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Friday, October 3, 2014

Boat trailer decision



Back to the immediate and personal.

Thinking about computer privacy, world pandemic, and the nature of civilization is interesting and all, but there are projects to deal with right at home. I was unsure about what to do for a boat trailer for my little project boat. To launch the Ooze Goose I used my Oday 19 trailer. That was fine, but now I've two boats in the lake and one trailer.

I wasn't sure if I should modify the Oday trailer or if the Goose should have its own trailer. In the end I've decided to convert an old utility trailer into a small boat trailer. The trailer hasn't been registered since 2006 so it's not like I'm taking it away from some other use.

So far I've invested in two new wheels and a hitch repair kit. The lever that clamps the hitch on the ball was totally missing. My guess is that sometime during the winter the snowplow caught the front of the trailer and broke that part clean off. I estimate that the conversion will cost around $200 - $250, depending on the condition of the bearings.

Once I get the boat on the trailer I can get back to fitting out the sailing rig. I've also been ordering some odds and ends for the interior. The bottom of the cabin will be lined with interlocking floor mats, the kind people use for exercise areas. On top of that I've got a double wide self inflating air mattress on order. Some mosquito netting has already arrived in the mail. The project is coming together nicely.

These little projects are just the thing to keep me from dwelling on the state of the world. There's not much I can do about the world anyway.

-Sixbears

10 comments:

  1. yes, good to focus on things you can do


    Wildflower

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    1. At least the things I do with my own hands show results at the end of the day.

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  2. We can sometimes help change a person's world and that should never be underestimated.
    It has the potential to be the best thing that's ever happened to them. And their world.
    So there is a lot you can do about the world.
    Don't give up my friend...

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    Replies
    1. Good point there FT. I am humbled when I've been told how I've changed someone's live. Amazing what a few hours of positive attention can do sometimes.

      I don't expect it, but sometimes . . .

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  3. Our control extends no further than the sound of our voice, at best, and the reach of our arm more usually.

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    Replies
    1. It's those who want to control millions that we have to watch out for.

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  4. You have to register trailers? Good god not even the control freaks over here do that!

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    Replies
    1. . . . and where is over here? I'm sure they get you some other way.

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  5. In the UK. Car trailers and caravans require no separate registration or testing.You have to keep them in good mechanical order but no one actually checks them. The only other requirement is that the trailer must display your license plate, what we call a number plate, on the rear. But out in the sticks no one actually does.

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    Replies
    1. Just about everything towed needs a registration and a plate on it. Exact requirements vary by state. I had to get a police office inspect my Oday boat trailer as I bought it from a guy in Maine. Maine has a different system that didn't easily transfer.

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