Trailer Cracks on 2004 MC 197 Trailer?

[tnjr1220]

Recently purchased a Tournament Team 197 w/ 34 hrs. on it. While putting on the license plates, noticed cracks in the support structures for the step bumpers at both guide post attachment locations and forward of the wheel on one side. The support structure for the fenders seems to be made of a fairly light gauge material for the kind of stresses it is expected to withstand. Just wondering if any other owners have seen a similar problem or if MC has recently changed the design of these supports. My last boat ran on an Eagle trailer for 17 yrs with no structural damage or cracking on the trailer. I'm hoping for some reassurance that this is a fluke and not a real design problem. Your comments would be greatly appreciated!

[MarkP]

I have an older trailer with no problems.

I’m not sure what part you are saying is cracked on your trailer (photos will help)

I’m sure your dealer can make it right. Congrats on the new boat and welcome aboard.

[DanC]

I have a similar thing on my 2003 MC trailer. EXTREMELY anemic metal used there. I noticed it when one guide pole seemed bent and found the poor design and broken welds. I didn't fully investigate in front of the wheels. Should be easy enough to fix next time I drag out the welder and some angle iron. But I find things like this not upsetting but VERY disappointing. Nothing has changed in this area of requirements and design in 20 years. My last three trailers, all were drive on style, never had any problems. And boy did they take a few poundings from novice boat drivers bringing my boat in .

[rodltg2]

i have the same boat and my trailer is very stout. do you not have the same trailer?

[east tx skier]

Welcome. I have the same vintage trailer as Mark P and no cracks ... just a little rust on the frame.

[Ric]

Originally Posted by tnjr1220

Recently purchased a Tournament Team 197 w/ 34 hrs. on it. While putting on the license plates, noticed cracks in the support structures for the step bumpers at both guide post attachment locations and forward of the wheel on one side. The support structure for the fenders seems to be made of a fairly light gauge material for the kind of stresses it is expected to withstand. Just wondering if any other owners have seen a similar problem or if MC has recently changed the design of these supports. My last boat ran on an Eagle trailer for 17 yrs with no structural damage or cracking on the trailer. I'm hoping for some reassurance that this is a fluke and not a real design problem. Your comments would be greatly appreciated!

are you speaking of the angle supports for the fiberglas fenders?

BTW, whatever happened to the guy who bought the '03 or '04 team boat that said it was a bad wake, (err something to that effect)?

[east tx skier]

Last we heard from Thomasr7 on the subject, he said,

"I am planning on heading down to McCormicks (Tampa) again in April to ski and then hopefully it will be ok to put mine in when I get back."

[Ric]

Originally Posted by east tx skier

Last we heard from Thomasr7 on the subject, he said,

"I am planning on heading down to McCormicks (Tampa) again in April to ski and then hopefully it will be ok to put mine in when I get back."

waiting

[tnjr1220]

Thanks for your reply... Your tandem axle trailer looks to be much beefier where the guide posts attach.( Awesome looking rig on your trailer too!) My single axle trailer is made slightly differently based on your picture. As soon as I figure out how to function within this chat area, I'll try to post some pictures.