Cradle to trailer

[mike]

Hi,I need advise on where to weld pads on trailer to accomodate a 272 - any advise would be much appreciated w/this project!Thanks,Mike

 

[Tom Ehmke]

Mike, consider an alternative

When I bought my 272 in 1994, it was stored on a cradle resting on a trailer belonging to the previous owner. He asked me if I wanted the trailer, and I said no because I had no vehicle which would tow the boat and cradle. If your boat comes with a cradle, it can be easily set onto a trailer and towed that way. That's exactly what the previous owner of my boat did to save on winter storage fees. (He also had a place to park boat and trailer at home.) The cradle for my 272 is light enough that two people can pick it up and move it. I took it home two years and rebuilt parts of it with native oak which is what all the support pieces are made of. The total cost for the lumber was about $35.So... rather than remodel a trailer, consider hauling it on the cradle.Tom

 

[Vic]

Look inside first ...

The best bet is to see where the interior support runs ... and put a decent size resting pad under it. Definitely don't try to support at a place where there is just the fiberglass skin or it will buckle in. There is a good cross member at the engine and at the forward bulkhead. Most of the weight is supposed to be supported at the keel with the supporting arms holding it upright. At the keel you need to be a little careful because of the wings that you are not putting all the pressure just on the edges of the wing. This is sort of the same rules you would use to store on land as well.Vic"Seven"