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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Trailer Help

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Adam
1st Mate

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USA
44 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/26/2010 : 18:43:59

Alright, I have my new (slightly used) Catalina 25 swing keel. I have my new (also slightly used) trailer. After months of searching, chopping, and rebuilding, I attempted to load the boat onto the trailer this afternoon. The boat went on fine and reminded me of how dirty the bottom really is. The only problem was my new (once again, slightly used) Toyota Tundra V8 truck could not pull it up the ramp. I got the boat out of the water but my tires began to spin. At one point I got really close to getting everything out but eventually began to spin again. I know this is because my tires were wet. Would it help if I added a trailer extension? And does anyone have any info on how to do it: sites, pics, etc.
thanks in advance!!!

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4303 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2010 : 18:48:32

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Adam
 Alright, I have my new (slightly used) Catalina 25 swing keel. I have my new (also slightly used) trailer. After months of searching, chopping, and rebuilding, I attempted to load the boat onto the trailer this afternoon. The boat went on fine and reminded me of how dirty the bottom really is. The only problem was my new (once again, slightly used) Toyota Tundra V8 truck could not pull it up the ramp. I got the boat out of the water but my tires began to spin. At one point I got really close to getting everything out but eventually began to spin again. I know this is because my tires were wet. Would it help if I added a trailer extension? And does anyone have any info on how to do it: sites, pics, etc.
thanks in advance!!!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

UIse the search function above to find many posts about this subject. Many people choose to use a heavy duty strap instead of an extension.

Edited by - on

Mark Maxwell
Captain

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USA
329 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2010 : 20:02:33

Here are a couple of links with pictures. If you don't need a deep trailer (usually a wing or swing keel) Then you may get by with this type.http://www.xtend-a-hitchnorthwest.com/

If you need more this is what you need. Rope can be as long as you need to give you the depth you need without dunking your truck tires. Read the steps and be sure your trailer is equiped with a proper wheel (see picture) The small castor type tongue jack wheels will not work.http://itsfiveoclocksomewhere.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html

I've had some trouble with ramp surface too. I got in the habit of having a broom handy to sweep sand/dirt so that I cound maintain traction. Key is to go slowww. Pulling the trailer through water has a great deal of resistance and as you come out the weight increases as the boat sits on the trailer, this is when most of the slipping happens. Take your time,be patient and stay safe.

Good Luck,

Edited by - on

joearcht
Navigator

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USA
239 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2010 : 05:59:12

Since you have not used this trailer before with your boat, I would suggest you scrutinize your balance on the trailer and make sure you have the proper tongue weight on the truck. A negative tongue weight could adversely effect traction when the boat came out of the water. The steeper the ramp the more pronounced the effect could be. You might try some temporary weight in the back of your Tundra just to experiment but you will want to get the tongue weight correct before doing any serious towing. Good Luck.

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2010 : 09:28:48

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Adam
 ...I have my new (also slightly used) trailer. After months of searching, chopping, and rebuilding, ...could not pull it up the ramp. I got the boat out of the water but my tires began to spin...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Congratulations on solving the C-25 trailer problem by mod'ing a used trailer.

I agree with the others' suggestions of tongue extension, rope launching wheel, etc.

If you can get your boat on your trailer without putting your truck deep enough to damage it (salt on metal, or rear axle breather sucking water as axle cools), another variation of the rope launch would be to have a second truck on dry level pavement help pull the towing vehicle up the ramp until it can make it on its own. This method has the advantage of not spending $$ for more trailer mods, and the obvious disadvantage of relying on a second tow vehicle & driver being present, cooperative, and competent.

-- Leon Sisson

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/28/2010 : 09:37:59

Not trying to hyjack the thread, but I have a question. I do not have one of those spare tire holders with a spinning hub. My trailer has 2 single wheel jacks on the front, one that came with the trailer and another one, new, that I added. Do you guys think I'll be OK using both jacks instead of a spare tire on the front for pulling the boat out using the strap method?
I'm planning on pulling the boat tomorrow to check the bottom.

Edited by - dmpilc on 09/28/2010 09:39:15

Mark Maxwell
Captain

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USA
329 Posts

Response Posted - 09/28/2010 : 16:13:36

DavidP
If you are talking about this type,rated 800-1500#

I've seen them used.... and I've seen one break. On that occasion the ramp was very rough and the jack was brand new but under rated.

This one has a double wheel and rated at 1500-2000#

This is another option

Inspect your equipment first. Use at it's lowest height and just go slow.

Edited by - Mark Maxwell on 09/28/2010 16:14:25

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/28/2010 : 19:16:39

What I have is 2 that look like 800 lb jacks. hopefully 2 of them will spread out the load sufficiently. I will go slow. Wish me luck.

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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.