Measuremets for a Hobie 18 Trailer

Does anyone know the proper measurements for a Hobie 18 trailer?

I purchase a used HC-18 with galvanized trailer last fall. The trailer is outfitted for a catamaran but the hulls feel too close to the tow vehicle. When I need to make a tight turn (at the boat ramp, etc) the forward tips of the hulls get very close to my van. I’d like to know if my trailer (tongue) is too short or if I’m too cautious .

I have the boat positioned over the axle to give sufficient tongue weight. The forward hull supports on the trailer are positioned just forward of front cross-bar, and the rear hull support is between the rear cross bar and the dagger board trunk. The rear hull support is as far back on the trailer as it can be. The Tips of the bows are approximately 16 to 18 inches behind the tip of the trailer ball coupler. How far in front of the bow should the tongue of the trailer extend? Where is the best location for the hull supports? Is there a specification for a Hobie 18 trailer?

I can’t do much about the hull support but I think I can get a longer member for the tongue of the trailer.

_________________
John Latimer
'79 Hobie18 - Magnum
Sail#4854

John,

I won't get to my boat until Thursday night, but I will give you my tounge length from the front crossbar of the trailer and the length between the trailer crossbars.

For a less quantitative answer, my hulls are pretty close to my tow vehicle. About 1 foot behind if I remember correctly. I can't comfortably make more than a 45 deg angle between the trailer and the car.

_________________
Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

I measured 12' or 144" from the coupler to the front frame support. The front hull crossbeam rests on that frame support. Hope that helps.

_________________
1989 Hobie 18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker
1987 Hobie Holder 20 #273

dale.vanlopik"at"att"dot"net

I have not had a chance to get to my boat yet. I should be doing some work on the trailer this week. I will post the measurement info then.

_________________
Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO