Maybe I'm the only one crazy enough to investigate trailers,, but then if you buy a boat and need to move it, if we manage to plan a major regatta ,, how??? I was fortunate that Chandler ( lives, sleeps, eats ... boats) knew a friend that campaigned a 525 as if it was a Thistle. While this boat was put in for a race, Chandler borrowed the trailer and PRESTO was delivered.
My interest in trailers has continued. I started to look for a used one but still have not found one yet to date. The thoughts of building one came up when I noticed how many different trailer styles there were. I thought that I would add JPGs of the various 525 trailers that I have found. The JPG of RADIOACTIVE was sent in by Kari Maples.
Again on the net I discovered the 525 "Bandit" for sale. The trailer is a single axel, possibly could be home built. If the boat is only going to be moved for winter storage ( not a long distance) or "dry docked for a bottom job, a single axel should be adaquate. My personal feelings are that a dual axel would be necessary for long hauls. My mind can think of all sorts of terrible happenings that a flat or lost wheel could cause. I have heard several war stories for load shift, flat tires, steep hills, and high gusty winds from a beam. When it comes to moving a 2,500 lb boat, don't scrimp too much on the trailer or towing vehicle. Having good brakes could be an excellent idea!!
Another example of a trailer used. I kinda like the built in ladder for getting on board. The trailer is designed for easy float on-off operation which is a very nice feature.
I surfed the web and requested that trailer manufactures sent in a rough quote for their products to give us a
ballpark price. The actual prices are based on the number of axles, bearings,
brake choices, tires size, finish, mast carrier, lockable tool box, pin
stripping, lift-off and float -off choices.
Triad Trailers were the first to respond and what
a quote. (8 pages) The quote lists most possible options for a premier
customized trailer. Prices start around $2,400 and with all the bells and
whistles can top a little over $4,000. For an example of their work, check out the J24 trailer below. It has nice features like a keel guard to protect that fairing job you did last summer from rocks as you take her to the Nationals, and built in jack stands to keep you on an even keel while she is on dry land. The front launch wheel is necessary on shallow ramps to allow for an extention or launch cable to keep the tow vehicle out of deep water.
Check them out at:
www.sailnet.com/triad/why.htm
If other manufactures respond, I'll add them to the list.
