Hello All, I have recently acquired a Mac 25 and am very excited to try her out. The only problem is that she does not have a trailer. Does anyone know where to get a used trailer for my new baby? If not, does anyone have the dimensions for the trailer so that I might be able to get a trailer built or modified to fit? Maybe someone has one that can be borrowed or rented long enough to get her to my dock in Mississippi. Thanks in advance, Tim
Trailer needed
- Thread starter goin divin
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try this...
Hi Goin Divin! First off congrats! I know how you feel, I just got my V2-24 and am tickled pink!... As to the trailor... Given the shape of Macs you can almost use any boat trailor that has some adjustment to the bunks...And certainly any, if you can cut & weld...I actually think that my 73 17.5 Trihull weighs more than the sailboat...so weight is not a big issue, as far as the trailor is concerned... Look in local papers for a boat trailor, ask around at the nearest boat mechanic's place, or try "Craigslist"... If "money is no object"...Do a search on Google for "sailboat trailers" it will bring you several hundred hits such as Triad trailers, and Road King, (They have a place in Ocala Fla)...These places offer new trailers custom fit for your boat...but they are proud of them!
I would be glad to take some pics of my trailer for you, so you can get an idea of what will work, if you want me to...Just email me through my website... privateer dash tradin dot com. Skip or just click here:
Hi Goin Divin! First off congrats! I know how you feel, I just got my V2-24 and am tickled pink!... As to the trailor... Given the shape of Macs you can almost use any boat trailor that has some adjustment to the bunks...And certainly any, if you can cut & weld...I actually think that my 73 17.5 Trihull weighs more than the sailboat...so weight is not a big issue, as far as the trailor is concerned... Look in local papers for a boat trailor, ask around at the nearest boat mechanic's place, or try "Craigslist"... If "money is no object"...Do a search on Google for "sailboat trailers" it will bring you several hundred hits such as Triad trailers, and Road King, (They have a place in Ocala Fla)...These places offer new trailers custom fit for your boat...but they are proud of them!
I would be glad to take some pics of my trailer for you, so you can get an idea of what will work, if you want me to...Just email me through my website... privateer dash tradin dot com. Skip or just click here:Thanks
Thanks Skip. I have looked around for a trailer to modify but I am not sure how long the trailer needs to be. Would a 18 foot trailer work? I personally think it might need to be 19 or 20 feet long, but I may be wrong. Any pictures would be great so I can see what mods need to be done to the rear crossmembers. Don't they need to be welded in a "V" shape to accomodate the keel? Thanks, Tim
Thanks Skip. I have looked around for a trailer to modify but I am not sure how long the trailer needs to be. Would a 18 foot trailer work? I personally think it might need to be 19 or 20 feet long, but I may be wrong. Any pictures would be great so I can see what mods need to be done to the rear crossmembers. Don't they need to be welded in a "V" shape to accomodate the keel? Thanks, Tim
Vshape
I think mine just has a roller in the middle...I will go get some pics, and take some measurements... Your boat is a swing keel right?
I think mine just has a roller in the middle...I will go get some pics, and take some measurements... Your boat is a swing keel right?
Thanks
Thanks Skip, At least I know how long the trailer needs to be and how much hangs off the back. I was confused because I have seen pics that show the boat on the trailer and the bunks seem to only go back to the end of the cabin. It looked like the last 5 feet or so would hang unsupported. THanks, Tim
Thanks Skip, At least I know how long the trailer needs to be and how much hangs off the back. I was confused because I have seen pics that show the boat on the trailer and the bunks seem to only go back to the end of the cabin. It looked like the last 5 feet or so would hang unsupported. THanks, Tim
balance
I'm sure there are more learned folks here who could step up here and join this discussion! heheheh I don't think it would hurt to have a few feet hanging off of the rear...That's a sturdy hunk of hull there...Of course there are laws to contend with...(4 foot overhang behind the tail-lights in Georgia...)I really dont think you would want that much... I think the most important thing to keep in mind is the needed distance between the front bumber pad behind the winch, to the axle...That's the one aspect of the trailer that would be a PIA to change. And that distance will determine the balance of the boat on the trailer. Too far back (axle) and you place too much weight on the tongue and the rear of your truck...too far forward and you REMOVE too much weight from the rear of your truck...I have worked in the towing business for 15 years...You would be amazed how many never think of that when they load a trailer!...I pulled one guy out of the ditch after he hit a really good dip and his back tires came off of the ground, because the trailer picked him up due to negative tongue weight...He had loaded a skidsteer at the very rear of a tandem axle trailer...The truck jack-knifed and the skid steer went flipping off into the woods...I have also seen a bunch going down the road with their load all the way at the front of the trailer...truck all squashed down in the rear...enough to lighten the steering ability of their truck...Of course tow truch drivers have a name for folks like that..."Job security" heheheh Good luck on the hunt...I'll keep my eyes open. Skip
