Trailer for Runabout

[DavidS]

Hi,

Still making progress on the Rascal runabout - 11 coats of varnish so far......

I'm starting to think about trailers and have some simple questions:

From what I've read, some trailers are too stiff for a wooden boat. What are the options? I'd like to get 13" tires but that seems to mean getting a larger trailer (and probably stiffer). Are 12" tires OK ? I would never go to anything smaller than 12".

Is it possible for a runabout to sit between the fenders - is this too low for the outboard engine and prop ? From some pictures I've seen the boat is usually up higher, i.e. above the wheels/fenders.

Any particular products to avoid? problems?

Anyone heard of, or used, a trailer by MTI (Marine Trailer Inc.) ?

Thanks,
Dave

[Audioten]

I have 13" on my trailer i think. Works great.
At first i would like to get the boat down between the fenders.
But after some use (I have the boat on trailer between outings) I don't think i want to annymore.
With the un- and onloading and potential scratches.

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v275/176/107/799555642/n799555642_3506675_9781.jpg

[Woxbox]

Torsion springs are kinder to a wooden boat than leaf springs. But with leaf springs, you can pull out the middle leaf to soften up the ride nicely. Study the manufacturer's websites. They all have charts that show intended loads along with all the dimensions.

Getting the boat down between the fenders is mostly useful for getting the boat on and off on shallow ramps. You'll also want a drop axle trailer to allow this.

Runabouts are generally really easy to launch and retrieve. There's no need to float the boat on and off -- you can almost always roll it off and crank it back up again on rollers.

[DavidS]

Cato, thanks for posting that photo, similar to what I was talking about. Might be better in the long run to have the boat higher up.

Woxbox, thanks, I agree but it seems like most of these trailers for smaller runabouts have bunks - not rollers. Exactly the reason for some of the questions.

Thanks again for the info. Very much appreciated.

Dave

[ucb4ume]

Finding a trailer that would work for my boat was a bit of a challenge. My boat is 18' long at the deck and 6'10" wide. I estimate that it will weigh between 1200 lbs. and 1500 lbs fully rigged.

It was easy to find a trailer that would fit the physical dimensions, but those trailers were typically rated for 5000 lbs. or more. I was worried that the springs would be too stiff and possibly cause damage to the boat. Most of the trailers that were rated for 2000 lbs or 2500 lbs. were too short and/or narrow for my boat.

I finally settled on a trailer that was rated for 2000 lbs and was designed for a 16’ to 17’ boat. I had the dealer install a “Swing away” tongue on the trailer, but instead of cutting off the tongue, he just removed the coupler and installed the “Swing away” tongue which lengthened the trailer. This trailer also has an adjustable axel which can be moved fore or aft to balance the load. The width between the fenders was only 6’ so I had to adjust the bunks so the boat rides above the fenders. The trailer cost $1400 new, but with the swing away tongue installed and tax/title/license, I paid about $1800.

Here’s a link for the swing away trailer tongue
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200311795_200311795 (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200311795_200311795)

Here are a few pictures of the boat on the trailer.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p300/ucb4ume/IMG_0076.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p300/ucb4ume/IMG_0075.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p300/ucb4ume/IMG_01371.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p300/ucb4ume/DSCN1881.jpg

[dmg]

DavidS

Actually, wood runabouts are typically NOT pulled onto the trailer. As an ACBS member, I assist a few fellow boaters on occasion, primarily at in the water shows. In every instance the trailer is backed into the water far enough to float the boat off, and likewise to pull it into position with the bow strap, for loading. Once the bow strap is secured, the trailer is pulled out, while a second person simply keeps the transom centered on the bunks. The hull just settles onto the trailer.

Your trailer will need 4 bunks. one under the bottom, P & S, lined up with the stringers, and one P & S, under each chine. I've seen the keel supported either way, bunk or roller. Personally, I'd pick the bunk, since the boat isn't rolled on/off anyway.

In your area, find a shop that restores runabouts. They always have local suppliers that can build a proper trailer.

Also crucial, is a prop/rudder guard built into the trailer.

Lastly, if you get a canvas cover made, decide beforehand whether you want to spend the extra $$ for a towing rated cover. Do not try towing with a simple rain/weather tie down cover. It will quickly ruin your varnish work.

Dave

[DavidS]

Thanks for the info. My boat is exactly the same as the photo above by Audioten (Cato). But maybe doesn't look as good....:D

The boat is about 450-500 lbs. plus the engine (200-250 lbs.) plus gas, battery, controls, etc. Maybe 800 or 900 lbs. total. Its got a turn fin on the keel so it can't be supported there but 1 or 2 bunks on each side should not be a problem. I can't tell from Cato's photo if he has 1 or 2 per side. I've seen it done both ways on some other Rascal's.

I have a sailboat (Thistle, fiberglass + teak) and am familiar with pulling it onto the bunks but it is only 500 lbs. tops. The runabout is heavier but as long as the ramp is steep enough to float on and off its not a problem. I plan to look at trailers this weekend.

Thank you,
Dave

[Audioten]

I only have 1 per side and i think it works great.
It has about 400 miles on the road this summer, no problems.
If the ramp isnt steep enough. I use the engine as a little help.
Just to get the last meter or so.

Just don't do the same mistake i did.
Bought trailer for up to 15' boat's and way to small.
Ended up buing another trailer for 17' and had to do some welding:)

Her's some more pic if they can help.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m221/audioten/Rascal/IMG_2582.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m221/audioten/Rascal/DSC_0040.jpg