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Trailering a C250 WK

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/17/2005 : 02:23:34

I run a website like this one for an aircraft owners group, and it seems that often we get the same questions over and over. I often wish people would use the search engine to find their answer, rather than continuing to reask the same questions.

Well, now I am getting a taste of what the other side of the screen is like.

I am trying decide between a new Hunter 25 (sorry to say that in this forum) and an C250 WK. I am having trouble getting an answer to questions about trailering the winged keel model.

If you have the patience for what is am sure a repeat question:

1.) Can you comment on the ease or difficulty of trailering the C250WK? I plan to keep it in a slip in the Columbia River most of the time, and trailer it to Puget sound for 4 or 5 weekend trips a year, one of which may be a week or so.

2.) Can you comment on the ease or difficulty of launching and especially retreiving this boat?

3.) What tow vehicle do you use to tow it?

4.) I plan to use a '01 Dodge Durango with 5.9L engine and rated 8000 lb towing capacity. Enough vehicle for the job?

Thanks very much for your help. See also my next question on 135 genoa.

Kevin

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 09/17/2005 : 09:36:04

Kevin, those were my concerns as well when I was looking. http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7588&SearchTerms=trailer,

After searching and asking about the launch and retrieve, I did decide to go ahead and get the Wing Keel and I'm glad I did. My plan was to keep her in a slip most of the time and trailer her to the Gulf once in a while for some open water sailing.

I use a strap to launch and retrive. It may take a little longer at the ramp but if your only doing it once in a while its no big deal. Helps greatly if you have 2 people to launch. The wife and I use the little family radios to talk with each other while launching. She does the driving at the ramp, she places the radio on the dash and I give her instructions works well.

Here's a couple links about the rope launch.

http://www.catalina25-250.org/tech/tech250/fortu.html

http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9780&SearchTerms=strap,launch

I bought my boat in Kansas and pulled it to Atlanta I guess the scariest part was when I started out. I thought I was going to hit every overpass! From the ground up when on the trailer she measures about 12'6". Watch those gas station over hangs. Since, I've gotten use to pulling her and have trailed her to the Gulf and back. I have no problems pulling her with my F150 extended cab 4x4. (never had to use 4 wheel drive yet) I don't expect you'll have any problems with your truck either.

Good Luck and welcome to the board.

Edited by - Tom Potter on 09/17/2005 09:38:38

Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 09/17/2005 : 09:43:24

Hi Kevin

When I purchased my 2003 WK it needed to come over 1000 miles to it's new home. I own a F-150 crew cab 2004 ford and set off for Witchita Kansas. It tows great behind this vehicle. That said, I traveled through some pretty flat land from there to Ohio, and kept it around 60 mph (I could have gone faster - just being safe). I would make sure the your tongue weight is correct for your vehicle. I do not have the specs of either your vehicle or mine, but I'm sure you can find that out on the net and compare. The hardest part of trailering was backing into my driveway at the very end. The crown in the middle of the road causes the trailer tongue to touch the ground.

The rear supports on the trailer (bunks) are very high (triailrite) and can be a challenge with shallow ramps even with the extendable tongue. I cannot use our club's ramp and have to go over to the state park for launching and retreiving. My rear bunk is about 4'6" high and needs lots of water. With the proper depth it is as easy as any other trailer. The wing Keel guide on my trailer makes sure the boat lines up.

Hope this helps.

Turk

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 09/18/2005 : 20:20:44

Thanks to both of you, that was VERY helpful.

Kevin

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.