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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Where to get a trailer for a fin?

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boatgt
Navigator

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117 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/13/2006 : 13:29:25

I checked the previous posts but couldn’t find anything regarding trailers for the fin. Does anybody know of a good “reasonable” source for a trailer (besides Eddie English company, I contacted him and he is going to send me some information) I have contacted the Catalina dealer as well as trail-rite and triton and all three gave me quotes right around $7000. It would be great to find a used trailer but I know this is the wrong time of the year as everyone is pulling boats out for the winter. I would like to be able to bring mine home to work on it over the winter but not for $7000. Thanks in advance.

Gene
1981 C25 TR/FK
East TN

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/13/2006 : 14:05:45

http://www.trailnsail.com/Galvanized%20Sail.htm

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bamasailor
Deckhand

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USA
10 Posts

Response Posted - 11/13/2006 : 16:14:39

These folks gave me a good price. Located in Columbus, Ga. Didn't have trailer built so can't testify as to quality. copy of email attached. Bob, A standard drop frame with two drop axles(one with electric brakes), six risers, integrated tongue extension, keel guides, and ready to travel is $3200. If you need other options, we would be happy to quote. If you do not need this much trailer, we can build that also. Thanks, Spencer - Sail Trailers(706)888-6722.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 11/13/2006 : 18:06:55

Hi Gene, I have been thinking about getting a trailer and what I am leaning toward is getting a normal boat trailer, there are a lot of them around here for much less than a sailboat trailer, and doing a conversion. It would not be that hard and all the welding could be done with a simple stick welder. I have seen many duel axle trailers for under $1000.00

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bear_tm4
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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 11/13/2006 : 23:28:45

Hi Gene, there is a guy in Tx that builds them for 3000 to 4000, I know thats not much better than 7000 but is less, he custom builds them and will deliver or let you pick it up. I will try and find the link, I can seem to locate at the moment. Cheers

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boatgt
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117 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2006 : 00:38:00

Hey Frank, the Catalina dealer nearest to me in TN (293 miles away!) sells the road king trailers, they were $6985.

I will give Spencer Sail Trailers a call tomorrow.

Dennis I think you may just have the right idea. Actually what I did for my previous C25 swing keel was bought a heavy duty power boat trailer and put tall bunks on it. The only reason I haven’t done that for my new to me fin keel was the height. I know it’s the same boat just different keels but I would like something pretty stout under it. I have a friend up in KY that has a shop with a few welders so I may see if he could weld up a cradle for me then just bolt it to a good size trailer.

If the guy in TX you are referring to is (www.customsailboattrailers.com) Don’t waste your time! I emailed him back when I was looking for a trailer for my swinger and it was pointless. He actually contacted me saying he has a great used trailer for a c25 SK then wanted all the specs for the boat and after sending all that info nothing materialized. Then 6 months later (long after I bought a trailer) he would email periodically asking if I needed a trailer? I guess he’s just really busy and disorganized. Thanks for all the info I will check out some more stuff and post if I find anything good? Is anybody else in search of a trailer currently?

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2006 : 09:19:28

Hi Gene, the guy in Tx mus'ta been smellin' his own fumes to long. You can print out the cradle specs and give to your friend. Then after the boat is on the trailer you can add more supports to fit. Good luck. P.S., do you still have that swim ladder? I am also looking for a rear pulpit. Cheers.

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millermg
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159 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2006 : 21:26:18

Two things that may be helpful:

- the previous owner of my 25 had King Trailers of Bellingham WA build mine 2 years ago, it's a good saltwater trailer for just over $4k including tax, so I've gotta believe you can do better than $7k.

- I had my local welding shop customize an old Calkins powerboat trailer for my Santana 20 2 years ago. Same 4' draft and 8' beam, and it's stouter than my C25 trailer sans only one axle. Cost: $150 for the trailer, $350 for steel+ welding and about $100 for lights, winch, pads, etc. Total = $600, and it's a great trailer. So it's definitely doable on the cheap, if you have the time!

