Long haul

[Mack]

I know that this is an old subject by I am new to it. I have owned a C-250 but have it docked at a marina. Because of a job transfer, I now live several hours away from my boat. I am considering getting a trailer and keeping the boat at my house. For those of you with trailering experience, any advice or admonitions about this plan? I have never trailered a sail boat.

 

[Dave Bolton]

It depends on how you plan oto use your boat

Mack,I now have a C22 which is my 4th boat and have trailered quite a bit. I think it really depends specifically on how far you have to tow to use your boat and how you plan to use it when you get there. If your sailing outings are going to be at least 1 day or so each time it is probably workable. I stored my first boat or two at my house but found that it took about 4-5 hours just to pack, tow launce, retrieve and tow my boat back. Add to that any time you actually want to sail! My time slices are usually 4-5 hours in duration, so I get a LOT more sailing in by keeping the boat docked at a convenient lake.I would also opt for close even if it's not as nice a sailing venue. There are times when 1 hour at the dock has been truly wonderful. Once you get more familiar with trailering your boat, you can always take it more interesting places (this is how the vast majority of boats in Colorado are used!)Also, my opinion is that a 250 is a bit large (I figure it is a bit larger, but the roughly the same weight a a C22) to drysail unless you plan to spend the whole weekend on the water ... but then that is me. There are lots of folks that drysail C22's. And it does get easier each time you launch, retrieve.Good Luck,Dave in DenverC22 #14805

 

[Mark M]

I've trailered a C-250

Even though you live several hours away from your boat, I'd keep it there unless you plan to sail a variety of lakes in your region on a regular basis. Why not move it to a lake closer to your new home?I kept my C250 on its trailer at the marina (dry-slipped) for about a year (no overhead lines between my parking place and the ramp). Since it remained rigged, it only took about 10 minutes to launch and park the truck & trailer. A few minutes extra are required when hauling to allow for the water to drain (I have the water-ballasted version of the C250 . . . you didn't mention which version you own).If I had to step and unstep the mast each time I sailed, I think I would soon decide to sell this boat! Yes, it only takes 45 minutes to an hour if you've got it down to a science. But, I never do it enough to get good at it. When I trailer long distances (e.g., on vacation), I strip down the boat more than is probably necessary. I completely remove the shrouds and stays. Others that I know keep most everything in place and use bungee to keep it from flopping around. Again, I wouldn't like doing this for long trips . . . I'm afraid something would chafe or the gelcoat would be damaged.Don't get me wrong . . . the C250 is a great boat if you want to occassionally travel long distances. I towed it almost 700 miles from Austin to Pensacola and back earlier this year. I'll be making the 250 mile milk run from Austin to Port Aransas and back in about a month. If I were to consider housing my boat at home, I'd probably live in less comfort and opt for the C22.If you own the wing-keel version of the C250, you are in for even more effort at the ramp. Your vehicle is going to have to pull more weight as well.Bottom-line: pick the solution that will give you more time on the water and less time rigging your boat. You and your family will be much happier.

 

[Mark M]

Weight of C250

One other thing in response to Dave's suggestion that the C250 and C22 may have similar weights. While I don't know the weight of a C22, I doubt it is close to that of the C250. My water-ballasted C250 weighs 3250 lbs. dry. Add a 1300 lb. trailer and another 500+ pounds for batteries, outboard, gear, fresh and waste water, etc. That is easily over 5000 lb. behind your tow vehicle. Coming up the ramp, add another 1200 lbs. in ballast water. You'll have to have a decent tow vehicle. I use a Chevrolet 1/2 ton, extended cab pickup (4WD & limited slip diff.)BTW, my trailer cost $3500. Is it worth it to you?