Trailer mods

New to the forum but didn't see this addressed. I note that most of the trailers support the boat by supporting the bottom of the floats. I saw someone's photo of a deformed skeg as a result of being on the trailer too long and having the support from the bottom on the skeg. Is there a reason for supporting from the floats instead of rails that support the boat via the crossbeams? I understand that there might be more wear on the tramps, but is there anything else?

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

I noticed this as well on my getaway. I had single rollers, so double rollers may have helped. I switched out the rollers for bunk boards and the deformation of the pontoons from where it sat on the roller has disappeared. I guess there is some "memory" in the plastic hulls that allowed it to rebound given enough time.

Regarding your question about supporting the boat from the cross bars - not sure how you'd get the boat on and off the trailer if supported by the cross bars as they would be perpendicular to the direction of movement when launching. As you mentioned, I'd be worried about those supports tearing or damaging the tramps when the boat was moved on and off.

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2002 Getaway - SOLD in 2018 "Cheshire Cat"
2016 AI - Bought used 3.18.23 "Crabby Puppy"

Good to know that the deformation isn't permanent. As you mention, support by rails perpendicular to the crossbeams will cause additional wear due to sliding on and off...with a shallow launch ramp, it might be pretty significant. Do you think that standing on the tramps for raising the mast will also create problems for the tramps if rails were below you? Perhaps support from below is the better way to go...I know it would be the better way for the amount of water needed to float on and off. Thanks for the input.

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Other than weight, is there a down side to just making a flatbed launch trailer by simply covering the top of a utility trailer with plywood and carpet?

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Depending on how light trailer frame is vs how much wood you use, it just might float which will make loading on the trailer from the water a bit annoying.

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'95 H16 sail #101148
'89 H18 SX/ sail #1053 w/ Yellow hulls

Certainly I expect to bolt the plywood on!!

Since I single hand mostly, I need to build a removable mast rest onto the back of the trailer--with roller; that way I can just roll the mast back from the front support and put onto the ball, then lift. This is similar to the system on my old F24. The other part of raising is a block on the front support--line goes through block and back to mast base cleat; other end of line is on jib tack--then I tie the mast off while up so I can go onto the front tramp to secure to the bridle. I figure with a plywood base, I can add a 6X6 block with holes to prop up the support. Ultimate goal is to get from trailer to water single handed in under 20 minutes. "I think I can, I think I can..."

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Haha, of course. I meant the whole trailer my float due to the amount of wood buoyancy vs trailer frame weight. I made these simple bunks and added then to my trailer for my H18sx.

Used 1x6s with outdoor carpet screwed on. Used metal straps to secure boards to rollers then. They pivot for easy loading and unloading.

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'95 H16 sail #101148
'89 H18 SX/ sail #1053 w/ Yellow hulls

If you want to make loading/unloading even easier, ditch the metal straps securing the bunks to the rear rollers. That way you can remove the bunk when you want to pull the boat onto the trailer and take advantage of the rollers. Then once the boat's on the trailer, lift the back of the hull up an inch or so and slip the bunk onto the roller. Best of both worlds.

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In addition to the bunk boards (rollers are gone and replaced with 2x6x8' board on each side), I have decked the trailer for strapping down plastic bins for lifejackets and gear along with main sail, rudders, tiller and stepping pole. I never dip the trailer in the water to launch. I simply touch the tires to the waters edge and from there I am able to lift the bow onto the bunk boards and pull the boat about half way up. Then I tied a winch line to the front crossbar and winch it up the rest of the way. Launching is the same but just push the boat off the trailer. My electrical, wheel bearings, steel frame all stay dry and out of the salt. Also keeps the gear I have on the trailer deck dry. Mast stepper is wonderful for solo stepping. When I hustle and have a rhythm going, I can launch in 20-25 minutes. Same for packing up.

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2002 Getaway - SOLD in 2018 "Cheshire Cat"
2016 AI - Bought used 3.18.23 "Crabby Puppy"

Can I ask for a photo or video of the mast stepping and launching/recovery operations? Sounds like something I'd like to do.

_________________
R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II