All -- I am new to this forum and searched for trailer info, but am unable to find anything. I am purchasing a '78 S2 7.3 that needs to be shipped across Michigan. Due to the expense of professional shippers, it would seem reasonable to invest in a used trailer if I can find one in short order. Do any of you know if there are trailers suitable for an S2 7.3 available for sale? Any for rent? I am considering renting a flatbed and placing the boat and cradle on the flatbed, but distance between wheels may be a deal breaker. Thanks for any advice.
Trailer or shipping options for fin keel sailboat
- Thread starter JALaman
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Can't help with the trailer, but just so you know, the factory steel shipping cradle for my Hunter 340 was only 6 ft 4 in wide at the bottom, and the boat was just under 12 ft beam. It was about 17 ft long, and the boat was about 34 ft.
The S2 7.3 is just under 24 ft long, has an 8 ft beam, and displaces about 3300 lb, so there's no reason a cradle couldn't be made to fit between the wheels of a suitable (small) flatbed, and be used forever after for winter storage if that's how you want to roll. Since that boat probably has to be crane launched, it's worth considering. Trailer length may be an issue, though.
p.s. I know the dimensions of my cradle because I measured it up in detail in anticipation of moving it to another marina myself, on a trailer I already own, but I ended up selling the boat instead. I keep the drawing around in case someone needs such info.
The S2 7.3 is just under 24 ft long, has an 8 ft beam, and displaces about 3300 lb, so there's no reason a cradle couldn't be made to fit between the wheels of a suitable (small) flatbed, and be used forever after for winter storage if that's how you want to roll. Since that boat probably has to be crane launched, it's worth considering. Trailer length may be an issue, though.
p.s. I know the dimensions of my cradle because I measured it up in detail in anticipation of moving it to another marina myself, on a trailer I already own, but I ended up selling the boat instead. I keep the drawing around in case someone needs such info.
Research destination first!
Before you purchase this boat, I would consider this first;
Where you plan to sail this boat and the facilities provided!
With a 4 foot fixed draft, launching from a trailer may be a problem, checking launch depth would be first, make sure that when powerboats power back onto the trailer they don’t pile up the bottom beyond the end of the ramp and you don’t run aground leaving the ramp. Local sailboater's should have that knowledge or physically measure the water depth yourself. This may save you lots of time and money on purchasing a trailer or purchasing this boat.
If launching is out of the question then keeping the boat on a cradle or on jacks on land at times, you’ll not need a trailer, renting a U-haul or finding someone who has a race car would be the easiest. If you want to transport at other times of the year, then I would look at a small vehicle trailer to set the cradle on for moving, there should be many many more of these around to choose from than finding a boat trailer and having it modified to fit this boat.
On this site you’ll get many ideas and stories, but before they come flowing forth you’ll have to come back with the local problems facing you with this boat.
Before you purchase this boat, I would consider this first;
Where you plan to sail this boat and the facilities provided!
With a 4 foot fixed draft, launching from a trailer may be a problem, checking launch depth would be first, make sure that when powerboats power back onto the trailer they don’t pile up the bottom beyond the end of the ramp and you don’t run aground leaving the ramp. Local sailboater's should have that knowledge or physically measure the water depth yourself. This may save you lots of time and money on purchasing a trailer or purchasing this boat.
If launching is out of the question then keeping the boat on a cradle or on jacks on land at times, you’ll not need a trailer, renting a U-haul or finding someone who has a race car would be the easiest. If you want to transport at other times of the year, then I would look at a small vehicle trailer to set the cradle on for moving, there should be many many more of these around to choose from than finding a boat trailer and having it modified to fit this boat.
On this site you’ll get many ideas and stories, but before they come flowing forth you’ll have to come back with the local problems facing you with this boat.
Thanks. Your are right. The cradle measured 10ft x 5'- 7" so fitting between the wheel wells (7'-0" clear) is no problem.
When it comes to small boat trailering, I have more experience in this field with well over 1,000,000 miles plus pulling boats personally and as a small boat dealer. The advice given trying to launch with a cradeled boat on a trailer, you have to be very careful that the back side of the S2 does not hit the cradle frame. In addition, most ramps are not that long enough and would suggest that you have it picked up and put into the water with a travel lift or crane.
As for securing the cradle to any flatbead, you better make sure it will not move or you will be sorry. In addition, do not load the cradle to far back on the trailer as the trailer will sway on you.. It is recommended that 10% of the total weight of trailer, cradle and boat be on the tongue where attached to the tow vehicle.
Suggest strongly you have brakes on the trailer and insure they are working. If not and the trailer sways, then you need to accelerate to bring the sway out and then start braking.
Remember the center of gravity is much higher with a keel boat on the trailer vs. other boats that sit lower on the trailer which are much more stable. Been there and done it.
dave condon
As for securing the cradle to any flatbead, you better make sure it will not move or you will be sorry. In addition, do not load the cradle to far back on the trailer as the trailer will sway on you.. It is recommended that 10% of the total weight of trailer, cradle and boat be on the tongue where attached to the tow vehicle.
Suggest strongly you have brakes on the trailer and insure they are working. If not and the trailer sways, then you need to accelerate to bring the sway out and then start braking.
Remember the center of gravity is much higher with a keel boat on the trailer vs. other boats that sit lower on the trailer which are much more stable. Been there and done it.
dave condon
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