Customizing a "Custom" Trailer.

[BBSebens]

Last winer I bought a San Juan 21 that was in need of some attention. I got "The Duck" taken care of and in the water and have been enjoying it a lot this summer.

However, I draw your attention to the "custom" trailer under it.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207432_1662607888182_1326750179_2379444_6209449_n. jpg

Nice, eh? It is an old powerboat trailer that someone clearly modified to accept the fixed keel SJ21. That is a wood cradle that is literally lashed to the frame with nylon rope. DOT approved rope, Im sure. :d


So, before The Duck comes out for the winter, I wanted to address my trailer, and put together something more... appropriate.


http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/298457_1992997547717_1326750179_2738683_1929404147 _n.jpg

Before

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/308609_1992997747722_1326750179_2738684_988951825_ n.jpg


So here we can see the "DOT approved rope" that is lashing the "that'll hold it up" wood cradle.

Step 1: destroy wood cradle.


http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/311305_1992998347737_1326750179_2738685_1339807763 _n.jpg

This is what is left of the wood cradle. This particular piece of timber is what the Keel was sitting on! It didnt take much to break it.


Step 2: break out the welder!

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/305320_1992998827749_1326750179_2738686_687513688_ n.jpg

Here we see the new piece of 3" channel steel that will now support the keel. I happen to have a friend who works for a local company that manufactures harvesting machinery, and has access to their ample scrap bin! Free Steel! The trailer is on its side in the picture to facilitate welding the channel in place.

More to come...

[AJZimm]

Looking forward to this, especially the unstated assumption that there are structures that can be built with materials other than wood . . .

[BBSebens]

Got the trailer fitted to the boat finally!

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/303950_2017011908061_1326750179_2756006_1001263532 _n.jpg

Here are the first two uprights bolted in place. The boat is currently suspended from the stiff-arm dockside crane.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/319161_2017012348072_1326750179_2756007_1843059030 _n.jpg

Pretty simple system. One bolt on each side of the frame rail to a backing plate. All steel is 3/16". Bolts are 1/2" galvanized.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/317679_2017012788083_1326750179_2756009_1454680850 _n.jpg


All put together! just a 10' 2x6 on each side. It is bolted to the bracket on top with 2 3/8" carriage bolts on each end. Simple. Effective.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/320700_2017013348097_1326750179_2756010_112303917_ n.jpg

All in all a good looking combination!

Im going to trim off the excess off the uprights, and add a bow support. But for now, its holds up the boat!

[James McMullen]

Looking good, Ben! Doing it yourself is awesome!

Have you considered some diagonal bracing to keep the posts steady? These could be bolted on instead of welded so as to provide access when needed.

[BBSebens]

I have considered many things, but hadn't thought of diagonal braces. The trailer is not complete though. Bow support, Lights, Tires, and probably an entire axle assembly are planned.

I don't intend to trailer very far, in and out for the season type thing. But if I was going farther, some bracing would sure help stiffen it up.

[Larks]

Looking good, Ben! Doing it yourself is awesome!

Have you considered some diagonal bracing to keep the posts steady? These could be bolted on instead of welded so as to provide access when needed.

I second the diagonal bracing Ben, there'll be a fair bit of weight wanting to lean over either way in every small corner. It may be a little more difficult to contrive something on the aft posts without getting in the road of the keel coming on and off the trailer, but at the very least you need something on the forward ones. I'd also probably add one going back from those front stands as well but if your bow support is well braced it may be enough to stop it wanting to rock back and forward. You'd be surprised how much the suspension of the trailer and the flex in the tyres affects the momentum of the boats weight on the trailer.

[Breakaway]

I third the suggestion. Brace the fore' posts across teh beam, which is easy. (Think about the weight shift every time you apply the brakes)And contrive some diagonals for the aft ones.

Kevin

[hokiefan]

I fourth the bracing suggestion. There is a long lever arm on that joint between the main frame element and the posts. I think you would be surprised how little force it takes at the top of the post side ways or front to back, to rip that joint apart. Looks much better than DOT approved rope though.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Woxbox]

+1 more on the bracing. I'd also compare the tire load ratings with the all-up weight you've got there. I have a hunch they may fall short. One other suggestion -- when you make up the bow support, run the upright high enough to support the mast when it's lowered. Much better positioned support and easier to manage than lashing it to the bow pulpit.

[Gezzunder]

Not sure how you retrieve your boat, but if you intend launching and retrieving from a ramp you might want to think about some guides as the entire trailer will be submerged. (your supports are all below the waterline)
I have very simple ladders welded either side above the wheel arches which, as well as providing easy access to the boat when on land, act as guide posts to aim the the boat to the center. I also have a u shaped frame to assist centering the keel, it is flared at the opening to allow some leeway on approach. Finally, at the bow I have a substantial upright to tether the boat so it does not move back on pulling the trailer out... it also accepts the mast when it is stepped.

[Woxbox]

I have very simple ladders welded either side above the wheel arches which, as well as providing easy access to the boat when on land, act as guide posts to aim the the boat to the center.

I like that idea. Any photos of your rig?

[BBSebens]

I currently have no plans to launch the boat on a ramp. My harbor has a 4000 lb. stiff arm crane that works pretty well. If I start to get ambitious and try to trailer to other places then I may have to re-think my trailer.

Fortunately the boat only weighs 1800 lbs. so the forces on the trailer are not great. I do plan to build a pretty stout bow support. I had thought about putting a ladder on it. I also intend to weld the uprights on now that they are in place.

[Gezzunder]

I like that idea. Any photos of your rig?

I've never thought to do so, I'll see what I can do next time I'm down the yard :)

[David G]

I currently have no plans to launch the boat on a ramp. My harbor has a 4000 lb. stiff arm crane that works pretty well. If I start to get ambitious and try to trailer to other places then I may have to re-think my trailer.

Fortunately the boat only weighs 1800 lbs. so the forces on the trailer are not great. I do plan to build a pretty stout bow support. I had thought about putting a ladder on it. I also intend to weld the uprights on now that they are in place.

Nice job with the trailer. Light years ahead of what you had! I'll have to agree with those that prescribe some diagonal bracing, and some Guide-ons. Even if you don't currently plan on launching from the trailer... don't presume to know the future. Even your own mind could change with the expanded possibilities of this nifty new trailer. "Only" 1800# will impart a LOT of inertia going around a corner or coming to a quick stop. Either solid welded on gussets, or diagonal tubes would serve.