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Trailer Questions...

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gburton
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/09/2003 : 12:53:32

I’m contemplating buying a trailer for my C25 Swing keel. I’ve located a single axle trailer which was used for a CC open flats fisher (approx. 20’ long).

Here are my questions…

Is the gross weight capacity a function of the number of axles? This trailer looks long enough and beefy enough to do the job, just has one axle.

If this trailer length and width are sufficient and gross weight is a function of # of axles, can an additional axle be added easily or does this require extended center of gravity studies and precise positioning?

If there is no capacity information (labels) visible on the trailer, is there some way of determining visually what this trailer’s capacity is?

I can get this trailer for an incredible price which would allow funds for a fair amount of improvements/customization. That being said…I have no desire to compromise safety or gamble with the boat’s future…

Thanks in advance for any and all help…

Bert Burton

C25 #810

Shell Point, Florida

Bert

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2003 : 20:44:35

Bert,
There have been others who have attempted to convert trailers that were much closer to the required specs than what you are describing - and I have yet to hear of any success stories.
Even if you elected to have a trailer shop evaluate the feasibility of this project, you'll have to provide him with a number of measurements which are not easy to come by.
If your situation allows for it, I'd search for a used trailer built specifically for the C-25 or find a manufacturer who can duplicate one from an existing trailer you might be able to borrow to get measurements from.
Lastly, I'd recommend rollers over bunks.
Good luck.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2003 : 20:59:47

My suggestion would be to find a competent fabrication shop or trailer outfit in you area that could give you a better idea of what kind of troubles you'd get into trying to 'uprate' the trailer.

My guess is that they will discourage you from trying it.

A Catalina 25 is at the upper end of being a 'trailerable' boat.
Your thinking is correct, it's no place to take chances.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 02/10/2003 : 09:09:05

If the trailer has only a single axle, that means it was originally fabricated for a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of only 3200# maximum. The GVWR for an early model Catalina 25 needs to be at least 7500#, 10,000# for the later models. The implication here is that even if you upgrade the axles, the frame and coupler are not heavy duty enough for a Catalina 25. As OJ said in his post, your most sensible alternative is to shop for a used trailer built specifically for a Swing Keel 25. That way, you won't have to make expensive modifications.

Larry Charlot
Catalina 25 #1205 "Quiet Time"
Sacramento, CA

Edited by - on

Earl Landers
Navigator

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USA
157 Posts

Response Posted - 02/10/2003 : 10:23:02

Bert,
I have built two trailers from the ground up and did all the work myself in my garage. My experience in both cases was that I could have purchased new trailers for much less $$$. And that didn't even include anything for my time. The other thing I found was that it takes a lot of time to fabricate a trailer.

The other question you should have the answer to is, Is the frame of the trailer heavy enough to upgrade? If I were a trailer manufacturer, and I was building a 3500# trailer, it would not have the same frame that a 7500# trailer has. Whit steel, as with most other things, weight is $$$.

Another issue is long term liability. I know that you are a safe driver and that you will never have an accident while using your trailer. But what happens 5 years from now when you decide that you don't want it anymore. The newbie that buys your 3500# trailer has an accident on his way home. The lawyers find out that you have sold a 3500# trailer loaded with a 5000# boat. Do you think you have no liability? Do you think they will think that? Do you even want to find out?

Just MHO,

Earl Landers
'83 C25 SR/SK
"Gentle Spirit"

Edited by - on

CatalinaGuy
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
55 Posts

Response Posted - 02/10/2003 : 13:29:00

I bought a new trailer for my C25 a couple of months ago. I had never trailered a boat this size before, and when I went to pick up my trailer I was surprised by how massive it appeared. I had them build it with six pads (platforms) rather than bunks or rollers. This was so I could have clear access to the hull and bottom during haul out work.

When I put the boat on the trailer, it no longer seemed too big - The C25 is a big boat, and trailering it is no small task. Bottom line, get a trailer that is spec'd for your boat. This will absolutely require dual axles and beefy construction. The last thing you want is to have your boat totalled in a towing "mishap".

Doug Hibberd, 'Shiraz'
C25 SK/SR 1983
Austin, TX

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2003 : 00:49:01

Bert,

I've done significant modifications on 4 trailers, 3 of them for sailboats, including one for a C-25. I agree with what Larry Charlot said. As trailer sailors go, a C-25 is a force to be reckoned with. Don't approach the matter lightly.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> If you do modify an existing boat trailer, I suggest you start with a galvanized 10,000# chassis with roller bunks, and steel yourself for spending some serious boat bucks.

