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Trailering Project for a Swinger

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dacc
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/23/2013 : 22:51:41

Hello Board,

After untold quantities of mooring fees, we're ready to start trailering. I got a proper truck for the job yesterday, and am trying to locate an appropriate trailer.

Can anyone clue me in on what I should be considering? I know I need a double axel with brakes that's long enough and tough enough for the C25 SK's specs, but I'm a little lost on what I need for the bunks and how to account for beam.

The boat actually came on a trailer when I got it a few years ago, which I (probably foolishly) sold for lack of a truck to pull it with or a place to put it. It had been modified with elevated rollers -- I have some pictures somewhere I'll post later. Does anybody have experience getting one modified?

Here are a few that might do it -- any thoughts?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/boa/4073097105.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/boa/4076245114.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/boa/4080773108.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/boa/4058281034.html

Thanks a million! I'll post some pictures from our trips, too.

Cheers,

- Dan

"Windhorse" 1978 Catalina 25
Std Rig, Swing Keel, Pop Top

Edited by - dacc on 09/23/2013 22:52:16

Tomas Kruska
Admiral

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Czech Republic
522 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2013 : 04:34:14

To me, it looks like the third link is the only trailer I would think of. Looks like it was build for sailboat so the axles are not at the back of the trailer.

I don't know your vehicle rules, but here you need to have specificaly mentioned in the papers that you can move the position of the axles to be legal.

Good luck with the search. I'm going the opposite way. I sold C25 with the idea of journeys with the smaller boat. I have a proper car now (Kia Sorento - 4x4 with 3500kg on hook) and found great two axle trailer, but the boat is going to be ordered soon as the last task - [url="http://www.dalpolyacht.pl/en/phobos-21"]if anybody is interested[/url]

Edited by - on

TEM58
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2013 : 06:32:40

Dan,
I just went through a very similar situation so that I could move our boat to a marina near our home. I spent nearly six months looking for a trailer, so hopefully you are not in a hurry. My first recommendation is to either have a trailer built for the boat, or be patient until you find a used one. The modification process is not easy, and finding the right parts can be just as difficult as finding a trailer. Having said that, I'll also say that it can be done if you have the time. I finally found an EZ Loader that was suitable, then spent two months getting it to resemble a sail boat trailer. Even with all that work, it still required several hours of fitting the trailer to the boat once I got the boat out of the lake. Below are before and after pics:

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2013 : 07:18:36

Tomas, that looks like a nice package. Tremendous ballast/displacement ratio and great interior volume in an easily towable size. Rigging and launching my old 21 was a simple, 20 minute job for one person, not so much for the C-25

Edited by - Dave5041 on 09/24/2013 07:19:52

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2013 : 09:40:57

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by TEM58
 Even with all that work, it still required several hours of fitting the trailer to the boat once I got the boat out of the lake.

Edited by - on

dacc
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2013 : 10:15:41

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I work with a guy who runs a small yard, and I think I'll get him involved. Sounds like any trailer I get will need to be modified.

I wonder if I could locate the current owners of my old trailer using the license plate number somehow... Probably a long shot, and it's likely been modified again besides.

Edited by - on

TEM58
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2013 : 11:22:44

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pastmember
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by TEM58
 Even with all that work, it still required several hours of fitting the trailer to the boat once I got the boat out of the lake.

Creating enough height on the bunks to take the weight off of the keel was a significant challenge, and I'm still not satisfied with the result. This trailer has 16" wheels so I need a lot of water to float the boat off-- not so easy with the drought here in Texas.

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=27190
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

A comment. Your boat looks like you will have a hard time keeping the cockpit scuppers draining while on the hard.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Very true, however I was transferring it to a slip so I wasn't concerned about drainage when I moved it. Right now I only plan to pull the boat out for maintenance, but I'm also continuing to "fine tune" the trailer.

Edited by - on

C25PYLOT
1st Mate

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69 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2013 : 18:48:54

I'm guessing Florida is a little out of the way for you but I'd be a monkeys uncle if this wasn't hauling a C-25 SK at one time.
It looks exactly like my trailer. I know nothing about the ad, just thought I'd share a recent find with ya.

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/boa/4061908179.html

Edited by - on

BCG-Woodbury
Mainsheet Editor

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USA
396 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2013 : 18:53:22

Hey Dan - My SK came with a trailer that the PO built for the boat. He owns SeaLion Trailers and he made a Roller trailer for the boat. It works very well. He is located in NJ, not sure where you are but you may want to contact him. I'm sure he kept all the documentation. Most of what he sells are for Powerboats but it may be worth talking to him.