I'm sure there are more learned folks here who could step up here and join this discussion! heheheh I don't think it would hurt to have a few feet hanging off of the rear...That's a sturdy hunk of hull there...Of course there are laws to contend with...(4 foot overhang behind the tail-lights in Georgia...)I really dont think you would want that much... I think the most important thing to keep in mind is the needed distance between the front bumber pad behind the winch, to the axle...That's the one aspect of the trailer that would be a PIA to change. And that distance will determine the balance of the boat on the trailer. Too far back (axle) and you place too much weight on the tongue and the rear of your truck...too far forward and you REMOVE too much weight from the rear of your truck...I have worked in the towing business for 15 years...You would be amazed how many never think of that when they load a trailer!...I pulled one guy out of the ditch after he hit a really good dip and his back tires came off of the ground, because the trailer picked him up due to negative tongue weight...He had loaded a skidsteer at the very rear of a tandem axle trailer...The truck jack-knifed and the skid steer went flipping off into the woods...I have also seen a bunch going down the road with their load all the way at the front of the trailer...truck all squashed down in the rear...enough to lighten the steering ability of their truck...Of course tow truch drivers have a name for folks like that..."Job security" heheheh Good luck on the hunt...I'll keep my eyes open. Skip
Just an idea
I'm not an expert either, but I have had 3 Macs. A common problem with the stock trailers is lack of tongue weight, a dangerous condition. The center of gravity is too far back. Some have moved the axle back a foot or so, and seem happy with that. Seems to me that a great idea, if you are having a trailer built, would be to mount the axle using bolts with extra holes, so they could be adjusted after you know the fully loaded tongue weight.
I'm not an expert either, but I have had 3 Macs. A common problem with the stock trailers is lack of tongue weight, a dangerous condition. The center of gravity is too far back. Some have moved the axle back a foot or so, and seem happy with that. Seems to me that a great idea, if you are having a trailer built, would be to mount the axle using bolts with extra holes, so they could be adjusted after you know the fully loaded tongue weight.
stock trailer
Tim, I have a factory trailer for my M25. I'm a bit too far away to loan it to you for transport but could take photos and measurements if it would help your cause. You are correct in that the bunks barely extend past the cabin. I don't know if that was a cost-saving measure or what. My opinion, a couple of feet longer to the rear would have made for a better rig. That being said, the trailer seems to serve its purpose well enough. I have had no problems towing other than a dry-rotted, passenger car tire blowing on the tow home when I initially bought the boat. (no, I had no spare either) As far as tongue weight goes, properly loaded and with the motor off it seems fine. I have never weighed it but it is tough to lift by hand so I'd guess in the neighborhood of 175-200#. Some people have fabricated a mount for the motor near the trailer winch to help with tongue weight and a place to carry the motor. I may do that this winter when the boat is back on the trailer as I plan on trailering to Lake Ontario next summer. Let me know what help you may need. This forum is filled with helpful folks as you will soon find. Good luck with your boat. -John
Tim, I have a factory trailer for my M25. I'm a bit too far away to loan it to you for transport but could take photos and measurements if it would help your cause. You are correct in that the bunks barely extend past the cabin. I don't know if that was a cost-saving measure or what. My opinion, a couple of feet longer to the rear would have made for a better rig. That being said, the trailer seems to serve its purpose well enough. I have had no problems towing other than a dry-rotted, passenger car tire blowing on the tow home when I initially bought the boat. (no, I had no spare either) As far as tongue weight goes, properly loaded and with the motor off it seems fine. I have never weighed it but it is tough to lift by hand so I'd guess in the neighborhood of 175-200#. Some people have fabricated a mount for the motor near the trailer winch to help with tongue weight and a place to carry the motor. I may do that this winter when the boat is back on the trailer as I plan on trailering to Lake Ontario next summer. Let me know what help you may need. This forum is filled with helpful folks as you will soon find. Good luck with your boat. -John
A reg. boat trailer
Ive had my V222 on a reg. boat trailer for 3 years and it has been very functional. The boat trailer is made where everything is adjustable so moving the axle was no problem. All the holes are there already and all. I did have to readjust my axle for the sailboat, as before the previous owner had a powerboat with a very heavy engine on it, on the trailer. good luck!
