The Best Thing About My Boat

[@huskergator9479]

Dave, I learned A LOT from you and your commenters. Wish you lived closer to Hagen. Fixing your rigs together would be the ultimate in collaborative PoopTube. Thanks for taking us along.

[@flyingfisherman9076]

I have a 1654 Tracker Grizzly rigged with very similar accessories. I had to overhaul the boat and the Trailstar trailer to resolve the same lack of engineering. I've had to replace carpeted bunks twice already. They don't last long once wet and the soaked carpet keeps it that way. Imagine that - wet wood rots. I replaced them the last time with treated 2x4s and covered them with a slick plastic liner that dries quickly and allows the boat to slide off. I added two keel rollers, a pair of guide on poles, a real tongue jack, submersible LED lights now making it a real trailer that will last a while and do the job. The boat was a disaster requiring removal of the deck which didn't take too long since half the aluminum rivets broke off. The grid stringer system had to be properly welded in, not just tack welded. The deck was replaced with stainless Cherry-Max aviation-style rivets. The boat needed to be wired for an electrical system (lights, bilge pump, trolling motor). I also needed to reinforce under the seat/deck surfaces to properly support two pedestal seats. For the last four years and today, the boat has been a great riverboat, but it didn't get that way overnight. The Yamaha outboard is flawless and I'll never have another boat without a Minn Kota RipTide I-Drive. Now that all the work is done, I found I need a bigger boat. There is no trailer hitch on the back of a hearse, so I've ordered a G3 Gator 18SC rig. The 1654 Tracker rig is on Craig's List. I'm still waiting for you to get a bilge pump

[@davidhaworth1243]

Dave, I was a boat rigger and mechanic for many years in the 1990's and 2000's and still do all my own work. JBJ27406 is entirely correct. The boat is not fitted to the trailer and the trailer was never sized for the boat. A bare Jon boat, yes. It is too light duty. They dropped it on there and let you have it. No fitting, tongue weight adjustment and they didn't even adjust the bow stop to nestle the bow eye. I'll agree that you got took. As far as the bunks go, Bear trailers has a slick PVC cover on there's. Works great.

[@donlocklear5769]

Hello Dave NC Don here i normally never leave comments on videos I subscribe to but after reading some comments today though I would after fishing for 55 years I've learned fish don't care what you drive what kind of boat you have or what you live they bite when they want to and only then keep up the good work..

[@utubedaveg]

I always thought I would like a center console boat. After watching your videos I think not so much. Old school boaters always unplug the lights. Thanks for the video.

[@nyatibill6640]

Hey Dave, Love your videos. You boat dealer is 100% responsible for making sure you trailer is safe and correct for your boat. Your dealer ripped you off in a big way. I’ve used used Easy Loader trailers for 25 years without a hitch. Cheer’s

[@gunfisher4661]

Many a trailer maker over the years has put non water resistant lights on their trailers.

[@scottcozart8950]

Somebody redun that trailer. No way that's factory

[@kingsosa7288]

I find I crazy everytime I see you at your house that I worked on your AC unit a year or two ago. That train inside is cool. Smart man the Ford truck,and Yamaha motor dont quit.. keep up the good work Dave. You got me fishing for cats more than I ever have.

[@jbj27406]

