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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Swing keel trailer measurement

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roktabija@yahoo.com
Deckhand

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20 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/18/2006 : 14:52:36

I need a big favor from someone out there who might have a Catalina 25 Swing Keel on a trailer in their yard. I am having a trailer made for my C25 Swing Keel and the manufacturer needs some measurements to get the right weight distribution.

They need the following:

A - Distance from the end of the trailer to the center point between both axles.

B - Distance between the center point between both axles to the bow eye.

C - Distance from the bow eye to the tounge (center of the ball).

D -Distance from the bow eye to the top of the trailer rail.

Along with those measurements, they need to know if it is trailered with the engine on the stern or is it removed when trailering. If you know how much tounge weight you have, that would also be helpfull.

Thanks,
Jeff

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 09/18/2006 : 19:49:14

Ball to to perpendicular of bow eye to frame - 48"
Frame to eye 42" (vertical measurement)
Perpendicular of bow eye to CL of Axles 156"
CL Axles to end of frame 64"

PM me if you want photos.

Edited by - on

roktabija@yahoo.com
Deckhand

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20 Posts

Response Posted - 09/18/2006 : 20:20:57

Thanks! Do you tow with the outboard on the stern or take it off?

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 09/18/2006 : 22:47:31

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by roktabija@yahoo.com
 Thanks! Do you tow with the outboard on the stern or take it off?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I think most of us remove the outboard from the stern, especially when traveling long distances.

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sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 09/18/2006 : 23:28:51

I have always traveled with the outboard mounted because of the remote inboard controls. The first 25 with a Chrysler 10 and now with a 15hp Honda. I secure with lines the outboard to the stern pulpit and use pvc pipe to the mount and rudder gudgen for securing the lower unit. I have traveled to the San Juans many times and to San Diego also. I have an EZ Loader like Bruce with rollers but never had to adjust but did beef up the bolts and added some additional plates because of the rough roads. Pictures? I'll try.

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sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 09/18/2006 : 23:32:33

This is the travel mode.

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Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 09/19/2006 : 05:48:44

I travel a lot with my Yamaha 9.9 on the transom, tied up like in the photos earlier. Plus, I usually put a nylon strap around the back of the engine and up to the winches where I take even more tension and "bounce" out. Ironically, the only time I de-mounted the engine to travel......the HANDLE BROKE! The sucker is so heavy that I would rather leave her mounted. I have the upgraded bracket with pretty decent backing behind the mounting bolts.

Gary B.
s/v Encore! SK/SR 685

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 09/19/2006 : 17:58:13

I take my OB off...I like to get as much weight off the boat and into my pickup truck as possible.

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roktabija@yahoo.com
Deckhand

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20 Posts

Response Posted - 09/20/2006 : 12:57:00

I contacted my trailer builder with the measurements posted above which looks like a little over 22 feet long. My builder was going to build a 25 footer, but said he could do a 23 footer if I wanted.

Anybody have any preferences on going longer or shorter?

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
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Response Posted - 09/20/2006 : 13:36:05

>"Anybody have any preferences on going longer or shorter?"

The boat sits very nicely on the EZ-Loader. There's enough 'rise' in the stern of the boat that you aren't going to 'do' much with the longer length... just kinda along for the ride.

A potential downside is that the longer the trailer, the more potential for 'break-over' problems. (Dragging the rear of the trailer on driveways etc) Dunno if an extra couple feet would make a big difference or not... the frame sits relatively low to the ground, which you want for a tall load like a C25.

I just PM'd you a buncha photos.

Edited by - ClamBeach on 09/20/2006 14:02:47

roktabija@yahoo.com
Deckhand

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20 Posts

Response Posted - 09/20/2006 : 20:15:30

Thanks for the pictures!

They are going to build me a bunk trailer and the bunks end on the last cross frame at the end of the trailer. After studying your pictures, I noticed the rollers extend about 2 feet past the end of the trailer, so I might need a slightly longer trailer to be able to support the boat in the same location as yours.

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pete454ss
Deckhand

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USA
24 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2006 : 01:58:53

Im new at sailing and I recently purchased a 1984 C25 SK, 9.9 4S yamaha. I plan to buy a magic tilt double axle trailer with brakes. The magic tilt dealer advised me to purchase a 22' trailer rated at 4700 lbs. He will replace the rollers with adjustable bunks using measurements specific to the boat.

My question to the dealer was if it was customary to use a 22' trailer for a 25' sailboat? He assured me that it would be safe because the weight of the sailboat will be centered over the double axles.

Can anyone elaborate on the information I was given. If possible can some one send me photos so that I can have an idea of what to expect.
Thanks...

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2006 : 09:34:41

"...magic tilt double axle"

Does it have a tilt frame? IMHO: Not needed or desirable in a sailboat as the rounded hull form loads on the trailer differently from a powerboat... you have to basically float the boat on the trailer and the tilt feature won't do you any good.