Ive had my V222 on a reg. boat trailer for 3 years and it has been very functional. The boat trailer is made where everything is adjustable so moving the axle was no problem. All the holes are there already and all. I did have to readjust my axle for the sailboat, as before the previous owner had a powerboat with a very heavy engine on it, on the trailer. good luck!
Thanks John
Hi John, Thanks for the offer of the pics and info about the trailer. I have found a trailer that I think might work. I need to modify it somewhat though. If you could get me pics of the bunk, axle and winch locations and measurements, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Tim Moore
Hi John, Thanks for the offer of the pics and info about the trailer. I have found a trailer that I think might work. I need to modify it somewhat though. If you could get me pics of the bunk, axle and winch locations and measurements, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Tim Moore
Short Trailer
I think the reason for the short bunks may be the short neck on the trailer. The only ramp I've unloaded/loaded on is pretty steep (I'd guess 20 deg. or so) I do like that I don't have to get my truck too far into the water to get it unloaded since the rear of the boat floats pretty quick with the short bunks. I've launched and loaded many different boats before, but never a large sailboat (never dawned on me how bad the forward visibility is at close range). Another mod that wouldn't hurt would be fender markers and a removable marker pole atop the winch rig to help center it up. I noticed most newer tralier sailors have the fender markers. (i.e. a vertical metal pole with PVC slipped over it) After loading the boat twice, we decided we'd enjoy our sailing days better if we didn't have to take verbal abuse from the drunks around the boat ramp while we are strugging to get the boat back on the trailer. So, before trailering it a third time, we went in and rented a slip through the end of the season...problem solved, for now anyhow.
I think the reason for the short bunks may be the short neck on the trailer. The only ramp I've unloaded/loaded on is pretty steep (I'd guess 20 deg. or so) I do like that I don't have to get my truck too far into the water to get it unloaded since the rear of the boat floats pretty quick with the short bunks. I've launched and loaded many different boats before, but never a large sailboat (never dawned on me how bad the forward visibility is at close range). Another mod that wouldn't hurt would be fender markers and a removable marker pole atop the winch rig to help center it up. I noticed most newer tralier sailors have the fender markers. (i.e. a vertical metal pole with PVC slipped over it) After loading the boat twice, we decided we'd enjoy our sailing days better if we didn't have to take verbal abuse from the drunks around the boat ramp while we are strugging to get the boat back on the trailer. So, before trailering it a third time, we went in and rented a slip through the end of the season...problem solved, for now anyhow.
Dear Abby
Sounds like you've gotten it under control. You will enjoy the slip more than you know. Safe haven to disembark from. No hassle for sure. I actually enjoyed the reparte from the on-shore hasslers. When I had my Mac 26S I'd pull her out with the the holding tank open and she wouldn't start dumping until the boat was fully out of the water. Alway had IQ challenged people yelling "what is it, a big leak in that sailboat"? I'd reply no, I'm just emptying my holding tank. That would always shut them up and they'd leave. Good sailing, Steve P.
Sounds like you've gotten it under control. You will enjoy the slip more than you know. Safe haven to disembark from. No hassle for sure. I actually enjoyed the reparte from the on-shore hasslers. When I had my Mac 26S I'd pull her out with the the holding tank open and she wouldn't start dumping until the boat was fully out of the water. Alway had IQ challenged people yelling "what is it, a big leak in that sailboat"? I'd reply no, I'm just emptying my holding tank. That would always shut them up and they'd leave. Good sailing, Steve P.
Holding Tank
I bet they would have scattered quicker if you'd told them you were dumping the head!
I bet they would have scattered quicker if you'd told them you were dumping the head!
Exactly
That's how smart they are. That's what they thought I was doing The mentally challenged are always easy to mess with. Steve P.
That's how smart they are. That's what they thought I was doing
The mentally challenged are always easy to mess with. Steve P.
Photos and measurements
Tim, I will get them for you. It will be a few days as I will be away on vacation until Sunday evening. Post an address(e-mail, work, etc) where you would like them. I could send them email or snail mail, whichever you prefer. -John
Tim, I will get them for you. It will be a few days as I will be away on vacation until Sunday evening. Post an address(e-mail, work, etc) where you would like them. I could send them email or snail mail, whichever you prefer. -John
Factory drawings
I have the factory drawings for the mac26C trailer. I am not sure if it is the same. I can email them to you Cheers
I have the factory drawings for the mac26C trailer. I am not sure if it is the same. I can email them to you Cheers
In the same boat... so to speak
I also just picked up a Mac 25, 1985, without a trailer and would like to get one. goin_divin, did you ever get photo's of the stock trailer you could forward?
I also just picked up a Mac 25, 1985, without a trailer and would like to get one. goin_divin, did you ever get photo's of the stock trailer you could forward?
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