Weekend woes turned to good ski

[zpacheco]

Two weeks ago, I went out to the boat with a few people to go island camping out at lake ouachita. We trailer the boat from a nearby storage to the boat ramp. However, when we go to the storage and began packing up the boat the owner of the slips came out to see us. He says "Zach, you got a problem." So, all kinds of thoughts are flashing through my head. And he says "you broke a trailer spring" and proceeds to show me the pieces he found on his gravel road drive way. I get down and look and yeah one of my tires was all but touching the top of the fender. So, I'm thinking oh crap. Weekend ruined after the hour drive and all the packing, I'm bummed. The guy informs me that he can order a new spring and get it there by monday (its friday). I tell him no and proceed to try and find a new spring at 2:30 in the afternoon on a friday. After a few stops and calls I discover a small company in Hot Springs that builds trailers. They had the part, I was stoked. However I have never changed out a trailer spring. So we go back to the boat and luckily the guy had a hoist. Hoist the boat off of the trailer and begin working. 2 hours later we are on the water.

When I found the part I had never been so happy. We get on the lake and it's empty perfect ski conditions! set up camp and enjoy the weekend on the water! Just had to share that story. Has anyone else had a broken spring? Those things are a pain to get off. I wish they didn't paint that part of the trailer.

[flipper]

Hey look, his boat floats with out water

[Sodar]

Glad it all worked out for you. Just for future reference, you can also remedy a broken spring by putting a wood block between the frame and the axle and then using a ratchet tie-down to secure it. The method could save the day and get you out of harms way if you are on the side of the road somewhere.

[Muttley]

I broke a trailer spring on my old boat. I thought I heard this tinkling sound, but didn't notice when I checked it so I got back in the truck. Drove 20 miles home and discovered the paint on the fender was bubbling and the metal fender had cut into the tire. I was shocked it didn't blow, but I did have to replace it.

New tire, fender paint, and new leaf spring. It could have been worse, though.

[oldairboater]

Replaced axles, springs, and fenders on several trailers. The saltwater here works on everything. Usually need a good impact, torch, and hammer.

[03geetee]

Nice looking boat nonetheless.

JTR