My boat trailer is 10 years old. I have replaced bunks/supports, springs, hubs, etc… While I was preparing for a trip earlier this month, I noticed the axle was looking pretty old, especially where the spindle and axle join. Rather than deal with a broken axle, I am going to be proactive and replace it. I have two questions for the experts:
The current axle has a dip/bend in the middle for I imagine, deep
vee hulls. As you can see by the attached photo, the bottom of
my boat is flat so that is not an issue. Straight axles are less
expensive than “bent” axles. Is there any reason I can’t/should
not replace what I have with a straight axle?
Since I am replacing the axle, is it worth the extra money to go
with a torsion axle?
For the record, it is a Polar Flats 1788. The boat dry weighs about 1400 lbs and has a 70 Yamaha on it.
I just did a similar thing. On my bent axle the welds between the axle and the hubs had just about rusted away. I went to the Trailer Shop in Mt.P and they replaced it with a straight axle. It’s worked ok so far.
I recently had my dual axle trailer completely redone by Fields Ornamental on Cross County Road. They were quick, very good and reasonable. Call Steve @ 843-552-9432. You will not be disappointed!
Mr Hardware
I am a “do it yourself” kind of guy plus I am in Columbia. Just trying to find out if I can go with a straight axle and if a torsion setup is worth he extra $. My current axle has the “v” and leaf springs.
A straight axle should work fine for that style of boat; the ‘v’ is to allow clearance for a V-bottom hull, and allow the boat to be lower on the trailer.
Go with the torsion axle if you have the $$ for it. I had an axle break @ the spindle and replaced mine but left the leaf spring setup because on because i knew i was getting rid of the boat/trailer within a year so i didn’t want to drop the extra money. I don’t see why you couldn’t go with the straight axle though as long as you boat has the clearance. Good luck.
