Venture 22 Trailer

dscribner · Feb 9, 2012

Faris,

I bought my Lancer 25 with no trailer. I ended up buying an EZ-Loader for a power boat and raising the roller assemblies up on posts. It works great. I've also heard of folks using a cradle bolted down to flat bed, if it's just an occasional thing. If you can, find one on a trailer. Stop by with a camera, a sketch pad and a tape measure. That's what I did. What's the likelihood of finding my exact boat, on a trailer, at the exact time that I need it??? I don't believe in luck.

Sailynn · Feb 9, 2012

Venture 22 Trailer Specs

We've been trailer sailors for 25 plus years. Our first sailboat was a used Venture 222. We traded it to a dealer for a brand new C22 and got more for it than we paid one year prior. Ahhh those were the days and many fond "learning" memories on that Venture. For easy launching a trailer sailboat, the lower it sits on the trailer, the easier it is to launch. Our trailer had a drop axle, which is important for easy launching a sailboat as they have a higher draft than a powerboat. A trailer tongue extension may be necessary depending on where you launch the boat. Swing keels should only rest partialy on the keel as opposed to a fixed keel sailboat, so bunk boards are preferred over rollers because the weight of the boat is distributed evenly. The boards should be supporting the boat high enough so the swing keel can be raised and lowered at least two inches while sitting on the trailer. When the boat floats on and off the trailer, the keel should be all the way up. Keel down for sailing but after loading it back on the trailer, take the strain off the keel cable with just a littlle tenison on the cable as the keel rests on the trailer, so not to cause keel cable over raps. If you do not have the two inch cushion of room when you hit a pothole or railroad track, the upward movement of the keel can damage the keel trunk area. Not having a cross bar across the back makes loading easier and less damaging. Trail-Rite Trailers in CA is a popular supplier of sailboat trailers and may have spec's and quotes for a trailer that would fit a Venture 222. Also, if you find a basic powerboat trailer that meets the above conditions and the price is right, don't be shy about paying for a little welding to make modifications needed.

Lynn Buchanan s/v Sailynn
C22 Wing Keel #14902

Faris said:
Hi,

So, I bought my V 222 without a trailer. No problem since I keep her docked. However, the time has come to start looking for a trailer for the occasional overland haul. Here's the thing - I have no idea what I'm looking for in a trailer. In all of my sailing, I've never had one on a trailer.

Since V22/Macgregor 22 trailers are a rare find, I've got to widen my search. I know I have some latitude with regard to length, width, etc. But, I know next to nothing about trailers, what is important for this boat, etc. And, I'm finding remarkably little written on the subject aside from general trailer maintenance advice.

Can someone turn me onto the information I need to pick a trailer that will work for my boat?

maxrdr · Feb 10, 2012

Try the Trailer Sailor forum

Farris - try researching the Trailer Sailor sites and you will more than likely see trailers that transport boats like yours, giving you ideas on how to modify a trailer. Pay attention to weight of your boat and number of axles, need for trailer brakes and lighting requirements. On a Venture 22 swing keel which I have seen where I sail, a modified bass boat trailer with board runners may fit the bill. These sites may also have trailers for sale and if they are too far away but applicable to your application, I am sure that you can get photos from the owner. A last resort is there are trailer manufacturers that build boat trailers for specific boats; but they can be expensive.

MrBill_FLL · Feb 10, 2012

Because the macgregor/ ventures were lightly built you want to match the factory pressure points. (no to rollers *too little sq footage). IIRC, the v22's had 2x6" bunks running front to back, and a brace for the center board.

but check on the mac boards for an example. otherwise the boat hull can deform.

Doug L · Feb 10, 2012

Because the keel pulls all the way up into the hull on the V222, it should be easy to adapt a conventional powerboat trailer. Agreed, long bunks are better than rollers, and you need a rest on the trailer to support the weight of the keel The factory trailer stops about 5 feet before the stern, with the rest of the boat overhanging the back. Mine had a single axle and no brakes. Pretty lightly built. Brakes would be nice, especially if you are pulling with a lighter vehicle.

Crazy Dave Condon · Feb 16, 2012

When carrying a sailboat on a modified power boat trailer, most often, the boat is damaged unless you know what to do. As it was stated the boat is lighter than most 22's due to construction which is supported by bunk boards but it is the placement of the bunk board stalks and it is suggested that you have three stalks or supports on each side and where the attachment to the trailer is, that must be stout.

You will need a keel tray as you cannot nor should trailer a swing keel boat with the keel up or it will eventually come crashing down causing damage. Thus the need for a stout keel tray. Where it attaches is of cours on the cross members of the trailer. I have seen many not structural enough to carry a load of a keel tray with keel on it. You defiinitly need to make sure the cross members are stoutl; otherwise, you will see what I experience repairing over the years.

If you have all of the above going for you and the gross wieght in some states does not exceed 3000 pounds, brakes are not required. However from a safety standpoint, I would suggest brakes and recommend surge brakes.

You may get by with a single axle but that depends on the tires. YOu will need to look at the load capacity for the two tires and please make sure both are the same. You then take the gross wieght specified for the two tires. Add up the weight of the boat, trailer, motor and any other gear. It is suggested that you have at least 10% safety factor on the tires. Say for example the gross carrying weight for the two tires is 3000, then max to be carried to include saftey factor built in is 2700. Never overload the trailer or you will blow tires.

You will need to check the state law as to specifics regarding brakes and number of axles required. For your boat, one axle.

On the West Coast, Trail Rite trailers is a good company and built many sailboat trailers to include Catalina Yachts.

Crazy Dave Condon

Charles Erwin · Feb 16, 2012

Faris -- Try Quality Trailer in Bellingham.

Charles

Freedom77 · Feb 16, 2012

Most Venture trailers were built by Trailrite out of So. Cal and boats with trailer were hauled all over the place out of Costa Mesa. Might check with them to see if they have an outlet on the east coast or if they can tell you who might have specs. Good Luck.

Venture 22 Trailer

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