Best of luck,

Edited by - on

dacc
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2013 : 19:47:12

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by C25PYLOT
 I'm guessing Florida is a little out of the way for you but I'd be a monkeys uncle if this wasn't hauling a C-25 SK at one time.
It looks exactly like my trailer. I know nothing about the ad, just thought I'd share a recent find with ya.

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/boa/4061908179.html
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thanks for the lead! It may be worth having it shipped to me in Seattle.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9076 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2013 : 21:06:55

Will you be able to leave the mast up on the trailer, or will you be hauling on the road each time? If the latter, have you raised and lowered the mast, so that you're comfortable with doing that for each sail? I know it can be done--the issue that often comes up is whether it's worth doing, or whether trailer-sailing calls for a smaller (21-22') boat. The difference in rigging time and effort can be a significant part of your "day on the water."

Just wondering...

Edited by - on

dacc
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2013 : 21:11:33

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
 Will you be able to leave the mast up on the trailer, or will you be hauling on the road each time? If the latter, have you raised and lowered the mast, so that you're comfortable with doing that for each sail? I know it can be done--the issue that often comes up is whether it's worth doing, or whether trailer-sailing calls for a smaller (21-22') boat. The difference in rigging time and effort can be a significant part of your "day on the water."

Just wondering...

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Well, I'm drawing my inspiration from this fellow:

http://youtu.be/r33VCObNroY

Makes it look easy with practice. Guess I can tow out into a field and practice. =)

Edited by - on

C25PYLOT
1st Mate

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69 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2013 : 09:06:35

Came across another picture to use as reference on sk c-25 trailers for you, this trailer is also just like mine and the one for sale in Florida

http://members.csinet.net/dhapp/motormount/fixture02.jpg

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2013 : 09:39:09

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Well, I'm drawing my inspiration from this fellow<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Yeah.... that's me.... Have to do that every trip out, and then do it on the way back in.....

The admiral steers the boat down the canal while I do all that underway....

Edited by - on

dacc
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2013 : 09:42:55

The admiral steers the boat down the canal while I do all that underway....
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thanks for documenting your method for the rest of us. At least I'm getting out of mooring fees, which should help mitigate the

factor somewhat.

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2013 : 09:53:53

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">At least I'm getting out of mooring fees, which should help mitigate the factor somewhat. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Yeah, I tell myself that every sailing trip too.... As I contemplate putting her in a marina....

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2013 : 10:00:21

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">but I'd be a monkeys uncle if this wasn't hauling a C-25 SK at one time. It looks exactly like my trailer.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I have an original EZ loader trailer, and it also looks very similar to that one.

Edited by - on

dacc
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2013 : 10:04:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Davy J
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">but I'd be a monkeys uncle if this wasn't hauling a C-25 SK at one time. It looks exactly like my trailer.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I have an original EZ loader trailer, and it also looks very similar to that one.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I discussed it with a guy who runs a small local yard, and he agrees it looks suitable. I get the sense this is a rare find -- does it seem worth the extra transport cost? Searching is time consuming, and every month I'm without one the potential savings are being lost to marina bills.

Edited by - on

ftworthsailor
Captain

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USA
279 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2013 : 10:22:21

Hopefully, I will soon have two C-25's in service. The blue FK/SR will be my primary sailor at Lake Worth, however the white SK/SR on a trailer will become my traveling sailor. I would like to participate in other North Texas activities and now have a truck and trailer capable of pulling this boat to other lakes. My trailer was designed by the PO for a C-25 and seems to be ok for short trips. I used it to bring the SK back from Daytona Beach, FL and found that the trailer started fishtailing at speeds in excess of 55mph. I havent figured out exactly why, however I presume the boat is too far back on the trailer. The reason I am thinking this is because after I disconnect the trailer from the boat, I am able to literally teeter-totter the boat from front to back with one hand. I have a jack stand and block on the rear to assure that the trailer (and boat) go back no further than desired (mostly for draining the cockpit). I have brand new tires on the trailer and have checked tire pressure. So the only thing I can surmise is the boat is too far back and there isn't enough trailer tongue weight needed to keep it from fish-tailing.
Any advice is welcome.....

R

Edited by - ftworthsailor on 09/25/2013 10:31:17

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2013 : 10:25:54

That first CL trailer post you put up, also looks like an EZ loader. The exception being, that the mounting for the rollers is shorter and no swing keel rollers. And there doesn't appear to be a brake actuator.

But yes, finding a trailer for a C25 is rare.

