Although the trailer is usually included when you buy a trailersailer, what if you're building a brand new boat? Or if the boat doesn’t come with a trailer? Or if the old boat’s trailer is not quite roadworthy anymore? This column focuses on single-axle trailers that are used to haul sailboats, dinghies, and small power skiffs. What are the issues and options? How do we decide what to purchase? Who are the major manufacturers? And what about buying a used trailer to save money?
First, make sure that your tow vehicle has enough capacity to handle the all-in” weight of the boat—plus the weight of a trailer. Get the boat’s weight from its design specs, add in the motor, and then estimate how much heavy stuff, such as anchors, water, and fuel, that you intend to carry while youre cruising. There may be concerns about keeping gear on the boat while you're towing rather than carrying it in your vehicle. I agree, if the boat is a featherweight. But most small boats are plenty strong; and batteries and portable fuel tanks will be fine carried in the boat as long as they’re secured and the boat is properly supported on the trailer. And since even the smallest boat trailers can carry 800 pounds of boat and gear, it should not be too hard to find one that’s big enough to handle a loaded boat.
Denne historien er fra September - October 2022-utgaven av Small Craft Advisor.
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Denne historien er fra September - October 2022-utgaven av Small Craft Advisor.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
A HEAD FOR RUBATO
I dislike port-a-potties. I'm not too fond of poop in any form, really, being non-scatological by nature.
THE ARTFUL SAILOR
Ain' nothin' new about using sails as nautical billboards. The ancients painted all sorts of signs and symbols on their sails.
Twin Keels
OUT WIHUEIRIJE with Howard Rice
Cedar Key 2022 Windy Boat Meet
Cartop Cruising
A New Trailer
THE BIGHTS
PLAN STUDY: Fancy Free
If you're looking for a simple and inexpensive cruising sailboat with traditional character, our FANCY FREE should fill the bill. The sharpie-dory hull with flat-bottom, hard-chine form is ideal for the amateur.
BOAT REVIEW: Rhodes 22 Revisited)
Overlooked by the masses, admired by owners—there are good reasons the Rhodes 22 has been in production for over a quarter century.
Another Favorite Mod
The always creative Tom Luque sent us details on one of his favorite modifications
BLOODY TUESDAY
“Although the author if indeed he even used his real name) calls this story fiction, we arent so sure. You be the judge. Eds
CRUISING ISLE ROYALE
I sle“ Royale on Lake Superior is one of my favorite places to cruise. Established as a National Park in 1931, Isle Royale is located about 20 miles off the North Shore of Lake Superior near the Minnesota/Canadian border.