Edited by - millermg on 11/14/2006 21:28:27

boatgt
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117 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2006 : 23:48:25

I contacted Spencer at www.sail-trailers.com as well as checking out some of the info on the web site. They have some pictures posted of a C25 fin keel trailer. The price has gone up to $3300 but still looks like the best deal going so far, and within driving distance. I haven't ruled out building a cradle for a power boat trailer, but like the idea of a new trailer set up for the boat and designed for ramp launching. I also find it interesting the opinions that each trailer manufacture has about electric vs. hydraulic brakes. The consensus is to go with hydraulic unless you are never going to put it in the water (salt or fresh). I would like to possibly trailer to FL some time but would have the boat lifted off, I think? I also still like the idea of electric brakes over hydraulic for traveling on the road. It seems safer to let the trailer do the stopping in the event that you need to (via energizing the brakes manually from the truck cab).

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 10:16:51

Hey Gene
Where in east Tennessee are you? I'm in Knoxville, and have my trailer and boat parked at the Concord Yacht Club. That's just in case you want to look at my trailer which I had to extensively modify for my wing, or a purpose built trailer which Dwight had made for his wing. I think his is from Trail n Sail out of Asheville

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bear_tm4
Navigator

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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 12:37:09

Thanks for the info, that was him...lol...I only talked to him once, guess its good that I didnt waste any more time on him than I did. I ended up just messing with the trailer that I have. It dont look like much, and not sure if its right for the boat, but it works for now. Besides I dont use the trailer much. Well any way, good luck in finding a trailer. My only advice would be to ensure that the pads are adjustable, the screw type like for cradle. I dont have them and wish every time I look at the trailer that I did Cheers.
Barry

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boatgt
Navigator

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117 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 17:58:00

Hey Frank, I'm in Johnson City just east of you. I will check out trail and sail. I looked them up and they are just west of Asheville. I have a fin so i'm not sure the wing keel trailer would help. I like the adjustable pad idea for sure, just need to order some. Brownell sells the pads with a screw post for $37.25-$38.25 each. (http://www.boatstands.com/stands.htm)

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 18:13:59

Hey Gene,
If you do go with trail n sail, make sure you get a trailer with a greater capacity than you think you need. I'm not sure what Dwight's (another association member, as well as fleet 89 member) trailer capacity is, but I noticed his axles had a little flex in them. If you are serious about one of their trailers, I'll call him and ask what capacity he did get. If I remember correctly, it's the largest capacity with a 14" tire, to get a stronger capacity you need a 15" tire.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 18:52:31

definitely get 4500-5000 lb axles

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boatgt
Navigator

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117 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2006 : 21:46:15

I contacted Trail and Sail but no luck. The only sell through there dealers and couldn't get a hold of the guy who is the sailboat rep. The Catalina dealer in Franklin TN carries Road King. I talked to the guy at Sail-Trailers again and he seems to be very knowledgeable and the trailers look to be a very good value for the money. I think I am going with them. I will post a review when I end up getting it.

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pegasus
1st Mate

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USA
65 Posts

Response Posted - 11/17/2006 : 07:02:44

Does anyone know where one might find a set of plans for a trailer? I would think building one wouldn't be too tough if you have the driveway space, a welder & tools (which I have). Where can you find a clean copy of the Catalina-25 Fin Keel cradle? Thanks folks!

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/17/2006 : 12:07:07

The copy in the manual section prints just fine from the HTML sheet.

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millermg
Navigator

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159 Posts

Response Posted - 11/17/2006 : 16:25:42

Having done this before, if you can't get ahold of some plans, best bet is to measure another trailer. The key dimensions are horizontal location of the pad posts (verical you should make adjustable) height of the keel support, and, most importantly, location of the bow eye/winch, both vertically and especially horizontally- this is important to get the boat balanced correctly fore and aft over your axles. Level the trailer fore-aft, and use a plumb bob for this measurement. I'd use the front axle as your control point for dimensions both vertically and fore-aft.

Good luck!
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pegasus
 Does anyone know where one might find a set of plans for a trailer? I would think building one wouldn't be too tough if you have the driveway space, a welder & tools (which I have). Where can you find a clean copy of the Catalina-25 Fin Keel cradle? Thanks folks!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

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Heartbeat
Navigator

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USA
161 Posts

Response Posted - 11/21/2006 : 14:58:08

I bought my trailer 4 years ago from Performance Trailer in St. Petersburg, Florida. I got quote from Triad (6k) another shop (7k) and Performance. They would make a 'base' trailer for under 3k. Of course I put all the bells and whistles on it and paid 4300. Dual axles, dual spares, dual stainless disc surge brakes, 8 pads, mast bar, and full galvenized corrosion protection. Great trailer - great price.

I have a number for them around here if you would like it. Ping me if you need it.

Matt Q.

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