Trailer modifications

[fiddlerami]

I used PVC to guide the keel and also the hull.  Works great.  I still want to make a step which would be part of the trailer and fold out to gain easy access to the cockpit.  I uploaded a pic in the gallery.

[B.Hart]

  Hi FID, My 16 sits on a 2x6 and I put rollers vertically on the side of the keel to guide the boat. pics in old gallery. I recently put on new fenders and reinforced them as steps.   HAPPY SAILING   BILL

[Lost Lake]

I know I'm late in my write up of my factory visit to Hutchins last month, but Gerry and I did talk trailers while I was there.

He said I should take the rollers of the keel and install a treated 2x10 for support. I asked how much the side bunks should hold and he said "Nothing! They are just there to keep the boat upright!"

Last fall I loosened a bolt on the side bunk to see if it was under strain and BANG! it shot down a good 2" when released. I wasn't sure I should continue so I just left it alone. This spring when I roll the boat out of the garage I'll replace the rollers on the bottom with a carpeted 2x10 and make sure the boat is supported by the keel alone.

[Glenn Basore]

would this applied to the Eclipse as well ?

Glenn

[Lost Lake]

Hi Glenn,

The new trailers Gerry has in the yard are flat board bottomed.... You can call and ask, but I understand the keel can and should support the boat. That's how he is setting them up.

This spring I want to put a permanent ladder on the trailer and taller guides.

[Glenn Basore]

I notice while towing, my trailer frame flexes and this gives me some concerns although I'm not towing more than 100 miles round trip to sail. I also notice the rest or support bunks flex as well and they do seem to be carring some of the load of the Eclipse.

looking at the trailer from the side, the bunks seem to contour them selves to the shape of the hull.

the other problem I have is, the boat wants to move from side to side up to six inches.

She is sitting on a 2 x 6 plank with two two x 6 boards that guide the keel and boat on to the trailer. one of these two boards has a shape to it that matches the contour of the keel, the other is nice and straight.

I use a heavy moving strap to secure the back of the boat while towing and remove it once I get it home. and loosen the bow strap as well.

[B.Hart]

   We use to always balance the sorc race boats on the keel and shore up the rest with 6x6's and 2x4's, as well as the 16 is made I had no doubt it should ride on the keel.  Also the flat bunk allowed me to lower the boat in the trailer making it handle better.   HAPPY TRAILERING   BILL

[seabulz]

I have an older model trailer and 16' and have replaced all the rollers twice now. I am a salt water sailor and each time I replaced rollers I was shocked to see how weakened the support rods were. At the last replacement I thought along the lines you folks have been discussing and will now go ahead and put down a "V" Shaped board with carpet. It will probably mean having to cut away all the rusted galvanized (rusted at welding and holes) support bunks and replace those. I like the idea of the bringing the boat three inches down on the trailer - the lower launch point may save some exhaust pipe exits on my cars to boot.