CONTINUOUSWAVE

Q1: what is specified weight for a 2003 130 SPORT?

Q2: is a 2003 130 SPORT too heavy for 2012 LOAD-RITE trailer model 14F800W?

Q3: what maintenance should be done to the trailer? Please be specific.

BACKSTORY I recently picked up a 2003 SPORT 130 with a 2012 LOAD-RITE 14F800W trailer. The specifications for the trailer indicate its capacity is 800-lbs.

From what I’ve gathered from the hull [of a 2003 130 SPORT] weighs 600-lbs and an the original engine, a Mercury 40-HP model, has a decal that indicates the engine weight is 165-lbs.

The LOAD RITE trailer model 14F800 is mentioned by people as a “sunfish” trailer.

The hull of 2003 130 SPORT touches the trailer fenders, but there doesn’t appear to be boat weight bearing on the fenders; I can easily slip my finger in between the hull and the fender.

I like how low everything is; I can easily climb in and out of the boat.

The seller of this boat and trailer has lost the trailer documentation, and registering the trailer in the state of New York has been difficult for me. I have checked to see if the trailer was stolen; it was not.

I’m trying to keep this project as low cost as possible.

I want to be able to safely tow the boat on the trailer for a distance that requires a four-hour drive.

Thenj0esaid wrote:The hull of 2003 130 SPORT touches the trailer fenders...

In configuring a trailer for a boat, the trailer chassis and its supports must be adjusted to fit the boat. If the hull is running on the trailer fenders, you need to adjust the trailer bunk supports to raise the hull higher so that the hull does not rub on the trailer fender.

Refer to the trailer's specification sheet for information. See

https://www.loadrite.com/spec-sheet-gen ... l=14F800WT

Note the section under the heading "Adjustable Carpeted Bunks."

Thenj0esaid wrote:From what I’ve gathered the hull [of a 2003 130 SPORT] weighs 600-lbs and the original engine, a Mercury 40-HP model, has a decal that indicates the engine weight is 165-lbs.

The total weight of the boat is probably more than 800-lbs, as there are many other components involved than just the hull and the engine. For example: battery, anchor, rigging for the engine, mooring lines, mandatory safety gear, fuel tank, fuel in the fuel tank, and any other items on board.

The trailer rated capacity takes into consideration the axle rating, the tire load rating, the spring rating, and the strength of the chassis.

Depending on typical conditions at the ramps you are using, having some extra room between the hull and the trailer fenders may be useful. Strong currents or wind can make loading the boat level with the trailer difficult. If the trailer is not backed down perpendicular to the water’s edge level, loading may not be possible. If you don't "power load" or drive the boat onto the trailer, the extra space between the hull and trailer fenders may not be necessary.