The boat, motor, and all other equipment on board, which constitutes the load on the trailer, should be located on the trailer such that the weight of the whole load and the tongue weight are in the right relationship. That should be the only factor used to locate the fore and aft position of the boat on the trailer. Next, the trailer frame should be selected so that it is correctly sized to the boat and the load that the boat presents to the trailer and the total weight of the whole setup. Next, the entire bunking system, the interface between the trailer frame and the boat, should be set up so that the weight of the boat and its entire load is distributed so that there are no unsupported areas on the hull and the keel, and the boat can really only go on the trailer one way and remain in that one position at all times. All rollers, bunks, and other attachments should be fitted to the boat hull, not the other way around. The winch stand, the winch height, the security chain at the bow eye, the bunks the boat sits on, the lateral control bolsters which control the movement of the boat side to side while loading and while trailering, should all be fitted to the boat itself, in such a way that the boat can not even really move--in any direction--when it is loaded onto the trailer. Then, just as you said, the lights on the trailer must either be mounted high on the trailer so they're never submerged, which is preferable, or they must be submersible lights. And, again as you said, they must not ever be in jeopardy of damage from loading, unloading, or trailering the boat. Your DEALER failed you entirely on this matter. Considering how they literally screwed up everything about this trailer, this might not even be the right base trailer FOR your boat. The DEALER needs to stand up and make you right on this whole thing. Some kid or some dumbass who either didn't know what he was doing or didn't care what he was doing made this whole mess, and it is the responsibility of the DEALER to make it right. If they are a legitimate company, they should be glad to fix things correctly. If not, get in touch with EZ Loader--they'll probably want to jerk their dealership ticket. The crooked winch mounting, the shitty bunks, and lack of lateral bolsters sort of sum up the level of care that this DEALER exhibited. Totally inadequate.

[@casualcarolinafishing5835]

Sorry about your trailer trouble Dave. My boat's an Alweld too but it's just a little 14x48 and it's on a Load Rite trailer. I haven't had any complaints about it so far. Been going 3 years now.

[@MGS566]

Am I the only one wondering if Dave will ever get a bilge pump?

[@travisyork3915]

Nope

[@travisyork3915]

Not yet

[@billarnold6166]

He already has one.

[@OffTheCouchFishing]

All he needs is a empty half gallon of milk!!!! Easy peasy

[@bryanstaten5585]

He wants us to call him No Bilge Pump Dave.

[@billygarner8318]

I use an Xpress 16ft jon boat. I have a minn kota traxxis 55 12 volt trolling motor with a front graph and trolling motor mounted transducer. I back bump from the front seat and everything is done from the front seat in my boat. Lots of floor space for bait tank and tackle. I've caught lots of big blues fishing this rig. Love the simple fishing life.

[@thomasjarosz7406]

Dave Take my advice. Buy Bering Buddies for your hubs or you will loose a wheel. 2nd, buy bunker boards for 1 time trailer I 3rd get brackets that lay the bottom bunker boards flat just like you said. find a welder to weld that trailer fix it for good. any money left get a Bilidge pump/hose/ a little bit of wiring and a toggle switch. If you ever forget the plug in your boat a bilge pump is invaluable. God bless

[@herschelholderman1220]

Dave: That boat is how you make your living. If that trailer is endangering your boat, then you need a different trailer. Either buy one or have one made to your specs. Also, if that deck and chair aren't very good then modify it to make it better. Make your boat fit your life style. it looks like you need a live bait well. I think you should set up some kind of sun shade over a good section of the boat.

[@bluecollarfishingbrothers1028]

Good lord dave!!! That is one of the most backyard, bush league trailers I have ever seen!! Its too bad you dont record you loading and loading your boat! Love it

[@walte99]

You can thank the dealer for cheaping out on the trailer. This type boat comes from the boat manufacturer, the motor from Yamaha, and the trailer from EZLoader. The dealer puts them together and it doesn't appear that the shop guys did a very good job fitting the trailer to the boat. The upright that holds the winch should be able to be loosened and moved backwards to keep the rear of the boat from coming past the end of the trailer bunks.

[@mpalm6942]

Thank you so much for reviewing this for all of us, Very much appreciated.

[@N5LRZ]

LMAO, Go Dave, give em hell--Love It.

[@waynehouska2550]

I like your boat. I wouldn't pay $11,000 for it. But it gets the job done. I love the music! I've been watching you for a long, long time. Thank you for the hard, hard work you do making Great videos. Your good people Dave. Keep up the good work. Have a Great Day!! Stay Safe!! ( Nice Fish )

[@jonboatmorava9115]

Good lord after watching this I think I'll stick with my $900 jonboat. But my bunks are the same way and I'm fixing that bs soon. Thanks for the great walkthrough

[@jefff6946]

Dave you can make your trailer a lot better, replace the 2 boards with rollers, add boat guides. Find a wielding buddy to do a little wielding. I've made a boat trailer and modified others. If you can't get your boat on the trailer without a lot of drama it can take the fun out of fishing, jeff in LA USA

[@jeremynewhouse6530]

I put some pole lights on my boat and I love them. They make it easier to load and back up the boat. They also keep the lights about 4ft off the ground, so they are never in the water.

