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250WK Trailers [?]

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/02/2006 : 19:29:03

I am in search of a 250 and have discovered that while all WB models seem to have trailers, that quite a few WK models do not. If I can find a good deal on a WK what are my trailer options? Does anyone have a recommendation? A place in the midwest quoted me $5,400 but I'm hoping I could get one for less and further west. Any ideas? Thanks!

We cannot direct the winds but we can adjust our sails.

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CaptRon400
1st Mate

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USA
90 Posts

Response Posted - 09/03/2006 : 10:37:14

One of the reasons why many of the wing keels do not have trailers is that you need a fair amount of water to float and retrieve the boat, and that means a long and deep ramp. I just picked up a 2003 250 WK and I figure that I need close to 5 feet to float it off of the trailer. I'm going to launch it near Punta Gorda (FL) and many people down there think I may have trouble doing it. I may have to resort to lifting it off at a local marina.

Second - the boat weighs at least 900 pounds more than the water ballest version, and a lot of that weight (close to 6,000 pounds total) is much higher off of the ground (on the trailer). It could be a formidable load for many cars or trucks to tow. The tongue weight is more than 500 pounds and that may require a weight distributing hitch on many trucks, which will interfere with the surge brakes. I just picked up a Progress Equalizer hitch that will work with the brakes (at least better than the others), so expect that you may have to add that too. You've also got well over 12 feet of height to contend with. Forget about any low bridges.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't do it - just that it will take more planning and effort. The lighter and lower water ballasted boat is just easier to trailer. Not sure which one will sail better, but I have my hunches. The area where you sail may dictate the better choice.

The company that makes the standard Catalina trailer (TrailRite) is in California. Give them a call too. It'a good trailer. It's got a retractable 2nd tongue that, when extended out 10 feet, may let you back down the ramp without getting the truck wet. I'll find out in about 2 months.

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 09/03/2006 : 14:05:28

CaptRon, thanks for the info. I have a Catalina 22 fixed fin keel that also requires about 5 feet of water. In fact I have to submerse the entire trailer to launch and retrieve. You need to learn about rope/strap launching. I used 60' of 4" strap to launch this spring. No trailer tongue extension (mine is 12') will do it unless the ramp is damn near veritcal!

I got the Trail-Rite and RoadKing phone numbers and will call them after the weekend. I'm guessing I'm looking at $5-6k for a new trailer. Your post got me to thinking whether I should rethink and get the WB instead. My wife and I are both 55 and while launching is easy the retrieval has always been a challenge.

Hmmm, any one out there want to sell a 250WK trailer.

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CaptRon400
1st Mate

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USA
90 Posts

Response Posted - 09/03/2006 : 16:12:27

The launch strap will work BUT what happens if the concrete ramp is not long enough to get you 5 feet of water and you wind up with the trailer tires in the mud / sand. Launching will probably be OK because you're pulling an empty trailer back up onto the concrete edge. But retrieving could be a nightmare if you hook the trailer tires on the edge of the ramp. To be safe, you really need a long ramp with 5 feet of water before it ends. That could be hard to find. The ramp that I would have used in Punta Gorda will probably not do it(too short), but I'll measure first on a very high tide to see what it has 10 feet from the end of the concrete.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.