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lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/10/2003 :  10:36:31  Show Profile
I just got "Quiet Time"'s trailer back from the shop. The original 3750# capacity axles, which were all bent and misaligned, were replaced with heavy-duty 5200# axles and springs, which also required upgrading the original 14" tires to 15" load range "D". The problem I am facing is that the new components are substantially larger, resulting in a net increase of about 8" to the height of the trailer frame and rollers. I suspect that this will probably require the use of a tongue extension to launch and retrieve the boat, which I didn't need previously. I would appreciate any feedback on this issue from those of you who also have tongue extenders. I have seen several different kinds of tongue extender systems. What works best? What can I put together that won't require welding anything to the trailer? I just paid over 10 BU's to have the trailer sandblasted and painted, and do not want to have to do anything - like welding - that would require a repainting. All of the work came to 33.5 BU's, but the trailer looks brand new, is now 10,500# capacity instead of 7,500#, and the cost was only about half of what a new galvanized trailer would have cost. BTW - when I was shopping around for new trailers, before deciding to get my old one fixed up, I discovered that the price quotes I was getting in the $4500-$5500 price range were for trailers with BUNKS, not ROLLERS. A new, galvanized 10,500# trailer with 64 rollers, like my old one, was more like $7,500, which was not economically feasable. Anyway, here's a picture, you can see that the fenders are now several inches clear above the tires; the gap was much smaller with the original axles. The small platform in front is something I added. It is made of 2x6's and gives me a place to sit, and to stand on when using the trailer winch or pinning the furler drum. I have to say that the shop did a great job with the sandblast and paint; the trailer looks as good as new. Now if I can just keep it away from salt water!
<img src="http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/2f06480c/bc/My+Photos/trailer1.jpg?bc5Pmv.Ak78RUDFa" border=0>


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



Edited by - lcharlot on 05/11/2003 10:33:41
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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts
Response Posted - 05/10/2003 :  11:04:55  Show Profile
Hi Larry,

Your "new" trailer sounds great ... the photo isn't working right now ... 'can't wait to see how it turned out.

Anyway, if you haven't seen this rope-launching technique from the Tech Tips, it's worth considering:

http://c25c250.best.vwh.net/restricted/fortu.html

I haven't made a system like this yet, but I plan to before I take my boat out of the water next time. I have watched the worker bees at my marina launch MANY boats using a similar rope system, and it works like a champ.

'Hope that helps ... keep us posted on your progress!

Buzz Maring
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>
~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68
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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts
Response Posted - 05/10/2003 :  22:29:36  Show Profile
My tongue extension is a simple piece of 2x4 tubing that is held on the trailer with brackets composed of simple all-thread and some sections of steel plate. No welding required.

Post back or PM me if you want me to email you some photos.

-- CB

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

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts
Response Posted - 05/11/2003 :  10:42:01  Show Profile
Buzz - I checked out the Rope Launch article. I don't think that would work at Folsom Lake, due to the ramp being curved. It looks like there is no practical way to steer the trailer around a corner. On a straight-line launch ramp, it would be okay, but Folsom Lake's ramp has a definate curve to it. Anyway, I tested the new trailer yesterday, and I can get the boat on and off without having to drown the tow vehicle.

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