[@timothycordry798]

Thank you !! I have wanted to know more about your setup.

[@kellyproctor4138]

I have a easy load trailer, with a few modifications it does the job. We shouldn’t have to do this but the price for couple welding rods and light upgrades. Is a lot cheaper than prices for new trailers. Tip on seat base breaking loose, never drive the boat with the pedestal in place. One it’s very dangerous for you and puts more stress on the bolts holding the base. Just a tip from a large guy who had a injury from a failure of base while at full speed

[@robertrobertson5120]

David, you could relocate the winch support farther back, it's just bolted to the frame. And position your boat further to the rear as well. Having vertical bunks would really suck... and add a bilge pump!

[@themadcatter5849]

As a foundation repair contractor that trailer drives me nuts. It doesn’t even have anything to do with house foundations but man the weight distribution is just awful as you stated. I’d be madder than a mosquito in a mannequin factory about that.

[@glennevitt5250]

Thanks Dave for the Overlook of the boat😎

[@71160000]

Everyone has their own needs for a boat. I wanted something to fish open bays and shallow back bays. I bought an older 17' mckee craft, 110 johnson for $3300. Did rebuild the engine. No live well but I made my own. Great for night fishing on the lake because it sits so flat. Two, two hundred pound men can lean over one side without the boat dipping down more than an inch or so. Unsinkable because it's fully foamed. I didn't like most of the new boats with the ice box seats in them. If you're into fish the guy sitting on the ice chest spends the day standing up and sitting down with each fish boated. MIne has a center console, great for fishing around the boat as needed and a swivel seat behind it. Years earlier I had an 18' all aluminum fisher that I truly loved. It could handle some really rough water easily but best thing about it was the storage. It had so many floor lockers that when the boat was fully loaded with gear the boat looked empty so you weren't tripping over things all day.

[@chuckyost6127]

dave you can move your trailer winch arm back some and the boards will not be sticking out the winch mount should also be able to move up and down on the mounting bar to fit the front of the boat better the boat dealer should have done all that

[@txtiger6927]

we always unplugged the lights back in the old days so the cold water did not hit the hot bulbs, thought they were more advanced now. I think the front roller and winch assembly can loosen at the bottom and slide back to change boat position

[@richiemcglothlin8864]

Wow. What a house. Nice pickup also Dave

[@billjcanada]

The dealer that sold you the boat should have fitted the boat and trailer together. A 2x4 on edge might be OK for a 10 or 12 foot Jon boat. My boat is the same size and it sits on 2x6 boards laying flat, supported in 4 locations on each board. All the cross members on the trailer Fram are welded in place. If you were closer I would fix that trailer for you. The problem with most of the boat dealers is that they go as cheap as they can to maximize profits. The seat base is also a easy fix. Get a aluminum plate roughly 16 to 18 inches square and 3/16 thickness. Screw it down evert 3 or 4 inches around the perimeter then mount your seat pedestal to it, it won't move on you.

[@coltwasham6910]

Dave it sounds like alot of your trailer problems would be solved with a used bassboat trailer off fb market place, nice fish and thanks for another video.

[@JamesBrown-vv1oy]

OPTRONICS makes some good boat trailer lighting. I use their stuff on all my trailers and side by sides.

[@appalachianfishing8548]

Gotta love dave. Always pointing out the obvious it amazes me how many people actually need someone to tell them lol

[@dawsoncolvert5894]

Dave that boat trailer wench arm looks like needs to unbolted and arm with roller flipped over then re-bolted together. Maybe its made to flip to accommodate different style boat bow. Looks like it will be further out and and chain will latch. Maybe ride a little lower in front too with lower angle tow point....

