The Old Man and the Trailer

[Cove]

I have a Lund ProV 1775 on a Shorlander R 30/31 roller trailer.

I have cancer which has metastasized to bones plus the treatment thins bones.

When I bought this rig 10 years ago I could crank it up no problem.

Now, when I get to that last 10 feet or so, when the weight is most noticeable, I really have to work hard and I do fear breaking a bone.

I tried putting an electric winch and a 2 speed manual crank over the winter. Neither fits the Shorlandr trailer! Possibilities range from getting a new trailer that, say, the two speed manual winch would fit on all the way to getting a lighter boat. I wish the collective wisdom pool behind this Forum can come up with some ideas.

[RebelSS]

Well, that sucks!! I have the same issue due to spinal/neuro problems. So, let's get started...how/why doesn't the electric winch fit? Time for some brainstorming and fabrication....

[Mid-Lake Rock]

Cove:

I hope your health improves.

I have two thoughts. First, when you get to that last ten feet, could you back the trailer a little further into the water then finish cranking? I know that it is totally dependent on the trailer and boat configuration so it might not be an option. I've loaded some heaver boats and sometimes if the trailer is out too far, we back it up a little to help finish the job.

My second thought is mounting an electric winch in the back of a pickup. When you get to that last ten feet, hook up the winch for additional assistance. I have seen this done for other purposes.

Hope some others have ideas and you can get this figured out.

[delmuts]

That stinks. Is there some one in your area that could mount a bracket/plate on the other side of the winch to mount either an elect. of a two stage?

[RebelSS]

That stinks. Is there some one in your area that could mount a bracket/plate on the other side of the winch to mount either an elect. of a two stage?

That's what I was hoping for a reply for....I live in the same town...

[delmuts]

If you have no welding shops in your area. Check around to see if there are any people that drive stock cars. Most of them are pretty good welders and fabricators!

[delcecchi]

I have the same boat and a shorelandr trailer. On mine the post that holds the winch is bolted to the trailer frame. I wonder if you got it unbolted and took it and the winch to a machinist or a blacksmith/welder guy he could fix you up.

Now I see you are in Rochester. Call Greening Welding on 40th st SW. I bet he can help you. Everyone I know that has had him do stuff has had a good experience.

[Cove]

Hey, thanks for the help. I did get an idea that I think will do it.

I called the Shorlandr company and got the idea of getting a different "post", which can he had for 2 - 3 00 dollars. It will accept the 2 stage manual that I got (Fulton F2 2 speed) and, if I chose to, I could also mount an electric winch. The post that came on my trailer basically could only accept the manufacturer's winch.

I did like the idea of backing down a bit if I still get to a really tough point in the winch process and the other thoughts as well. Hope this buy's me more time on the water. I have always been a mobile fisherman. Had a dock / lift but only used it a few times a year, preferring to have rig on wheels, ready to go wherever beckons .

[polarsusd81]

I am pretty sure we could come up with a post for a lot less than 200 to 300 bucks. Post up the dimensions from the u-bolt on the bow vertical to the trailer frame and let me know what kind of electric winch you want to use and I can draw up a post for you. I'd have to talk to him, but I have a buddy down in Rochester that would likely be able to fab it up and mount it for ya. When you pull the dimension, snap a pic of the current set up and post that too. The steel won't be that much, a tube and a few plates.

Wish you the best of luck in your battle.

[fish_eat_sleep]

view "winch stand" at a place like trailer depot . com. there are many to be had for less than $200 that have space for mounting.