Looking for a used trailer that fits a 235 wing keel. Where are they hiding? Any leads on a manufacturer that already has the dimension of the boat, if I want to buy a new one? Thanks in advance! - Mike
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Neil
Neil
I researched the topic thoroughly a couple of months ago in case I could only find a F235 without a trailer. The 'best' (value, features, etc) F235-customized trailer I could find was from Roadmaster (see web page roadmaster.com). I don't know if you can buy direct from them, or if they will get you to go through an agent. However, a big part of the cost of these things is getting it from the factory to your location. If you can pick up from the factory, it's a huge savings - especially if it's not in your home state as you can then probably avoid sales tax in the factory's State. Roadmaster is close to where i live. there were also reasonably priced trailers customized for F235s in the midwest area, and one in/near Toronto. Tirad seem to be the gold standard, but they are also by far the most expensive. By the way, I'd strongly advice getting a galvanized trailer - sosts a bit more in the beginning, but saves a huge amount of maintenance later. Good luck.
I researched the topic thoroughly a couple of months ago in case I could only find a F235 without a trailer. The 'best' (value, features, etc) F235-customized trailer I could find was from Roadmaster (see web page roadmaster.com). I don't know if you can buy direct from them, or if they will get you to go through an agent. However, a big part of the cost of these things is getting it from the factory to your location. If you can pick up from the factory, it's a huge savings - especially if it's not in your home state as you can then probably avoid sales tax in the factory's State. Roadmaster is close to where i live. there were also reasonably priced trailers customized for F235s in the midwest area, and one in/near Toronto. Tirad seem to be the gold standard, but they are also by far the most expensive. By the way, I'd strongly advice getting a galvanized trailer - sosts a bit more in the beginning, but saves a huge amount of maintenance later. Good luck.
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David Walters
Think of Aluminum too
Mike, since your in the midwest and probably launching in sweet water most the time, An Alum. trailer might be the ticket. Don't make the assumption that it will be that much more expensive. Those I-beam trailers can be made pretty easily. The real cost is in the mig welding needed to set the permanent uprights. A good Alum supplier/welding shop could probably modify an existing blank easily if you had the correct dimensions. There is where some adjustability becomes great. Then the trailer can be fine tuned to fit the boat. The other issue with buying a blank and retrofitting is that the axles may have to be moved forward to compensate for the center of gravity of a sailboat vs a powerboat. If your in Michigan, checkout http://zinnermarine.com/index.html. Their located in Utica, MI and I found them to be very accomodating. David Walters
Mike, since your in the midwest and probably launching in sweet water most the time, An Alum. trailer might be the ticket. Don't make the assumption that it will be that much more expensive. Those I-beam trailers can be made pretty easily. The real cost is in the mig welding needed to set the permanent uprights. A good Alum supplier/welding shop could probably modify an existing blank easily if you had the correct dimensions. There is where some adjustability becomes great. Then the trailer can be fine tuned to fit the boat. The other issue with buying a blank and retrofitting is that the axles may have to be moved forward to compensate for the center of gravity of a sailboat vs a powerboat. If your in Michigan, checkout http://zinnermarine.com/index.html. Their located in Utica, MI and I found them to be very accomodating. David Walters
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Dan
Aluminum
My 235 with wing keel is currently sitting on a tandem axle aluminum trailer that I actually bought to transport another boat. I believe it is manufactured by American High performance trailers in Florida. It is not the perfect sailboat trailer but it has worked for me and I have been able to easily adapt it from one boat to the next by moving and adjusting the bunks for the hull. My trailer came with rubber torsion axles and disc brakes on one axle. It also has a tall adjustable bow stand. If you want I can try to find their number for you. I believe I paid around $2700 for this setup a couple of years ago. Dan
My 235 with wing keel is currently sitting on a tandem axle aluminum trailer that I actually bought to transport another boat. I believe it is manufactured by American High performance trailers in Florida. It is not the perfect sailboat trailer but it has worked for me and I have been able to easily adapt it from one boat to the next by moving and adjusting the bunks for the hull. My trailer came with rubber torsion axles and disc brakes on one axle. It also has a tall adjustable bow stand. If you want I can try to find their number for you. I believe I paid around $2700 for this setup a couple of years ago. Dan
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Paul
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Mike
Would love the number!
Thanks for the info. Would be worth talking to them, from what you say! - Mike
Thanks for the info. Would be worth talking to them, from what you say! - Mike
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David Walters
For Dan
My trailer is and American performance Alum. too! It was originally a pontoon trailer with the cross members bolted on top of the I-beam and I simple moved them under the beam and shortened a few to fit between the wheels. It has worked great. I wish I had the torsion axles you have as the leaf spring version I have raise the keel about 6" higher than it could be. Over all, a great trailer value and the bolt together build opens a lot of doors for adapting to other boats. FYI, mine trailer is actually way too big. It is about 32' long but this means I don't have to use an extension or it means I've got room for a bigger boat!!
My trailer is and American performance Alum. too! It was originally a pontoon trailer with the cross members bolted on top of the I-beam and I simple moved them under the beam and shortened a few to fit between the wheels. It has worked great. I wish I had the torsion axles you have as the leaf spring version I have raise the keel about 6" higher than it could be. Over all, a great trailer value and the bolt together build opens a lot of doors for adapting to other boats. FYI, mine trailer is actually way too big. It is about 32' long but this means I don't have to use an extension or it means I've got room for a bigger boat!!
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