>"4700 lbs." IMHO: Too light. That's basically right at the weight of a C25. You want at least 25% over-capacity for safe, reliable trailering, especially on a big, scary load like a C25.

In my experience, towing all the way up to the rating of either a vehicle or trailer causes problems. It's an area where you really need reserve capacity. Whatever you get, make sure that both axles have brakes... and at least 15" wheels to safely carry the load. You'll be towing about 7,000 lbs gross... (boat and trailer).

>"22' trailer for a 25' sailboat?"

My factory EZ loader is that length... however, it's design has the aft roller frames extending several feet past the rear of the trailer frames. With a Bunk trailer you might be too short.

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pete454ss
Deckhand

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USA
24 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2006 : 09:43:56

It seems almost impossible to find a trailer for a cat25. I'll ask the dealer if he has any other options and I will be requesting a larger trailer... thanks for the info.

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roktabija@yahoo.com
Deckhand

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20 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2006 : 12:25:36

I noticed you were looking at an east coast manufacturer. I live in California, but was searching all over to try to find one for a C25. Here's a couple that I found that make C25 trailers on the east coast.

Triad - I called these guys about their C25 trailer, can't remember the exact price, but I think it was around $4800. It would have cost me another $3000 to get it shipped , otherwise I would have bought from them.

http://www.triadtrailers.com/gallery/Catalina%2025%20Swing%20Keel/index.php

SAIL-TRAILERS.COM

http://home.att.net/~sail-trailers/images.html

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2006 : 14:40:59

The longer a trailer is, the more likely it is for the trailing edge to bottom out.
My C25 hangs over the end of the trailer by a couple feet. A very small slope will cause the the rear cross member to make contact with the ground.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2006 : 16:27:14

Triads are very good trailers, last I knew they had the specs for a Catalina 25 on file.

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pete454ss
Deckhand

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USA
24 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2006 : 21:24:37

Thanks for the info,.. I spoke to the magic tilt dealer again and he is going to set up a 2006 trailer for $2900, 4700lb gross wgt.,dual axle, breaks, and re-fit with adjustable bunks. He said that sail boats don't need long trailers due to the weight being centered, unlike a power boat where a longer trailer is needed to compensate for rear motor weight. This trailer is galvanized steel and looks well constructed, compared to some of the other trailers I've seen under C25's

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2006 : 22:11:28

4700 is too light, it will fail. Your boat will weight almost 5000 pounds after it is loaded with crap. Most were sold with dual 3500 lb axles and after a little math we have all come to realize that at 7000 Gross weight our rigs are marginal. A new trailer should be built with 4500-5000 pound axles. As for long overhangs, yes sailboats tend to hang over but the aft must be supported. Or you will put terrible edge pressures against the hull at the aft end of the bunks. It seems you are dealing with someone who does not understand your needs. this is the single most common Catalina 25 trailer, it is a TrailRite roller.

This is a Custom wing keel trailer for a 25.

This is a short frame with 4500 lb axles.

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jerryconway
Deckhand

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7 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2006 : 21:33:26

I just called http://home.att.net/~sail-trailers/images.html this morning. I as well am looking for a trailer. For $2800-$3200 you can have a custom c25 trailer 7000# axels and hydraulic brakes. powder coat $2800 galvanized for $3200. I personally would rather have a used trailer, so if there's any out there?

Jerry

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2006 : 09:01:23

Jerry,
Those are used prices for new trailers. I cannot imagine anyone selling one for less than $1500 and that would be a wreck that needed everything replaced, i.e.
brakes, coupler, tires, pads/rollers, etc. I spent $1000 replacing those things on the first trailer in my photos.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2006 : 10:01:47

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by fhopper@mac.com
 4700 is too light, it will fail. Your boat will weight almost 5000 pounds after it is loaded with crap. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Frank is right, 4700 lbs is way, way too light.

Boats that are 25-30 years old vary from the factory specs by as much as 15%, and rarely if ever do they vary to the lighter side. (Long conversation with an IRC certified measurer last evening)

I'd go with something that can handle about 6500.

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2006 : 11:36:04

$3200 for a galvanized trailer sounds like an excellent price - about half of what I've heard quoted to others here. I've been offered $2500 for my used painted trailer. If I were closer to Georgia I'd be very inclined to take a close look at how well 'Sail-Trailers' are built. I'm about to replace all four of my tires, so for a couple hundred dollars more, I'd have a new, galvanized trailer.
Sounds too good to be true.
I wonder if there is anyone on this forum that knows about these guys.
http://home.att.net/~sail-trailers/images.html

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jerryconway
Deckhand

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7 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2006 : 18:32:43

I dont know if this means much, they said they could have it built in less than 1 week. Maybe their slow and needing some work. I'm only about 5 hours from there, I would like to check them out.

JERRY CONWAY

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 09/27/2006 : 19:18:17

The trailer with the C25 FK on their website looks good.
Perhaps they can provide references.

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