[@CryptoGhostie]

Dave, loosen the u-bolts on the bottom of the winch post and slide it and the boat back so the ends of the bunks are at the end of the boat.... easy peezy

[@larryoliver9915]

Thanks for sharing this video with us Dave now I know what to look for if i get my boat 👍👍👍

[@huskergator9479]

Exactly what i was thinking. Dave you are teaching us from your experience AGAIN. Thanks for that.

[@JerryTolley420]

Dave im a welder when i come down to Knox i can fix it all for you. For a trip with CatfishDave.

[@cliff0dean]

By design the parts on the trailer are replaceable. Guess its meant for the saltwater guys really. When parts rust out just order new ones and bolt on. As far as how the boat sits far up, could you slide the winch assembly back the distance your boards stick out? Also you can get new bolster brackets or just the top swivel section and lag them on the boards when your boat is in the water then they will lay flat.

[@breaketh6562]

i love how he always makes sure he catches a fish to make it a "fishing video"

[@giggigidy6998]

The fact that it floats the goat is the number one priority of any boat.

[@tyrolfb]

Dave, that trailer does suck. I have an ezload from 2000, for my DuraCraft boat. Mine has not been bad, but it is tough to get straight on the trailer. Yours is definitely wrong for your boat. For starters, the bunk boards are wrong for that boat, second, the boat transom should line up pretty well with the rear crossmember of the boat, then you wouldn’t tear the lights up and the tie down straps would pull straight down, instead of pulling forward. I don’t know about how all weld boats come from the builder, so tough to say if it is a factory problem or a dealer problem. I hate that this happened to you, but you make it entertaining to watch!

[@Capt_Billy]

Wow! ...and I thought Bear trailers had issues. No issues with my Bear trailer yet but people say the welds fail over time.

[@leightonhoward345]

Dave has a huge house with a 4 car garage, and a boat trailer that looks like a boy scout built lol

[@anthonymurphy2540]

Not even a Boy Scout more like a Cub Scout.

[@stevanrose7439]

Check out the catch and release boat latches. It might be something you wood like. They help in loading and unloading.

[@CK-xf7hf]

I have to say I really enjoyed hearing your comments on your boat and trailer.

[@flipmode9236]

Been waiting along time for this boat episode . Was curious to see what would get a man off the bank

[@theupstateangler]

a cheap john boat and a trolling motor or a kayak...

[@vwmountainman9701]

You are correct !!! Although - I must add. The company builds several grades of trailers. From economy ( cheap ) up to superior grade ( top off the line ). I would assume whomever bought the boat new - went cheap on the trailer. I work for BassCat Boats - which just happens to be across the road from your trailer builder. Excellent video - I do agree with ur comments. As to why anyone would build soo poorly designed stuff is beyond me.

[@TimIrvin]

I have dealt with three boat dealers and none of them were 'Trust Worthy'. I'm sorry you have to deal with it. On the other hand, your Yamaha and Minn Kota are BEASTS! Keep them, swap the other.

[@donmelius9383]

Best boat salesman out there Catfish Dave.

[@OUTPOST-31]

Dave, I noticed you fish in 100’ sometimes. Have you ever thought about slow trolling with a down-rigger? Just curious, I’ve had luck on a slow troll in anywhere from 30’+ of water, especially in winter months.

[@garypeterson76]

Dang did you not notice all these shady issues before the purchase of boat and trailer?? Love the videos keep em coming.

[@jimmyg5636]

Looks like someone will be receiving a free boat trailer in the near future Lol

[@obxbeach3985]

That's what I was going to say !

[@jimmyg5636]

@@obxbeach3985 I’m sorry it just popped in my head kinda fast

[@walte99]

Yeah, and a kayak or two, too!

[@tomw3380]

No, I have been wondering about a bilge pump too. There awfully expensive though. Somewhere between $14 and $20 dollars. As far as trailers go, they always told me you get what you pay for. If my house looked like that one in the background, I would have a decent trailer ADJUSTED to fit my boat. Just a thought.

