I have an O'Day 23 that weighs on the order of 3200#. I also have a 20' tandem trailer with a rated capacity of 4000#. Question is, is this trailer suitable to haul this boat, or do I need 'more trailer?' There will be a short overhang of the boat off of the trailer, but not much. Thanks in advance for any insights! Adam
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mac overhang
Not a trailer expert, but I can share a photo of the factory trailer for a Mac-22 which weighs about 2000lbs and has several feet of overhang. The bunkboards end a little past the frame of the trailer. I believe a Mac-25 is probably the same arrangement, with more weight. As long as the hull is supported properly midships and the weight is balanced on the axle for positive tongue weight, the overhang makes little difference. Make sure your tow vehicle is rated not only for sufficient pulling power, but braking power as well.
Not a trailer expert, but I can share a photo of the factory trailer for a Mac-22 which weighs about 2000lbs and has several feet of overhang. The bunkboards end a little past the frame of the trailer. I believe a Mac-25 is probably the same arrangement, with more weight. As long as the hull is supported properly midships and the weight is balanced on the axle for positive tongue weight, the overhang makes little difference. Make sure your tow vehicle is rated not only for sufficient pulling power, but braking power as well.
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Over hang is OK
I think you'll find that almost all larger sailboats have some over hang at the back of the trailer. I have a 1979 O'Day 23 on a tandem axle trailer and I have an over hang that amounts to about everything back of the winches. I do want to note that my keel is completely resting on the trailer. I have also adjusted the position of the boat on the trailer so as to provide the required 10-15% tongue weight. On the trailer you'll want to make sure your have trailer tires, they're designated as "ST" on the sidewall, and ensure the load rating on the tires is high enough to handle the load. My tires have a rating of 1360 lbs. which to me seems only marginal when given the weight of our boat, trailer and gear combined. If you email me I'll send some photos of the boat on the trailer, the trailer configuration and some guide post I built to enable me to retreive the boat single handed on windy days.
I think you'll find that almost all larger sailboats have some over hang at the back of the trailer. I have a 1979 O'Day 23 on a tandem axle trailer and I have an over hang that amounts to about everything back of the winches. I do want to note that my keel is completely resting on the trailer. I have also adjusted the position of the boat on the trailer so as to provide the required 10-15% tongue weight. On the trailer you'll want to make sure your have trailer tires, they're designated as "ST" on the sidewall, and ensure the load rating on the tires is high enough to handle the load. My tires have a rating of 1360 lbs. which to me seems only marginal when given the weight of our boat, trailer and gear combined. If you email me I'll send some photos of the boat on the trailer, the trailer configuration and some guide post I built to enable me to retreive the boat single handed on windy days.
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