1989 Shoreland'r Rebuild? Finding Crossmembers?

SantaCruzin

SantaCruzin

Member
May 4, 2020
47
Boat Info
1989 180 Bow Rider
Engines
4.3 Mercruiser
Hey all!

I have been fixing parts here and there on my 1989 Shoreland'r which carries my 1989 180BR. I've done small things like adding a spare, replacing the winch strap, adding guide posts, replacing rollers, etc. I am currently weighing the viability of repairing or replacing the trailer. Quotes so far have been north of $4,000 for a new trailer, which is almost what I paid for the boat so I want to exhaust every possibility of repairing first.

The trailer is in pretty good shape with the main frame rails being largely rust-free inside and out. I need to add trailer brakes (when not towing with my F250, I am towing behind a Class-C and need any possible braking help) but before spending the $500 or so to add surge brakes I want to ensure the trailer is going to be around for the foreseeable future.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the two spots where rust is an issue is at the bottom of the crossmembers, especially the rear one. Has anyone had success with finding replacement crossmembers? Eastern Marine has some for Shoreland'r but they don't appear to be an exact replacement.
 
You could have fab shop weld on new cross members.....There is a major difference between a little surface rust and major rust that compromises the strength of the steel. If your cross members are rusted though in spots,more than likely the frame is also in poor shape.

Has that trailer ever been on a salty winter road or dipped in saltwater?

Do you have any pictures of the rust on the trailer?
 
A good welder working with a steel fabricator can cut out all the rusted sections and graft in replacement metal. It just comes down to whether multiple repairs can be accomplished economically. If the trailer is painted you don’t have to worry about galvanizing. Galvanizing would complicate things.
 
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The person I bought the boat from (fellow CSR member) used the trailer in brackish water, but rinsed it after every use.

He bought it from the original owner who apparently used it only in freshwater. Considering this trailer is 31 years old, I have to believe it. With the exception of the crossmembers, there is very little rust, even surface rust. I scoped the inside of the frame rails and didn't even see too much in there...surface rust but nothing schlepping off.

The rear crossmember is rusted through at the bottom of the vee and the front crossmember shows a bit as well, but not as bad as the rear.

IMG_0974.jpg IMG_0975.jpg IMG_0977.jpg IMG_0978.jpg IMG_0976.jpg IMG_0972.jpg IMG_0973.jpg
 
Did you contact the manufacturer directly? They may have parts or can recommend a possible source.
 
Unfortunately, Shoreland'r has basically given up on anything pre-2001. They just say to contact a third party.

I will send them an email to see if they have any more help to offer than their site...that's a great call!
 
Venture used to use those bowed cross members like that.
 
SantaCruzin said:
Unfortunately, Shoreland'r has basically given up on anything pre-2001. They just say to contact a third party.

I will send them an email to see if they have any more help to offer than their site...that's a great call!
Click to expand...
When you say "they just say"... did you talk to them directly? If you didn't, and are just basing things on a website, you really should be talking to someone directly. You won't be able to buy directly from ShoreLand'r so find yourself a local dealer. If you have your VIN, that will make things easier.

The V of the crossmembers are the first thing to go. My first thought was as Henry mentioned - welded some new plate metal on to reinforce. But then seeing those pics you posted later on, I'm a little leery if they can be saved - there's some pretty good holes there... which also means other part of the metal tube are thinning out.

ShoreLand'r makes some of the best trailers out there - but at the same time they aren't the least expensive, either. You can find some basic "erector set" type trailers for less than $4K - just an FYI.
 
I was able to get in contact with Shoreland'r support and found the model number (the vin sticker on my trailer is blank for some reason) which is SS-AV1925. The part I need (rear crossmember) is S-3156 which no one seems to have. I asked Shoreland'r if they know of any sources or equivalent parts and am awaiting a response.
 
Well...the reply is what I expected but still a bummer: "I am unaware for any cross reference parts or existing stock. You will need to have the crossmembers replicated."
 
I know this sounds like a dead end, but it’s easier than you think. A good welder can knock a new crossmember together & install in no time. You may even run into resistance because the job is too small.

If you had even mediocre welding skills all you would need is some flat stock, some SS rectangular tube and a decent chop saw. Make a few angle cuts, weld it together. Give it a coat of paint and, bada bing, bada boom, all fixed.
 
Hmmm, I do have a 140 MIG welder, just not sure if I am in the mediocre skillset zone or not. Some of my projects look and work decent, but they don't carry 3,000 pounds down the road at 55 mph.
 
Depending on your location I’m certain you can find someone to do it. The question remains, is it worth it?

I mentioned in the other thread that the cross member would have to be cut off and replaced.

Look around for welding/machine shops. Another route would be an RV or truck up fitter.

I like the look of the trailer so I get why it’s worth saving. Just be safe with that precious cargo.
 
blaster said:
I mentioned in the other thread that the cross member would have to be cut off and replaced.
Click to expand...

luckily both cross members are bolt on, though I certainly understand your point about if it’s worth it. Needing to add brakes aside, I don’t see much else wrong with the trailer. Like I said, I scoped the frame rails with a camera and they seem to be in good shape, it’s just the cross members.

I just can’t afford to spend $4-5k on a trailer for a $6k boat. Or, more accurately, it’s a hard sell to myself, and especially to my wife. :)
 
Bolt on makes it so much easier. Take it apart and bring the piece to some fabricators for quotes. A good metal shop can make you a replacement using the old crossmember as a template.
 
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