In this episode of the Bayliner Bowrider 175 project, we ran into a logistical bottleneck. There is no point in having a “garage boat” if the garage door won’t actually close.
To get the boat fully inside—and make room for my son’s Jeep—I had to take a “Problem -> Investigation -> Solution” approach to modifying the trailer.
The Problem: The Space-Occupying Tongue
The trailer for the Bayliner was just a few feet too long for our garage setup. With the tongue extending out, the garage door was essentially useless. I needed to shorten the overall length of the trailer without sacrificing its structural integrity or functionality.
The Investigation: Can a Small Grinder Do the Job?
I wanted to see if I could make a clean, precise cut through the heavy trailer steel using a standard hand grinder.
- The Mark: I used the grinder to score a line all the way around the tongue to ensure the final cut was straight.
- The Obstacle: I had to be careful with the trailer wiring running through the center of the tube. Cutting those would mean a tedious mending job later.
The Solution: The Cut and The Plan for a Swing Tongue
Using a small angle grinder, I worked my way through the steel.
- Safety First (Mostly): I made sure to wear my safety glasses, though Danielle was laughing at my “OSHA approved” safety gear (flip-flops are definitely not recommended for hot sparks on the feet!).
- Directional Control: A quick tip—always check which way your grinder is turning so you can aim the sparks away from your face and any flammable materials.
The Result: A True Garage Boat
After working through the four sides of the square tubing, the tongue is off. I have some burrs to clean up with the grinding wheel, but the trailer is now short enough to allow the garage door to close securely.
What’s Next for the Trailer?
- Mounting Kit: I’ll be installing a fold-away or “swing tongue” kit. This will allow the tongue to hinge out of the way for storage but lock securely for towing.
- Adjusting the Winch Post: I moved the winch post back to maximize the space, but I’ll need to fine-tune the boat’s position on the bunks to ensure the tongue weight remains safe for towing.
Watch the sparks fly and the cut happen here: Cut Boat Trailer Hitch Off EP #20
Cleaning up the trailer is just one part of the mission. While I’m out here grinding metal, Danielle is usually working on something much more appetizing. Check out dininginwithdanielle.com for some incredible recipes—she was busy scrubbing the boat while I was making all this noise!
Link to Hitachi store on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2nRs6Qv
Here is the swing hitch I am looking at: https://amzn.to/2CZg8ha