on the keel, the gell is a bit thicker, or so I'm told.

[erkoehler]

Originally Posted by east tx skier

It can probably be wet sanded out. If it's right on the keel, the gell is a bit thicker, or so I'm told.

I've heard that as well Should definetly be able to wet sand them out.