Trailering a Catalina 27??

[Mark]

Hi all,This is my first post here, and I accidently put it on the all boats section...so my apologies to those who read this twice.anyway - Does anyone have experience trailering a Catalina 27, or similar, that has a slightly 'larger than normally highway permitted' beam?How was it? Did you travel long distances through different states? Permits?Thanks for any thoughts.Best Regards,Mark

 

[Rob Rich]

From what I understand...

The C-27 can be trailered with an F250, but a 350 (comparable Dodge or Chevy) is preferred. I believe the beam exceeds the legal limit by a few inches, but is rarely noticed by the police, so few owners go through with the permits. Of course, if you get caught, the fine is on you.Personally, owning a C-27 (and a truck that will haul one) I would rather keep her in the water, which is what I do. Stepping the mast and checking the rigging is a chore on my catamaran, so I'd rather not mess with it on my Catalina. You can check the archives section for furhter info on this. Some people do it on a regular basis and enjoy it.Best of Luck,Rob

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Trailering

If you're looking for a trailer sailor, I'd think the C25 would fit your purposes better - much easier to trailer than a C27. Bob's comments were spot on from what I've heard. You take your chances on not getting permits but it's hardly noticed. LaDonna

 

[Dave Bolanz]

no problem

if you have a good built trailer, it's easy and a good truck, like a chevy 454.60 to 65 mph is not a problem.

 

[Echo Gulf]

Just do it!!

We've moved our C27 from Cold Lake Alberta to Sidney BC and back again several times. In early May I'll be picking up another C27 from Maple Bay and moving it back to Cold Lake for a friend. All you need is a good trailer (no need to be too heavey) and a strong truck. I use a Ford F250 with a 460 cu in motor and .410 gearing in the rear end, in my opinion this is the minimum that can safely handle the weight. According to the highway truck scales the boat and trailor average in at 9000 lbs, watch for low bridges as well, we require 13 ft clearance. The one and only time I ever called about a road permit (in BC) and informed them I was 4 inches over the limit, they suggested I not bother. It seems as if the biggest concern is with commercial vehicles.

 

[Bill Hatter]

Do YOU really want to?

Having trailered my former Catalina 22 for many a mile, I can't fathom why I would want to trailer my 27. I agree with our fellow sailors, you need a BIG truck a 250 or better. You also need a really STURDY trailer. Stepping the mast doesn't seem like a great deal of fun to me. I'd rather leave her where she is floating and enjoy!

 

[Mark]

Thanks for all your responses

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. I have a Dodge 2500 Cummins turbo diesel and a 10000# hitch, so towing is not a problem.Echo Gulf, if you read this, can you e-mail me directly at capn_mark@hotmail.com please? I have a question about where you got your trailer.Thanks again.