[@dakotaroutson4784]

Another great one Dave

[@dhy2kb393]

I want the G3 2080 tunnel Hull with float pods and 90 Yamaha with Jack plate T/T Very stable and run in some skinny water.

[@gregnuttall3637]

Dilly trailer, or any all welded trailer is what you want. Ditch that trailer and get a sure nuff boat trailer. I've repaired lots of those type trailers. They are flimsy.

[@ronaldcomtois8663]

Ex loader trailers really suck. I had one for years and I ended up refitting the whole thing including the leaf springs, lights, bearings and winch. I had rollers not bunk boards but even the rollers were setup wrong.

[@jondoe-mf9qy]

Dave you could check to see if you even have wheel bearings

[@sheade_mcshyster]

I was wondering about your boat. lol Thanks for the review

[@dc8925]

You can slide the winch farther back on the tongue get it where you want it.

[@timothygreen9884]

It’s a fine boat , but you make it look small ,….. because your big . I think you should put a 2” x2’ long piece of pvc vertical on the steering box to stick your net handle so it would always be with in a arm reach away when you catch a net-able fish ,so.

[@robertrussell143]

Sorry Dave when you buy their base platform boat you dont get much of a trailer. Love your videos

[@afarley17]

I bought a brand new bass tracker classic xl with a 50 horse power mercury for $11,000 last year. They have gone up to $17,000 this year

[@RUGER7750]

Beautiful home you have there.

[@joejatek2261]

Ahoy Captain Dave: I had to basically rebuild my EZ-Loader trailer to fit my 1756 Alweld Marsh-Vv as well. I changed to different rollers and re-positioned the bunks, and added welds and side guide bunks. I changed the winch to a better-quality Fulton. My trailer at least had submersible LED lights, and is a heavier duty model than yours, but I will be looking for a better trailer on the used market. The boat itself is great IMO; mine has a windshield and a bilge pump, but I disliked the wiring, especially the skimpy trolling motor wiring. Being an electrical engineer, I completely re-wired it with heavier gauge wire, a good fuse block under the CC, and extra circuits for accessories. Batteries for my 24V Terrova are in the front locker for better weight distribution. I put a Garmin Ultra HD with Panoptix Livescope up front, and a Humminbird Helix 9 MSI+ G3N GPS with a Navionics+ map card on the console. Now I like it a LOT better. About $18k all-in, and paid for.

[@stratos175escape7]

You keep saying boat when its really the TRAILER that SUCKS, should be easy to make that safety chain longer and I would do that asap. Really think the boat would sit better on the trailer, now the trailer is still junk. LOL On the seat, mount a piece of 1/2-" 3/4" plywood under the seat, looks like an easy place to get to, run bolts not screws thru it and that should fix that issue. Enjoy the videos, keep them coming.

[@sgtmajtrapp3391]

Dave you may well have been right, ordered from China in a box with assembly instructions in Chinese with missing parts. That thing is dangerous and could get you or someone hurt just driving down the road.

[@f.afishing]

Everything is great but the thing that really blew up my head is the fact that they put non submersible lights. W.T.F As always great video Brother!

[@dawsoncolvert5894]

Good trick is always unplug trailer lights before backing into water at ramp. This ensures you dont burn out the lights on trailer. But yeah they be best water tight.

[@ridgesteele7103]

Dave, I have had the same issue with the boat hanging a little off. You can back the boat up, then loosen up the winch mount and push it rearward to where it need to meet the boat then you won't have the overhang issue.

[@240LTS]

The boat and bow winch/roller is meant to be adjusted on the trailer, that's why it is bolted and not welded. (keep in mind, the axle could be moved on may trailers to distribute weight also) Just because the bunks end where they do, does not mean the stern of the boat should be there. It is a generic trailer that is made for many similar boats. Correct boat placement on the trailer/bunks is determined by proper trailer tongue weight. Once the boat is in the correct place, if the bunks stick out past the stern, the boards could be cut off. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJSWqauHf6ujgtE kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ66kJqwmc1pqtE . Yes this is all a mute point now that Dave has a new rig. That boat/trailer adjustment should be checked just to be sure. .

