I Got Some Gator Lust Now, Dang!
1956 Model 416 Gator Trailer, 99% done, just a few more detail parts to acquire and install. Disassembled, sandblasted, powder coated, new tires and tubes.
Thanks to fellow Woody Boater Eric Zelman for sending in some photos of his trusty Gator trailer all dolled up and redone. To be honest, I have thought of doing a restoration on a vintage trailer, but never have.
Brochure shot is from 1960 showing the new fender upgrade.
Its a very cool effect for sure. I do have a thing though for old trailers and old motors. Not the romantic view I might add. I have had to many old trailer and old motor break down. But thanks to Eric I may rethink my position. I love the look and feel of a vintage trailer, just always nervous. Thanks Eric for opening up a whole new thing to lust after…. Old trailers, dang I am getting old. Mmmm Kate Upton, or an old Gator trailer? Sorry Kate…
Now, that’s a project that will follow you!
I love it when people do this! It just feels so right seeing an old boat on an original style trailer.
It looks great, but without new components, brakes, etc. there is no way I would tow far with one. Oh, and Kate looks way better than the trailer. Not even close!
I redid a single axle trailer Chris Craft used back in the ’50s. Found it on eBay under some odd boat. The guy that bought it only wanted the boat, so I got the trailer. I sold it to Jim Shotwell with catalog pictures and all, to use with a Chris Craft Kit boat.
Met a fellow at Lake Tahoe one year who had a tandem axle model he put under his daughter’s 17′ Chris Craft.
OUCH Chad that has got to hurt!
Trust me on this. Kate’s much softer and warmer.
Though curiously, for some reason, the team and fans want me to trade her for the Gator.
Taste like chicken
I don’t know where people are getting their chickens from, but I can tell you the gator meat I have eaten and the chicken meat I have eaten definitely did not taste the same.
That said, I am suddenly hungry for battered and deep fried gator tail on a stick with a side of swamp sauce.
I was in Baton Rouge over the weekend. Had aligator stew. It was delicious. As I recall, the consistency was chickeni-ish, but the flavor was richer.
Alex, where do you find this stuff LOL!!!
I love my little 1959 Gator 210. it was all disassembled, sand blasted, then power coated. all new bearing tires, bunks, etc. Got almost as much into the trailer as the boat!
The tilt mechanism works great. See it at the Grand Rapids Boat Show Classic display, Feb 19 thru 23…
here is the brochure
… Ever really asked what’s in swamp sauce??? 🙂 I have a trailer project in the wings. Hopefully will get to it before too long. Not many of these around as far as I know.
1 cup mayo
1/8 cup yellow mustard
1/8 cup horseradish
Juice of 1 lemon
Dash or two of Worcestershire and dash or three of Tabasco.
Wow, that is a sweet looking o/b. More details, fine trailer as well. I would think that top would have even Matt curious.
I agree w floyd r turbo. That’s a good looking boat! Pretty package on that trailer too.
Dakota boats were built in a small shop in Bellingham, WA by the lead carpenter at Norseman Boats, with the blesing of the company and George Garlick (sp) the marine architect of both. George saw this boat shortly before he passed away several years ago – he was well into his 90’s. He was pleased. This one is 15-1/2′, built in ’57/58 and all original – with new upholstery, stain, varnish and paint. We’ve had many adventures in the 14 years or so we’ve had it. Chelan, Lake Washington, Harrison Lake, Mason Lake, Sammamish, Whatcom… It’s a great example of the kind of boats I grew up with.
In the late 50’s and 60’s boats like this were used all over the Northwest by young families cruising the San Juans, camping on friendly beaches at state parks. Fond memories!
Can you tell me more about this trailer? Came across one for sale on Oregon but cannot find any others like it? Thank you
Now for a custom, that is for a 48 CC custom, here’s one that lowers a raises itself.
That is really clever. I would like to see it in action. I have helped a few friends re make parts for their vintage trailer. It it a lot of fun and helps to hone different skills.
Cliff, The hydraulics that makes it work