Trailer suitable for O’Day 23

Aug 27, 2025
17
ODay 23 Roque Bluffs
I recently purchased an O’Day 23 that is on a modified steel flatbed trailer. I’d like to procure a proper boat trailer but I’m unsure of what payload capacity I need. Is the displacement a suitable number if I add the motor weight and estimate the weight of gear? Do I necessarily need a dual axel trailer? I’m not traveling long distances—15 miles give or take.
TIA
 

dmax

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Jul 29, 2018
1,335
Telstar 28 Buzzards Bay
It looks like the O'Day weighs around 3,500 lbs. I would say you want a trailer with 6000 lbs. GVW (includes the weight of the trailer). You want a trailer that is not stressed. If it's steel, the trailer will be heavy, up to 1000 lbs. If possible, find an aluminum trailer, will be half the weight. You'll want dual axels with that much weight - it is especially helpful if you get a blow-out, single axel blow-outs can cause the trailer to go awry. Having to only go 15 miles is nice but still you need to make sure the boat will stay on the trailer and the trailer on the truck.
 
Last edited:
Oct 13, 2020
204
catalina C-22 4980 channel islands CA
I agree with DMAX. I have Catalina 22 on a single axle trailer. It works but I would like to have dual axle and brakes!
Dano
 
Aug 27, 2025
17
ODay 23 Roque Bluffs
Thanks for the info. I imagine finding a suitable trailer will be like looking for hen’s teeth. I’m in rural Maine. Not many dual axels that aren’t in need of major rehab.
 

dmax

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Jul 29, 2018
1,335
Telstar 28 Buzzards Bay
Try looking in southern New England, it'd be worth the trip. I haven't looked recently but in the past there always seemed to be decent trailers available - go where there are lots of boats.
 
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pgandw

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Oct 14, 2023
234
Stuart (ODay) Mariner 19 Yeopim Creek
Stuart Marine in Maine should be able to tell you where they source their trailers - or even sell you one to your specs.

Fred W
Stuart (ODay) Mariner 19 Sweet P
 
Jan 19, 2010
12,947
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
Thanks for the info. I imagine finding a suitable trailer will be like looking for hen’s teeth. I’m in rural Maine. Not many dual axels that aren’t in need of major rehab.
I've restored and flipped seven sailboats over the years and have bought and sold even more trailers than than that. The trailer market is odd. A decent used trailer often sells for $2,000 to $3,000, while a new one can run $3,500 to $5,000. Yet it's not uncommon to find a neglected boat sitting on a perfectly serviceable trailer for $400.
I've personally done this twice and have helped several friends find a "companion trailer" the same way.
For example, my Rhodes 22 currently sits on a dual-axle trailer that originally carried a 20-foot center-console fishing boat. I bought the boat and trailer package for $400 near Charlotte, brought it home, stripped the usable hardware from the boat, and then sold the bare hull for $100. If I account for the value of the hardware I kept, the trailer was essentially free.

Go onto Craigs List, or FB market place and set the max price at something like $800. You might find some widow who's husband's boat is now has a tree growing out of it and she just wants it gone. Sadley it is an all to common story.

One other factor to consider is brakes. I wouldn't want to be without them. Some states, including Virginia, do not require brakes on single-axle trailers, so brake requirements may influence your decision between a single- and dual-axle trailer.
 
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Jan 1, 2006
8,010
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
Yeah, sometimes you have to buy a boat on a trailer to buy the trailer.
For a used trailer, if you want to transport the boat, by the time you put new hubs on, new tires, lights, modifying bunks or rollers, you may be approaching the price of a new trailer.
 
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