Trailering a 27

[John]

I am interested in buying a 27 foot catalina. Ideally I would like to spend a few months on one land locked lake then trailer it to another for a few months. Does anyone have any tips on trailering one of these, stepping the mast, launching and hauling out?I would be most grateful for any comments that might prevent me from doing anything stupid.Also if trailering a 27 is feasible, any info about trailer specs and/or know of where to acquire a trailer? Thanks in advance.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Could be cost prohibitive

Trailering a fixed keel boat is feasible but I think it might cost quite a bit for what you're thinking. You're looking at having it travel lifted in & out of each lake cuz you'd have to have one long trailer tongue to get it deep enough to reach the boat. You'd obiously also have to step the mast each time & 27s weren't really designed for that.If you plan on doing this, I would think a 25 would be a better choice for you. There may be less room but it'll be a gazillion times easier to trailer.LaDonna

 

[Mike Golletz]

Yes to Trailering

Yes, trailering a C27 is feasable. I had the local welding shop manufacture a trailer to a design that I plagerized from another type of boat, I just substituted the hull measurments for a C27. If you use an experienced welding shop they'll ensure your design and axles are suitable for the combined weight of boat and trailer (approx 8000 lbs). Our trailer cost $4600 can. To pull this load we used a Ford 3/4 ton with 460 engine, 5 spd transmission, and 410 diff gearing. I believe a vehicle with these specs is the minimum that would safely tow a C27. Going through the mountains we were down to 2nd gear on some of the steeper passes.

 

[John Sharp]

Thanks Mike

Much Thanks for the info Mike. I agree on the tow vehicle reccomendations. My truck is a F-350 dually, 7.4 diesel.Would you have any words regarding how to step and un-step the mast?Thanks again,John

 

[Dan]

Yes you can trailer a 27. Be aware that the beam of the boat is greater than waht is allowed without a wide load permit. (Doesn't mean you have to have one, but!!!) Trailering requires a healthy towing vehicle. I use a Ford Power Stroke in a 3/4 ton 4wd supercab. This is definitely enough truck to handle the rig, as I have taken it over the continental divide in Colorado. If the boat doesn't have a hinged mast step, you should plan on replacing the step with one that does hinge. (Not expensive) Time should be spent learning how to raise and lower the mast without the aid of a crane. It really isn't that hard, but you need to understnad the principles involved. Join the Catalina 27n list which I found through the IC27A, which is the Catalina 27 Association. Ask questions, as this has been a topic of discussion in the past, and the answers are there. As I live in Colorado, and ny C-27 is my third sailboat, I have experience with the problems associated with trailering. Feel free to e-mail me when you are ready to try raising or lowereing the mast, and I can provide a detailed description of what to do.DanCorsairC-27 #2262

 

[John Sharp]

Thanks Dan

Thanks a lot Dan. I am getting more and more encouraged and excited about trying trailing a 27. I would very much like to E-mail you but I don't have yor address. Mine is jgsharp@solve.net. How do I join the Catalina 27n list? Where do I get info on IC27A? Thanking you in advance for your response I am,Sincerly,John

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

C27 Int'l Assn

Their website is www.catalina27.org. Good luck & have fun!LaDonna