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Build a trailer?

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pegasus
1st Mate

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USA
65 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/21/2006 : 10:29:27

Anyone ever built a trailer for a Fin Keel Catalina-25? I'm proficient with welding and mechanically inclined so I'm thinking about the $thousands I'd save making my own trailer. (I know I wouldn't save money in the long run, it would just be another reason to play with my welder) A company in Georgia can make an 'economy' trailer for $2,500, but from the looks of it, it would be a managable project to do myself.

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 06/21/2006 : 11:59:57

I've been doing some research on trailers as I want to modify mine.
Axle with complete brakes is about $650. IMHO, If you are going to trailer your boat more than 100 miles regularily, you should build your trailer with brakes on both axles.
I've trailered my C25 over the Rocky Mountains with brakes on one axle but would feel more confident with that second set. I think that second set would allow you to tow with a 'smaller' vehicle. (you still want a big tow vehicle) I'd stick with surge brakes.

If you can do your own welding, and get a reasonably good buy on steel (Galvanized is by far the best), you should be able to build for under $2500. There are lots of plans available for trailers. Wiring is dead simple, lots of kits available. Get the kit with the fender mount load lights and with an 'extension bar'. (a bar with three lights that can be temporarily mounted on the rail of your boat while under tow - it will give you more respect while towing and they're inexpensive and easy to wire)

I've never built a trailer, but mine is currently being stripped and rebuilt. I have to get it done by haul-out time.
If you want dimensions/measurements, just ask.

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pegasus
1st Mate

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USA
65 Posts

Response Posted - 06/21/2006 : 12:23:17

Yeah, I'd love dimensions/plans/measurments, etc. I'll be towing mine from the lake to my home (maybe 10 miles) for big projects and maintenance, otherwise I'll be parking the boat on the trailer at the Club. So no serious trailering. The club I'm considering joining has a waiting list for slips - so she'll have to stay on a trailer for a while.

P.S. is your a fin keel? I assume Fin Keel boats have different measurements?

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atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 06/21/2006 : 13:09:29

For light duty, a car trailer could be modified to hold a boat. Finding one galvanized would be the trick.

Tom.

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 06/21/2006 : 13:11:18

I've reconditioned a few boat trailers. Here are some random thoughts.

One way to get a head start on 'building' a trailer is to buy a used trailer. Around here, the saltwater eats the back part of trailers, leaving the tongue portion in relatively good condition. Twice, I've started with such a rusty trailer, which cost next to nothing, cut away the portions weakened by advanced rust, and welded up a new back section. Among the advantages of this approach is you don't have to design and fabricate that complex junction of beams where the trailer frame tapers to the tongue.

I have reservations about the practicality of building or buying a C-25 trailer for $2,500. For my C-25, I bought a neglected 5-ton powerboat trailer with a good galvanized frame and rebuildable roller assemblies. I replaced the entire rusted out undercarriage with 4-ton capacity parts (should've gone with 5-ton): springs, axles, brakes, hubs, wheels, tires, a new surge coupler, SS brake lines, all related fasteners, and some other misc. pieces parts. (Amazingly, the lights were OK.) The bill from Champion Trailers was over $2,500 just for that first shipment of repair parts. (And the UPS guy was not happy. He called ahead to be sure there'd be someone around to help him unload.)

So yeah, it can be done, but don't be thinking small on the final cost.

-- Leon Sisson

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Rochester
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2006 : 09:46:10

Several years ago, I purchased a set of trailer plans and a book on how to build boat trailers from Glenn L. Marine. I checked their web site but did not see any trailer plans. I think the book is still available. You might contact them.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.