Ok, finally got over the Anticipation and took the boat up to Lake Winni over the long weekend. For those interested:
*Yes the trailer held up and did beautifully. I need to investigate why one tire is losing pressure gradually, but we had no problems.
*The old truck did fine, with it's (almost) bald tires, after a visit to the shop. They replaced the serpentine belt and idler, and got rid of the buzzzzzzz.
*This year my first mate and I were able to rig up the mast with minimal problems, no bent or broke equipment. We did as Wayne from Fays one technical question (Wayne: thanks for the help!). Boat was launched with no problems.
*Motor, oh yes. I had taken the motor over for service, and it started right up. About half way to the mooring, it decided to act up again. I believe that we are having some gas issues, maybe ethanol issues with a 23 yr old motor? Wish I could locate a list of non-ethanol stations. Do all marinas have straight gas only, no ETOH?
Funny story: I pulled up to the mooring facing a stiff headwind and pulled the ball, grabbing the lead and hooking it to the front of the boat. After I was sure that I was on, I went to the back, cut the motor, and noticed that the bow was turning away from the mooring ball. I had hooked the end of the secondary line to the front of the boat, and it wasn't connected to the ball. Started the motor (again, whew!) and pulled up to the ball, pulled it again and found the primary line, checked the connection to the chain, hooked it to the bow and waited until the ball moved with the boat motion before cutting the engine.
Now to work on the gas/motor problem next week.