trailering a 31' Hunter

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metalman

Has any one had any experience trailering a 31 w/fixed keel(or any thing else close). We have a 1 ton truck, 3 axles and a welding shop.. Just wondering how a boat 13 and a half feet in the air pulls? We have to tow it 600 miles threw relatively flat roads in the mid west...
 
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Ed Allen

it aint good

It is done but its not a very good way to go. get a boat hauler to move it for you if its a one shot deal. alot depends on the trailer but this is not something that is very practical to do on a regulaor basis. they no designed to sit up on a trailer. easy to roll it. and the mast and rigging takes a beating. im not sure but in a lot of places you would need a special wide load permit to leagally do it. depends on the beam.
 
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metalman

hello ed

We checked into getting the permits, it seems like they would give them to anyone for a few bucks. Ive built a few trailer for other people I just have no experience with actually towing it. The yard at both ends will drop the mast get it ready(part of the purchase agreement).
 
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Dick Armstrong

Make or Buy Decision, Trailer

You might want to look at this web site in your decision process. http://www.yachtsales.com/trailers/mcs/cradles.html I was thinking of building a cradle for my boat, but found that I could buy from these guys almost as cheaply. They make trailers as well, and have a depth of experience. I talked with Mark Jacobs there, and was pleased with his helpfulness and their range of products. (905) 294-3507. Best wishes, Metalman!!
 

JCAL

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Dec 14, 2008
81
Hunter 27, 1990 Lake Charles
Tow That Boat

Metalman Bought a 33' Swiftsure few years ago she weighed 14,000 lbs, Invented a set of jack stands to lift it with and built a trailer. Picked up the boat setting on a cradle, set it on my trailer and towed it 250 miles. Sold the jack stands for $1500.00. Anything is possible with careful planning. You have the truck and trailer your biggest issues are adapting the trailer, hint build the support stanchions adjustable up and down and that will lean in or out. Ask someone who has a boat like yours setting on a cradle to provide measurements for you. Note as a reference point have them take the measurements from the designated lifting points indicated along the rub-rail. Note you will want to position some of your trailer supports directly under the designated lifting points on the boat, Hunter marks them along the rub-rail normally. Next make sure you check with the states you will tow through. Permits are usually cheap $10.00 to $25.00 there are exceptions though; Texas was $135.00 last year so check your route and plan it well, a slight detour around a state may save big bucks for permits. You can do it just plan well and think it through carefully. I presently own a 1990 H-27 that I built a trailer for and a rig to lower and raise the mast with. Good Luck! Jim
 
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metalman

Thanks Jim

Just wondering if you have any drawing or pictures of the trailer you built. Its nice to see Im not crazy... You should see the looks we get when we tell people we are going to trailer it! Did you use a tri axle setup? I have noticed that all the boats I have seen pictures of have the keel centered over the front two axles, is that to increase tongue weight so it tracks better. The permits are only going to be 45 bucks for 3 states. Did you travel during the day like required and stop at any scales? Thanks again for replying Chris
 

JCAL

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Dec 14, 2008
81
Hunter 27, 1990 Lake Charles
The Towed Boat

Chris Do you have the 4’ draft or 5’ draft? I did use a tri-axle trailer to move the 33 Swiftsure, weight 14K lbs. I use a dual axle for my H-27, 6K lbs. About the best you can do for dual axle tires is 2800 lbs X 4 + 11,200 lbs weight rating. It depends on how much additional weight in accessories you have on board at the time you move it. Consider your H-31 is 10,000 lb. You will want at least 10% or 1000lbs of the weight on the tongue/Hitch. That leaves 9K + lb load on the trailer tires or 20% of the trailer load. If you have 3 axles good that’s better I like the safety factor, your call. Yes sometime the boat is shifted more toward the front two axles to get the additional tongue weight, but the rear does take the extra load at critical times, just enough to offset the weight. Send me an email and I will send you pictures of some trailers and mine. jcal@cox-internet.com Jim
 
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