Edited by - on

TEM58
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2013 : 12:42:28

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ftworthsailor
 Hopefully, I will soon have two C-25's in service. The blue FK/SR will be my primary sailor at Lake Worth, however the white SK/SR on a trailer will become my traveling sailor. I would like to participate in other North Texas activities and now have a truck and trailer capable of pulling this boat to other lakes. My trailer was designed by the PO for a C-25 and seems to be ok for short trips. I used it to bring the SK back from Daytona Beach, FL and found that the trailer started fishtailing at speeds in excess of 55mph. I havent figured out exactly why, however I presume the boat is too far back on the trailer. The reason I am thinking this is because after I disconnect the trailer from the boat, I am able to literally teeter-totter the boat from front to back with one hand. I have a jack stand and block on the rear to assure that the trailer (and boat) go back no further than desired (mostly for draining the cockpit). I have brand new tires on the trailer and have checked tire pressure. So the only thing I can surmise is the boat is too far back and there isn't enough trailer tongue weight needed to keep it from fish-tailing.
Any advice is welcome.....

R

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Tons of discussion on trailering at iboats.com, among other sites. The fishtailing is a sympton of improper tongue weight, so you are on the right track. If you can't move the axles, and you can't shift the boat, you might try rearranging or removing some of the cargo in the boat. There's also a couple of techniques for determining tongue weight using a bathroom scale, so you can figure out how far off you may be.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2013 : 16:56:35

If you can lift the tongue without a year of steroids the you definitely need tongue weight. 7.5 -10 % of towed weight. You will see higher numbers quoted, but Trailering magazine did some testing two years ago and found that the old standard works well. They also found that almost every vehicle/tow combination they tested was good at 7.5. More is not better. The more downforce you add behind the rear axle, the less braking and steering control you have.

Edited by - Dave5041 on 09/25/2013 16:59:53

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2013 : 09:41:23

I just posted in the Swap Meet this link to a trailer for sale on Ebay that might interest you:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/25-27-foot-Sailboat-Trailer-excellent-condition-/231060439738?pt=Sailboats&hash=item35cc4682ba
Not mine and I have NO interest in the sale.

Edited by - dmpilc on 09/26/2013 09:42:18

ftworthsailor
Captain

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USA
279 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2013 : 11:00:55

Thanks for posting. Nice trailer, however the first thing that I would do....if I were the buyer, is to replace the bearings (due to the amount of rust showing on the trailer) and install bearing buddies, and then I would add skid plates to the vertical stanchions. IN other words, I prefer a double layered, solid wood sled/skid covered in the appropriate carpet for my boat to rest upon --- like my current trailer has. The trough for the keel is a PLUS, however should have a wood liner so that the keel isn't scraping metal to metal.....

I'm just sayin.......

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2013 : 13:45:53

I much prefer pads over bunks. Lots of swingers sold with roller trailers so contact "patch" area is not that important; these are very strong hulls below the waterline. For me pads make painting in the spring much easier and I use a crane to launch so pads make it easy to get straps around the boat. My current boat has bunks and I am sad. I will change them next season while the boat is in the water.

That trailer looks wonderful. I would take it to a welder and have the front supports cut off the frame, then mount them back to the frame with a hinge so the front supports can move in to fit the boat. The support "struts" angle iron can be made adjustable as well.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4303 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2013 : 20:24:36

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dacc
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Davy J
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">but I'd be a monkeys uncle if this wasn't hauling a C-25 SK at one time. It looks exactly like my trailer.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I have an original EZ loader trailer, and it also looks very similar to that one.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I discussed it with a guy who runs a small local yard, and he agrees it looks suitable. I get the sense this is a rare find -- does it seem worth the extra transport cost? Searching is time consuming, and every month I'm without one the potential savings are being lost to marina bills.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
If your talking shipping a trailer from Florida to Washington state you could almost have a trailer built for what it's going to cost you to ship it that far.

I ship construction equipment to and from the Houston area all the time. I've shipped stuff in from California and it can cost close to $4K to ship something in from the San Francisco area and you are a lot farther away.

The problem with a boat trailer is it takes up a large part of the the semi's trailer even though it doesn't weigh much. The other issue is finding a trucker willing to go from the SE U.S. to the NW U.S. It's just not a common route.

You might be able to find someone with a 3/4 to 1 ton truck that could haul it for less but there's not too many people going coast to coast in pick up trucks for hire.

Watch Shipping Wars on the Discovery Channel and pay attention to what they charge on the long hauls.

I'd recommend you keep looking for a trailer along the west coast and as close to home as possible or bite the bullet and have one built.

Edited by - on

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