I just bought a '04 Supra Launch 21 with a boatmate tandem trailer. The previous owner did not trailer the boat very far and actually bought the boat in '05. I am going to be taking the boat on a few roadtrips this year and I'm wondering if I need to have the bearings re-packed? If so, how much does this typically cost? If I don't need it, how long can I put it off for?

I would say once a year but thats just me. Last year I didnt only because I was able to keep my boat on a friends dock all summer. I would definatly do before any long trips just to be safe. I was with my dad when I was younger and had a bearing go. It sucks wheel will lock up on you if you stop but catches fire if you keep driving. We had to leave the boat and go get parts to fix.

Every 1000 miles.

The bearings and packing should be checked at the beginning of every season. If you have a bearing buddy on the hub and it has the grease fitting on the outside, you may be able to get away with pumping the bearing with new grease. Simply throw up the grease gun and pack away till the new colored grease starts spilling out the the bleed hole on the back side of the hub. <BR>To be safe though you want to check the bearings jsut to make sure. <BR> <BR>If your handle with tools, get yourself a bearing packer and do the job yourself. It will save a ton of money. If not your local service center or mechanic should be able to do it in a few hours.