Back again and need trailer advice...

[thegoodhalf]

Hey Guys-
It's been a while since I've posted, but I'm still here lurking and always looking for good info.  I bought my 86 Advance back in 2010 and have been working on her slowly (very) but surely... a bout with the big C slowed me down a bit, but the good Lord has kept me here and healthy so far so good.  Now to the fun stuff...

When I practically stole my 'Skier a couple of years back, she was on a roller type galvanized trailer.  Nice enough trailer as someone added vinyl stripes on the fenders to match the look of the boat.  Nevertheless, this is not the ideal trailer for an inboard.  So I've been on a quest to find someone with an original AS trailer for my Advance.  Of course, most of the ones found are in Michigan or Great Lakes area and it's hard to justify making a drive up to buy an old trailer.  As luck would have it I've found a deal on a 1980 'Skier boat (minus running gear) and OE trailer.  My question is, will this trailer fit my 86 Advance?  It's only a couple of hours away.  Also, would there be any interest in what's left of the boat?  I will hopefully have pics soon.

Thanks Guys... God Bless!

[RonT]

No. The Advance  hull is a bit wider and the bow stop is also welded much shorter on the 18' if you do a fair bit of trailering your better off with a new trailer. The old trailers rarely had brakes installed (optional) todays smaller cars really need the help from trailer brakes. New LED lights, new style side guides all make a better experience. If you really get in a jam & can wait until off-season I might be talked into building another trailer. 

[thegoodhalf]

Thanks Ron. I really appreciate all the time you spend enlightening us with your wisdom.

I'm trying to get the boat in the water on a budget so a new trailer of any sort will definitely be out of the question for now. With that being said, I'm not worried about braking as my half ton pulls and stops my car trailer and I live about 15 min to 1 hour at most from the lakes. Lights I can string myself as I've refurbed my enclosed trailer with LESs a while back. I'm great with wood and have a welder in my circle of friends, so would the trailer be acceptable if the bow stop were moved forward? As far as width is concerned, I know you added guides for the side of the hull in the 80s, but would the advance fit on the 1980 trailer? My biggest want is the clearance for the prop and shaft, which my roller trailer doesn't have. Plus, I can get this trailer for about 400 after its all said and done.

Thanks again.

[RonT]

An Advance trailer is tight between the fenders, in fact the OEM fenders were "Slant-Back" style & the small size we used are now considered obsolete, so to fit the Advance between the 18 fenders would be the biggest concern. However you said you have a welder so sectioning the axle & spreading it a bit would be the budget program. As for the prop guard you should be good there, but again if you need a bit more clearence, just cut & re-fit, same with the bow stop. Bottom line is that with the right tools you could make it work.

[thegoodhalf]

You are a gentleman and a scholar. Thanks as always!