TOPIC: leaf spring replacement

I am doing some work on the trailer for my Custom Craft. It is a Trailcar which was custom fitted for boat when it was new. Among other thongs, the leaf springs are rusted and need to be replaced. The existing springs are double eye, 30.1/2" long, 1-3/4" wide with 6 leaves. That size is not an easy find, but Eastern Marine has them. The 6 leaf springs are rated for 2500# each, for a total of 5000# capacity. The 3 leaf model in the same size is rated for 1250# each, for a total of 2500#.

The hull weight on the Aqua Ray is 710#, per mfr's spec. Motor and gear i'll assume 400#. The trailer itself is probably 300#. That puts the load at approximately 1400#.

You know where I am going with this..... Do I need to duplicate the original 6 leaf springs or would the 3 leaf be sufficient? The reason I am asking is that the cost for the 6 leaf is around $80 and the 3 leaf is $50. Times 2.

Any thoughts or things I am overlooking?

In general, you want springs matched to the load. I always overkill, but if it was me, I'd do the 3 leaf.

Frank

That's what I wad thinking as well, 5000# springs with 1400# load is going to be a pretty stiff ride! You'd still be well under the max of 2500# on the pair, and have a much better pulling trailer with the 3 leaf models IMHO, Todd.