[@RRCB]

Because they’re not worried about quality product. They’re worried about making more and more and more. Heck with quality we need more MONEY!!!

[@michaelmarshall1975]

If you haters don't like his videos keep your mouths shut,and his house is none of your business

[@dailyswithdave]

Dude.. your house is beautiful. Your boat trailer is the CHEAPEST version of a boat trailer.

[@Leo-vf3py]

Got me a old bass boat trailer for mine

[@johnraylangstonjohnraylang5924]

Hello Dave You get what you pay for dave when buying a boat trailer from Japan.😜 Enjoyed your post.

[@ThePatriot223]

Dolly Parton must be Dave’s neighbor! Not too shabby Catfish Dave! Lol

[@toddholt2849]

Did you not notice these things before you bought it?

[@tommymeadows6990]

Did you buy the boat second hand or from a dealer? If it was from a dealer the dealer should give you a trailer to match the boat.

[@mikeshaw3082]

They’re not making boat trailer because they’re geniuses

[@coryhall668]

You never see stuff like this when your buying em just ready to have your own fishing peace lol The caught you swimming by forsure tho

[@timothygreen9884]

Maybe scarecrow made it ,because he’s always singing ,“if I only had a brain” . You know Dorothy’s friend!

[@Zebcofisherman]

Nice Boat Catfish dave!!

[@user-MRG1130]

He’s funny, and right! 😂

[@dannyhelms9424]

Looks to me like whoever made it failed kindergarten love watching your videos your the catfish king

[@davidtillotson6645]

Enjoyed all your other videos a lot but whining does not suit you Dave. Didn't finish this video but surely you didn't forget the best part about all that it's yours. Once again thanks for your time and videos.

[@anthonymurphy2540]

They were thinking “save $500”

[@colingordon2305]

They probably sold you a decent boat great motor and the cheapest undersized trailer they could put it on. Dealer is a piece of crap to do that to you. Very common for crap dealers to do that! Knowing you have a KZbin channel they might trade it for a real oversize 19’ trailer with Guide-ones with the lights mounted up high so you can see them when backing boat in for a reasonable price. I would go in there and pitch a fit at their busiest sales time LOUD AND DIRECT! They should have kissed you.

[@michaeltoby8474]

It looks like your boat trailer was half assed all the way round.

[@jerrynewman1380]

You right catfish Dave..my john boat is a 2018 12 foot with a six horse power and the trailer is made very good.. those points are called chines..

[@rosalindalopez5544]

Hey Dave this is Mike over in Arkansas where did she get that ride horses

[@frankjharvey6790]

Dave u got major trailer boat problems and the only way to fix it is MORE BANK FISHING VIDEOS!!! Problems solved Dave Your welcome anytime

[@ifishcatfish]

wow. I thought my boat/trailer was bad. I haven't had one of your issues. This is a pure lemon and must be covered under some warranty

[@russpelo8462]

It’s not Ez Loader it’s your dealer, the dealer orders the boat and fits the trailer to it. They don’t come from the same place. As for your lights, just unplug your trailer before backing and make plugging it back in the last thing you do. But your dealer holds the most blame. Fish on dude!!!

[@larry5138]

Dave take your medicine. Get different trailer Or get a new one closer to you. Or just fix it the right way.

[@waynetollison3952]

Hay Dave I like seeing you catch catfish But if that's your house there you could afford a nicer boat & trailer But I will give you a thumbs up LOL

[@jericho7805]

He lives with his mother

[@dawsoncolvert5894]

Thats the house of the boat salesmen. Lol

[@darrenangle4493]

Hey Dave!! Does your wife enjoy going out on your boat with you at all? Not just to fish, but to take in the evening sunsets?

[@sxndman150]

dang nice house, what do you do for a living? lol

[@robertpake4371]

You did not mention your Yamaha . Mine is cheep with fuel , quiet and reliable .

[@gunfisher4661]

Great music keep them catfish a coming.