Larry, glad to see you were able to float her, sounds like the Ole Gale did well.

Did the family like all that extra room!?

Successful day at the lake with Merky and Dr. Chip attending the monthly Lake Lanier Vintage Boating event.  The 40HP Gale did surprisingly well on the heavy Deluxe Clipper.  On the tiny DR it only pulled 29MPH and on the clipper I saw 27 at WOT and consistent 23 at one detent off.  I think there is some room to improve by a change of prop as the one on it was not my best the motor has seen as that one spun a hub last Fall at Arrowhead.  She did take on a bit of water, all from the join between floor and side wall.  I will try a sealant when I get around to it.



 

I would recommend replacing that chain with a nylon strap that has hooks on either end (not a bungee cord).  I know the boat should stay tight to the trailer but any play and that chain will chew up you flying bird.

www.strapworks.com/1-inch-motorcycle-cam...ap-with-end-hardware

Good to see you back after it Larry. Hope it’s what you’re look for!

So its been like two years that this boat has been sitting in my back yard with the new tires sinking into the earth since I last did anything with it.  I pulled most everything off the DR ('63 40hp Gale) and put it on over to the Clipper over the past few weeks.  Its all wired up and ready to go.  First time I have ever had a bilge pump, stepping up in the world.  I finished up the winch tower, got safety chains, all new LED trailer lights and wiring.  Last few things to do are polyurethane the backside of the seat back and put on the registration numbers/sticker.  Floors will wait until I see where she leaks from.  I have a NOS Taylor Made windshield to add as well.  The Gale is a bit underpowered for this but I just want to get it out and see how she goes, meaning do the kids/me/wife like it or not, before investing in a powerplant with more grunt. Should be up for sea trials in a week or two.

You are getting close to pushing the trailer limit too. Round tube 216 has a capacity of 800 lbs.

Whenever there are concerns about towing safely, a few things you can do to minimize risk:
1.  Diligently check the tire pressures, car and trailer. Having one or two tires softer than the others can set up asymmetric load / handling imbalance problems.
2.  Keep your speed down!  A few MPH makes a big difference. 

Sorry, I don't mean to harp on things you probably already know, but maybe we can all use a reminder now and then. Getting to the lake a few minutes later is way better than a crash. Have fun! 

Thanks Mike.  Mine is a 216 and it took three guys to lift it onto a truck so I figured over 300 but not quite 400.  The hull is 450, motors got to be 220, with fuel and fitting out I'm probably going to be at 1200 or so which is pushing the limits of the VW.

Marc, mine is pretty loose but I did just go ahead and pump in fresh synthetic grease until the old crusty stuff stopped coming out.   Might have to do the same on the DR if it has a fitting too.

At first I didn't like the pulley cable set up. I must have been use to the nice ride glide on the hawk. I am getting used to it  now. 

Make sure you grease your zerk fittings in your swivel assembly on the motor, that makes a huge difference. Charlie told me that in the spring And he was spot on when I told him I didn't like the steering because it was hard to steer.

Larry
My Gator W214 weighs 340 lbs.