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

Ray Seitz
Captain

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USA
416 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2003 : 06:57:59

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>I bought a new trailer for my C25 a couple of months ago. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>Doug just out of curiosity (and always thinking ahead to the possibilities of a next boat) could you provide more information on who made your trailer?

Ray Seitz C 250WB #628 Sea Major

Edited by - on

gburton
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
8 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2003 : 07:16:37

From what I'm seeing, the general gist is to not muck around with trailer modifications! That was my general gut feeling, anyway, but...ya gotta ask the question! <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

Thanks for all the response and when I find a solution to my dilemna, I'll update.

Bert Burton
C25, #810
Shell Point, Florida
(Tallahassee)

Bert

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2003 : 22:44:40

Wanna experience trailer envy?

http://www.championtrailers.com/trlrnet.html

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

Edited by - on

Ed Montague
Captain

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USA
499 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2003 : 13:35:05

Beautiful trailers compared to my old Eze Loader and the price even seems resonable.

Ed Montague on 'Yahoo'
1978 #765 SK, Stnd, Dinette ~_/)~

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2003 : 18:46:08

I took a look at the Champion trailers, and the prices seemed suspiciously low compared to Trail-Rite and EZ-Loader, and then I figured out why: The prices on the Champion web page do not include brakes, and are for wood bunks, not rollers. The bunk board type trailers those prices are based on might work with a lighter, flatter bottomed boat like a Catalina 22 or MacGregor 26x, but I would not put a Catalina 25 on board bunks. By the time you add brakes and 6 sets of rollers (48 total rollers), the Champion trailers price out at about the same as a 10,000# GVWR Trail-Rite. The Catalina 25 is a huge, heavy boat, and it doesn't pay in the long run to go "cheap" for a trailer, especially if you plan to take long trailering cruises, like we do, from Sacramento to the San Juan/Gulf Islands, which is 900 miles towing each way (Sacramento to Bellingham, WA). Does anyone on this forum have an aluminum frame trailer under their C-25? Are you happy with it, any problems? Would you buy another aluminum trailer if you were shopping for a trailer again?

Larry Charlot
Catalina 25 #1205 "Quiet Time"
Sacramento, CA

Edited by - on

CatalinaGuy
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
55 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2003 : 22:15:17

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Doug just out of curiosity (and always thinking ahead to the possibilities of a next boat) could you provide more information on who made your trailer?

Ray Seitz C 250WB #628 Sea Major
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Sure Ray, I purchased my trailer from a local manufacturer here in Texas. They had made C25 trailers in the past, so they had the plans. Here's a link: http://www.magnumtrailers.com

Doug Hibberd, 'Shiraz'
C25 SK/SR 1983
Austin, TX

Edited by - on

mdh347
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
16 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2003 : 09:47:33

I have recently bought a Catalina 25 Swimg Keel; it's in the Fingerlakes and I'm in Boston, so getting it here is my problem. One option is a trailer, and I know nothing. The boat has a steel cradle and I can get a '94 Eagle 2-axle bunk trailer rated for 6,000 lbs, previously used for a powerboat. Can the cradle be put on a bunk? And why the recommendation for a 7,500-10,000 lb rating for a boat with a 4,550 lb weight? Any insights greatly appreciated.

Mort Hoffman

Edited by - on

Ed Montague
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
499 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2003 : 16:02:45

Mort, Catalina advertized the C25's weight at the bare minimum, without motor, batteries, water tank, etc. There are many cases where the actual weight of the boat can reach 8,000 lbs. No kidding! I have no idea about putting your cradle onto a trailer with bunks. Sounds pretty frightening. I'm in California so I can't help you with a loan.

Ed Montague on 'Yahoo'
1978 #765 SK, Stnd, Dinette ~_/)~

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2003 : 19:00:25

I just took delivery on a trailer for my 89tr/wk. It is rated 8900 lbs, has dual 6,000 lb axles, 4 wheel stainless steel disc brakes, aluminum frame, stainless hardware, galvanized rims with load range D tires, and spare tire. It is a beast. I am fine tuning the bunk heights now. Just got back from the Florida Keys and I towed the boat with me using a full size Chevy pickup with 4wd (Not a dually) No problems, except the price of gas. at 975 miles one way, and 10 mpg, you can see how much I supported those arabs. Next time I'll call Scotty. I wouldn't even think of taking a trip like that with a substandard trailer.

The trailer cost me 5 grand, including shipping and was delivered to my house one week after ordering it.

My next step is to get a load distributing hitch.

After I finish the fine tuning of the bunks this spring I'll take extensive measurements and maybe someone can tell me how to post it to our website

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

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