Maybe a dumb trailer question?

What is the easiest way to get a Hobie on and off a trailer without launching it in the water? The reason I ask, is I will be using my 16 trailer to get a 14 that is probably sitting in someones yard.

Does anyone know how far apart the rollers are for a 14?

If the "new" boat is sitting on grass or sand, just back the trailer up to the front of the boat and drag it up onto the trailer. The 14 is light enough that I can lift/drag the front end up on the back rollers from the mast step. Then I just pick it up at the back end and push.

Inside to inside on the trailer rollers is about 6 ft.

Brian C

The 14 should be okay on a 16's trailor for a short distance.

If you have two guys, just each grab a crossbar and then lift, the 14 is light and you should be able to carry it around fully rigged with two decent sized guys.

If you are alone, just back up to it and stand by the front crossbar, lift the bows onthe rollers then walk to the back and lift and push the boat on.

_________________
Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

It not such a short distance. About 350 miles.

Ok... Dumb question...

When you said "how far apart?", did you mean side to side or fore/aft?

The number I gave you was side to side. I can measure fore/aft when I get in tomorrow if you want (we have a 14T sitting in the warehouse). But the fore/aft dimension on trailers has probably varied by manufacturer.

As long as the hulls are sitting on the rollers which are no more than say 8 feet apart (fore/aft), you should be good to go.

Brian C

Side to side is what I was after. I am curious to know though why trailering a 14 on a 16 trailer is OK for "short distances"

You'll have to bump your front rollers in about 2.5" on both sides. Unless you have really wide rollers in front then no problem. I had to adjust mine everytime I sailed a different boat. I only had one trailer for 16 & 14.

Well... I'm not sure why gree2056 thought it would only be OK for short distances. As long as the trailer is in good health, I think 350 miles should be a cake walk.

As far as I've seen, the trailer chassis under the 14's has been the same one as under the 16's - just a different roller position. Now I guess it would be possible for the trailer crossbars for a 16 trailer to be too far apart fore/aft for use with a 14... Not seen one that wouldn't work though.

Brian C

Just got into the shop and measured the fore/aft spread on the trailer crossbars for 14 and 16/Getaway setups.

14 - 5ft
16 - 6ft

I don't think a foot of difference is going to make a big deal.

Have fun.

Brian C

Thank you very much for the detail!!