Glen-L.com

I'm embarking on this adventure of building my own boat and am currently in the research phase. I would like to build a boat large enough to hold my wife and two girls, which means it will need to be trailered, too. I see that Glen-L sells plans for making trailers, and wanted to ask if this is a viable idea given my inexperience with welding/metalworking (i.e., no experience).

I'm assuming, without seeing the plans, that it would be built out of channel steel using a welder. I thought about buying the 90-amp flux-core wire welder at Harbor Freight, because it seems to be the easiest/cheapest solution for a newb:

http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-flu ... ader-98871

After practicing on some scrap metal, do you think this is the way to go or am I way out in left field here? I certainly don't want to pay several thousand dollars for a new trailer if I can avoid it. It's bad enough that motors cost that...

Hi there and Welcome.

Boat trailers are fairly easy to build from plans if you have somebody cut and bend the steel as necessary. However, welding is something that takes practice. I would not attempt to weld a trailer that will hold your precious boat and also have safety implications without some experience first.

In addition, despite the description saying it can weld up to 1/2" plate, I doubt many welders would even contemplate using that level welder for all but thin plate. A 200 amp MIG is probably more appropriate. I don't like gasless wire myself, preferring stick in outdoor situations, but that may be my lack of experience.

The welding component is actually quite small compared to the prep etc. Can you find a Mate that can weld it for you as you get the metal ready? If not then either pay a local welder some cash, trade some of your own skill, or even some liquid inducement to get it done If you still want to weld it yourself maybe do a night course to get the basics under your belt.

I don't want to discourage you, but poor welding on a trailer is a serious issue so make the right decisions along the way.

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By the time I have built a boat, I'll be ready to build a boat....

Watching ads I found a screaming deal on a boat trailer. Of course there was an old boat sitting on it, was a major price negotiating point. After a quick dump run I had a shorelander already setup for a boat.

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It's amazing what one can accomplish when he doesn't know what can't be accomplished.

OK. Thank you for the advice. Like many people DIYing, I'm trying to save money where possible. Perhaps paying a professional to do the welding or buying used might be the most prudent choice.

I built my Cabin Skiff trailer using 3" channel and a 175 amp Lincoln MIG welder. I really don't think I would try it with a welder much smaller. You also need a method to cut the channel. I would really suggest a small metal band saw. Nice straight clean cuts make welding much easier. Plus, the metal band saw is one of the best $200 I have ever spent on a tool. You won't believe how handy it is. Also, you will probably want a hand grinder too.

Realistically, By the time you buy all the tools and materials you will end up saving some money over a new trailer but not as much as you might think. On the other hand, you will then have the tools and can use them for the rest of you life. At least that is the argument I make to my wife.


Also, if you haven't seen it you might want to take a look at this web page of mine about building a trailer - http://egyptian.net/~raymacke/Tralier1.html

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So Many Rivers,
So Little Time....