Trailer wanted??

We towed 3500-4000 miles in 2 weeks with the Nautique on the new-to-us Owen's and sons aluminum "SlideOn" trailer... The trailer is a 1998 model that I put new breaks, tires and lights on when I got it last fall. I also replaced the winch stand with carpeted pads on an upright the same as was on the old Ramlin so we could drive the boat on the same way. I built the carpeted upright myself and powder coated it in a buddy's shop. (which was very cool, BTW).

The new trailer towed FLAWLESSLY!! The Nautique sits 4 or 5 inches higher on the Owen's over the Ramlin, but we saw no ill effects from that at all... The tandem axle was a dream to tow. It essentially removed the trailer pushing the truck around altogether. The steering wheel could be held with a much lighter hand which is very welcome when towing 6-900 miles in one day!

The trailer also is considerably skinnier than the Ramlin which makes it much easier to keep in it's lane as well as maneuver on tight Olga, FL streets. The downside to this is that the fenders only protrude a few inches from the hull so they are less effective as a step where the Ramlin offered the full fender width to get in and out of the boat when it's loaded on the trailer. It's not a big deal as long as you are conscious of it. On the other hand, I did miss the carpeted areas that are on the Ramlin that run from the trailer fender to the transom area, but only once so far..

All in all, I give the Owen's and Sons aluminum I beam trailer THREE THUMBS UP!!!!

Back in 1997- I had a trailer made by BOATMASTER in Ft. Myers. It was the nicest trailer I ever owned. They made an exact copy of what I had for my nautique. I trailed my rusted out trailer to them- as I pulled in their parking lot my trailer snapped in half-literally! They make all the trailers for the Florida marine patrol and many other big outfits. Here is the link. Should be really close to you. Now this was almost 20 years ago- but it was $1800 for the trailer to be custom made- with side steps and all. Had awesome diamond plate side steps- trailer was killer!

http://www.jdciboatmaster.com/home.html

I thought about looking into repairing the Supra, but didn't even bother... I obviously would have no use for it. Even in decent shape and running I felt it wasn't worth the time and parts I'd need to sink into it. It's the project of a very nice man and his family from Craigslist now.

On another note, I replaced all the brake parts with brand new on the Owens and Sons trailer. They work fine now except that I get a clunk clunk, bang bang noise on moderate braking. Hard braking nice and quiet as is pretty easy braking. I'm kinda at a loss...

As requested.... said Supra.. Popped freeze plugs which we all know means cracked block, hull respectable, might shine with compound. Interior toast, floors a mixed bag.

On another note... Took our last run of the season yesterday and pickled the boat.

Come on Feb and FLA!

Sorry for the delay!
Winni was awesome on Sunday!
Lots of sun and lots of boats! I might have even found another project!
The trailer is a 1989 trailmaster 21-ski-p. It has a winch and the prop guard set up.
Yes it is in Natick and can be checked out here if you would like!
Thanks,
John

JDD33 wrote: I currently have a Trailmaster single axel under my 1987 Ski Nautique . It's a c channel design and tows well. I just found an original CC trailer for my Nautique that I'm going to rehab for the boat. So long story short the Trailmaster will be available for sale later this summer. Not sure if it will fit your '97 but I'm heading to the big lake tomorrow afternoon if you want to get together and take a look at it. Thanks, John

John,
Thanks for the great offer. I presume you mean Winni. I'm not sure I can make that work this afternoon as I have other commitments. Maybe I could get a look at it in Natick if that's where you keep it during the week. Or possibly on your way home Sat or Sun??

thanks,

Rick

Go check out a CC #4 and #5 trailer and see if they have enough stiffness for your 1997 Ski Nautique...

I haven't seen any 60s, 70s or 80s CCs damaged from their trailers "flexing". Hell, even when they fall off the trailer they barely get hurt!

CC went to box in 1990. Like I said, other manufacturers continued to build c channel ski boat trailers well through the 90s. Many of them have since gone to tube though. Are they just looking for repeat business??

JB1995Ski wrote: I bought a 95 Ski Nautique last year. The dealer included a brand new single axle Continental alumimum trailer (A model)and it works great. http://www.continentaltrailers.com/aluminum-a.htm

For everyone's convenience, here's a proper link

JB1995Ski wrote: I bought a 95 Ski Nautique last year. The dealer included a brand new single axle Continental alumimum trailer (A model)and it works great. http://www.continentaltrailers.com/aluminum-a.htm

Do you have the model number? Any chance you could measure the bunk height to the ground?

thanks,

Rick

My issue with 13 inch wheels other than carrying capacity is the extra speed they'll spin over a larger wheel/tire and the extra heat generated. Admittedly, I have not been looking at tandem axle rigs. My current single axle tows perfectly and we already get hit hard enough in tolls. One toll booth operator asked me why I was laughing at the amount. I said "this is ridiculous, a car is 13 bucks, but a car with a single axle trailer is 27, how's that make sense?". Yeah, I know.... richie boat owner!

I talked to the trailer outlet.

My #1 concern is that I tow this thing 3000 miles during a 2 week period in February. The absolute last thing I want to see is us at South of the Border with a trailer issue.

Nothing wrong with 13" wheels and tires for a modern Ski Nautique trailer... Assuming it's a tandem. A single axle with 13" wheels would not have anywhere near the required load capacity.

If your in SW Florida check out Owens and Son they are in St. Pete and see if they have one for a Nautique. I understand they are great to work with. Phoenix Trailers out of Michigan is another who I see make aluminum trailers. I have an aluminum Owens and a steel Phoenix. Don't knock 13" wheels,they can keep the trailer low and that can make it narrower. My Phoenix is 102" sidewall to sidewall,the thing is hugh it will not fit on the pad where my Parents kept a 27' Airstream

Boatmate