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I may be picking up a trailer and would like to tap into the collective experience of The Hull Truth. Yes I will contact Steve at East Coast (site sponsor) before I make a choice. I would like to get an education before I contact him....
Here is my situation. I have a 23 foot Regulator with a single Yammi 250 OX66. The boat holds 183 gallons of fuel....I estimate the weight at around 6,000 pounds (3800 for the boat, 600 for the engine, 1100 for gas, 500 for misc. stuff....). I would be pulling it in and out of the harbor weekly, but the driving distance is a couple of miles. I would maybe take one trip a year of approximately 100 miles. I would store the boat on the trailer (on blocks) over the winter.
What would you recomend and why? What Mass laws should I be aware of? I have never owned a trailer so I am a complete newbie at this....
I would store the boat on the trailer (on blocks) over the winter.
If you have a trailer why would you store the boat on blocks? .
ooops...I meant take the weight of the trailer wheels by putting the trailer frame on blocks so the wheels are not touching the ground...and leaving the boat on the trailer.
The more heavy duty the better!!! You will end up trailering this somewhere at some point, I can almost guarantee. Having the right trailer will give you a piece of mind when doing so.
Dual axle brakes, LED lights, Guide on poles are a big plus too. Bunks or Rollers your choice. I personally like bunks.
You won't go wrong with Steve. He offers a great product at a great price, and is very knowledgeable should you have questions or issues. I bought my trailer from him and had to make one minor adjustment. I gave him my boat make & model and it was delivered set-up to go.
I would add more than 500lb for stuff? How much Ice do you carry? Would you ever reporer with twins? If so add 600 lbs capacity. Also add the weight of the trailer to your total. Definately dual axle disc brakes. Drums will lockup and cost more to redo. Led lts are great. I would also go aluminum frame. Bunks will require a deeper ramp. At some ramps you wont have a chance with the bunk. Bunks also dont need rollers replaced.
Call steve, I went through this 2 seasons ago. I couldn't get any one in the Northeast to come within $2000.00 of his price with shared shipping. He is a super guy and very easy to deal with. I would think 2 axles / disc brakes / spare and spare carrier would fit the bill. I love my loadmaster. Steve will hook you up I'm sure.
If you have a deep ramp to use a bunk trailer works. Tide isn't much in Falmouth. If you don't have a good ramp rollers help.
Take your total weight and add 10% safety factor minimum when to select trailer rating.
For weekly use, get the brake flush kit.
MA law for that size boat isn't complicated. You have to register the trailer and pay exise. Insurance is on your vehicle.
Make sure your tow vehicle is rated, has a hitch and is wired. Include the weight of the trailer to figure out your vehicle rating. You'll pick the ball height with the hitch in the receiver to get the trailer to sit level when it is hooked up.
I have a 7,400 lb trailer with rollers from 1998. They need maintenance regardless of how you care for it.
I have drum brakes but as mentioned disc is the way to go. I replaced the tires last year and stayed with bias ply. People that tow more often go with radials. The tires will dry rot before you wear them out for your usage plans Mike.
- go with 7400 pounds for a safety margin
- disc brakes
- dual axel
- aluminum frame
- bunk for steep/ deep ramps, rollers for shallow grade ramps
- led lights
- guide posts
- call Steve....
I'll see you at Nauset this year! Its only a 4-5 mile cruz to get into um... Nice whale show to boot... I know someone selling a big trailer, I'll email the details.
cape_rover - 6/7/2006 8:18 AM I'll see you at Nauset this year! Its only a 4-5 mile cruz to get into um... Nice whale show to boot... I know someone selling a big trailer, I'll email the details.
Thanks Rover. This is just one of the alternatives I am exploring.....I have an issue we can talk about off line. A trailer will help...
....getting out by you without having to run for 3 hours in the dark is just a side benefit...... Better gas milage for a big truck than my yammi 250 as well....
Of course the last question is "Can I trailer the boat to Hydro?" Think of the gas savings!!!
I'll keep you posted CMP. Please keep me posted as well.
I am going to drag my feet up until the point this becomes a crisis. (A lot of balls in the air) When it becomes a crisis, I will worry about Steve's delivery lead time for shipping.
...my problem, not his.....
So if we combine purchases we might be able to justify a transport trip north more quickly....
Everything said here is correct one thing not mention is the tow vechile just make sure you have the combination weight (truck and trialer/boat) to meet the DOT standards - Mass State police have been known to check and if you are under there you sit - till you get a truck that will meet the standards - Make sure you have everthing on the boat you need to meet the boating safety standards - EPO and harbor masters will be at the ramps more than ever this year - many towns don't have funding for the harbor patrols boats so they will be checking at the State and local ramps - As for trailering the only thing I can think of that you might need is a oversize permit if your beam is greater than 8' - 6". Also you might need a CDL if the total combinations weight is over 26000# or the trailer is over 10000#-
Mike, I didn't see stainless disc brakes mentioned so I'd recommend getting stainless. They're worth it. I would never own a heavy boat with a roller trailer period. Bunk, in my opinion, is the only way to go. You can buy spray or bunk slicks if you have to use a tough ramp. Spraying my bunks with a product called Liquid Rollers makes my boat slide right off. I have a 27 foot center console that I trailer. Steve is a good guy - he actually knows what customer service means.
Good luck. Hoping to head offshore soon if the weather ever breaks...
Mass Trailer Advice 
