Double Stack (backyard engineers wanted)

I would appreciate any thoughts on my doublestack. We will be going from Cincinnati to Navarre Fla. for Juanas Good Times Regatta this weekend. About 800 miles. I think i have it figured pretty good, any thoughts would be appreciated. Any old salts done this in the past? Thanks guys.

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=2121100025/a=3760457025_3760457025/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

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1978 Hobie 16 31743

your rig looks OK. two thoughts though...
move the top mast to the position of the lower mast and lash together.
MAKE SURE the trailer crossbars can take the weight! Your photo shows rather lightweight members.

I once trailered two 16's from Long Beach Island NJ to the eastern end of Long Island, NY, about 4 hours ride. My rig was fine until the return trip when the trailer's rear crossbeam bent down at the ends from the bouncing on NY city's rough highways... at 1am!

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

Admittedly, I did not review your photos extensively due to the incredibly slow load time from the Snapfish website; however, I did notice that you have the top boat at a pretty high up angle on the bows. Especially because of this, but also due to the instability of your trailer, I would recommend removing the tramps. I know its a PITA, but it will help.

My two biggest concerns would be the strength of the arms when hitting bumps(as previously mentioned) and the condition of the wheel bearings. If I was planning on a 1600 mile round trip I would put in new bearings, a bearing buddy cap and bring a grease gun to hit them with every couple hundred miles. Reason being, that's a significant load for the tiny wheels and those bearings are going to be working doubletime due to double load and high speed due to the small diameter tires. Good luck bro!

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1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)

Another thought is about the springs on the trailer. How many leaves are on it? I would recommend at least a 3 leaf spring.
I have had a spring break going over some railroad tracks while pulling a power boat and I can tell you it is not any fun to clean up the mess of boat and trailer parts spread out over a highway!
Good luck!

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Eric Weller
2006 F18 Capricorn
1980 H16
Keep the pointy side up!

Thank you for advice. I have the 4x4's on the bottom attached to kindorf that runs down to the trailer frame, there is minimal additional weight being applied to lower boat and the trailer arms, i feel good about that. I am bringing additional bearings and 2 extra wheels/tires. I tested it out on highway and got it up to 75mph with no swaying or other issues. I am a little nervous but i have read and been told that this has been done alot. keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks guys.

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1978 Hobie 16 31743

Ummmm Double Stack..........

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1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)

I would recommend checking your tires weight rating.

You might also find this link interesting.
http://hobie-18.ning.com/profiles/blogs/double-stack-18

Brett H18, H18, H18, H14 driveway sale planned soon!!!

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Corkguy H18, Tiger, Wildcat

How do you get the upper boat onto the trailer? The thought of lifting 300+ lbs over your head sounds difficult.
Thanks!

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Eric Weller
2006 F18 Capricorn
1980 H16
Keep the pointy side up!

Below is a picture of my Hobie 18 on top of my Hobie 20. No Masts were on this shot for we were off to Watsonville for a little jell coat work. My stacker set up is a galvanized set up with self adjusting cradles at the front and triple 12” rollers at the back on top of a galvanized Pacific Trailer. I have hauled my 18 on top, my son’s Turbo 14 (now sold) and most of the time, my son’s Hobie 16 on top – all fit without having to adjust the rollers or cradles. What I do need to do is redo the upper crossbars in Aluminum to lighten them. I have travelled from San Jose to Calling Lake Alberta with the stacker and my 20 and the 14.
I also beefed up the trailer springs – I got them locally at Pacific Trailer here in the bay area.

With my son and I, we have not had a problem even getting the 18 on top. once it is on the rollers, Two people can generally handle it. I do put carpet at the back to protect my son's Hobie 16 when we take it down. I also use the blue ropes as safety to keep the top boat from coming down on the bottom.

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Dwight Manning
Hobie 20 #916 San Jose CA 2000 Alter Cup
Hobie 20 #16 San Jose CA (Jordan) 2000 Alter Cup
Hobie 18 #916 Santa Cruz CA 1989 Worlds Boat
Hobie 16 #16 San Jose CA (Jordan) 2005 Custom Main
Hobie 16 #54466 Calling Lake Alta Tequila sunrise

I would flip the top boat around and carry it backwards. That's what I always do and it works pretty good.

Yea and Chris also uses used tires and duct tape to hold the top boat on.
It looks real classy!!