Trailers, Bunks or Pads?

[sba55]

I just got a 23 O'Day which unfortunately does not have a trailer. I am learning the hard way that used sailboat trailers are almost impossible to find here in Florida and new trailers cost twice what I paid for the boat. That being said I have several quotes from trailer companies and I need to decide between bunks or pads. It would seem that bunks make loading and unloading easier but pads make working on the hull bottom a lot easier. The manufacturers assure me that either style will work. I am looking at a tandem trailer that has nifty keel guides to make loading easier.

Here in Florida you are supposed to have brakes for any trailer that carries a boat of 3000 pounds or more but the manufacturers I am looking at are outside the state so they are not bound by that.

I know there is a lot of experience out there with trailers so I appreciate your comments.

 

[Technodad]

Here are two pics of my trailer, I hope this helps you?
It is easy to get underneath for work on the hull.
I got this boat and trailer this summer, since then I have made bigger pads and fitted new tires.

Cheers
John

 

[djplatt@cogeco.ca]

I got pads on mine. It is dead simple to get at the bottom of the boat to work on it. If you get brakes get the surge ones.

 

[Technodad]

I got pads on mine. It is dead simple to get at the bottom of the boat to work on it. If you get brakes get the surge ones.

I agree with you DJ, surge brakes are the best, mine are electric and they work well too.
My trailer also has a sliding out hitch that works very well, just pull the pin out, insert it into the rear hole in the hitch bar, block the wheels and drive forward to extend the trailer length about 6 feet (a guess).

 

[RichBone]

Get brakes whether they're required or not. There's a reason why most states mandate them over certain weights. Even if you're pulling it with a big pickup, brakes on the trailer are going to help stop you. It's a lot of weight to stop on dry pavement. It'll be really difficult on wet, even with trailer brakes. Or after a long dry spell when the car exhaust residue hasn't been washed off the intersections by any rain. If your state requires them then you better have them if you're ever involved in an accident.
A tongue extension is a worthwhile option.
You'll need keel guides, especially if you're getting pads. I like the idea of pads. I've got rollers on mine and I'm able to sand and paint the bottom by moving the boat backward and forward on the trailer. Pads would be NICE. Pads with long adjustable screws would be GREAT. Raising the boat on the trailer to access the centerboard.

Rich

 

[sba55]

I appreciate all the feedback. Adding surge brakes makes sense but obviously pushed the cost up another few notches. At this rate I'll have more than twice as much money in the trailer as I do the boat! I am also considering just keeping it in a slip and using some of the trailer money to repaint the bottom and get other odds and ends fixed up.

I know that having it in the water means I'll use it a lot more. I has a Columbia 23 (very similar) and the pain of rigging it at the ramp soon got to me.

 

[whiskers]

My 2 cents: a good quality trailer, properly fitted to your boat, is a good investment if you have to move it very far. I have an EZ Loader roller trailer under mine, with surge brakes, even though TicToc goes in the water in the spring and out in the fall. The trailer gets the boat to and from the lake safely, about 14 miles, and provides winter storage. I don't know if that much trailer is necessary, but it gives me peace of mind.