Boat trailer upgrade

[Gav110]

Hi guys,

I have a Hobie Cat on a standard gal trailer with sail box etc. This is the typical unit with 2 small dickie 10" wheels (narrow as all buggery;) ).

I'd like to have them replaced with Defender wheels and tyres to approximately match the spec of the truck - 265/75/16 - but am not concerned with matching the look (steel or old allows fine).

The trailer also has some small guards which will need to be extended or relocated to fit the bigger wheels.

Anyone know someone capable of doing the work in Sydney who won't charge like a wounded bull?

[Ralf_the_RR]

I wouldn't do it.

If you fit larger wheels, then you have to back the trailer in a LONG way when launching.
This then puts your vehicle in a lot deeper.
And depending on the ramp, you may fall off the end of it.

Boat trailer wheels are small for a reason!

[Blknight.aus]

they also wont fit, I thought about it and tried a mock fit of steeltreks... for my sea cat (long sold) the rubber was wider than the guards and rubbed on the hull when we lifted the boat on, which means you have to lift the boat higher exasperating the problem mentioned above...

The best i could mock up was borrowing the spares off of my neighbours ford and holden... gave me just enough height to make the draw bar level, didnt rub the hulls but still needed new guards.

[Ralf_the_RR]

I'm confused!
Do you not launch a hobie cat from a ramp?
Do you lift it off the trailer?
(Excuse my ignorance, but the only boats I've owned need to be launched from a ramp)

If they are not launched (like power boats) then anything is possible.
I'm sure if you try hard enough you could fit the larger wheels.

[matbor]

This is my neighbours "2nd" boat trailer, uses this one just for lauching off the beach !! Notice the extension bar, and the nice tractor he is restoring !! I think he said that the rims are landcruiser rims, hard to see in the photos but the trailer chassis is very close to the ground.

The boat is a Edencraft with 2x 175 Mercury engines on it, normally tows it with a F350.

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/6931/1000661smallot3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/6870/1000664smallwi7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/9226/1000666smalldy3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/1746/1000667smallng1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/6069/1000669smallkw6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Outlaw]

Man thats a great drawbar extension... was thinking of doing the exact same thing to my camper trailer but not to that extent :D

[Bush65]

When time permits, I intend to modify my boat trailer, for trips to the cape, top end, N.W. etc.

My plan is to use wheels and tyres and shocks to match my rangie and rangie radius arms and panhard (because I have them) to locate the axle. With airbags which can be lowered for launching the boat.

I am pleased you posted those trailer pics, as the telescoping draw bar could be an advantage.

[Gav110]

Guys, thanks for the replies and advice. I see the issue with larger wheels = longer back-in, but if I can get a longer or extending drawbar like that, and keep the hulls on either side of the wheels (and low as possible) I should be right. I suspect I will end up needing a custom trailer built. Let me know of any good outfits in Sydney. Cheers

[Ralf_the_RR]

If you are going custom, then consider drop axles.
This will allow your bigger wheels without compromising the height of the trailer body.
Still need large guards though.

[Blknight.aus]

or.....

come up to ipswitch after im settled after I find a good steel supplier and I'll build you one from scratch...

we'll do the extending draw bar thing, with the back break thing, add in a hand winch and guide rollers down the back or...

we can do my fave... put a fat jocky wheel on the front and make a winch block for the head of the trailer... add a 40 foot winch cable to a hand winch and I'll bet you can float the boat off without even getting the cars wheels wet...

[Gav110]

or.....

come up to ipswitch after im settled after I find a good steel supplier and I'll build you one from scratch...

we'll do the extending draw bar thing, with the back break thing, add in a hand winch and guide rollers down the back or...

we can do my fave... put a fat jocky wheel on the front and make a winch block for the head of the trailer... add a 40 foot winch cable to a hand winch and I'll bet you can float the boat off without even getting the cars wheels wet...
Dave, sounds like a great idea mate - get what you want. I'll have to plan the big trip up for a week or so and come see you. I'm sure I can find a bit of dirt to play in while it's being built ! I'll give you a hoy when I have the cash and time. Thanks again, Gav

[Blknight.aus]

you realise that im in albury wodonga at the moment and dont get posted till febuary.. then I'll need a bit to get on the ground get the workshop squared and then find a decent steel supplier...

ID be intending to reuse much of your existing trailer (boat mounts, springs, hitch, sail boxes and the like....

First off tho pics of your existing setup w/wout the boat would be helpful and since its a build from scratch jobbie if theres anything you want relocated now would be the time to think about it.

[Gav110]

you realise that im in albury wodonga at the moment and dont get posted till febuary.. then I'll need a bit to get on the ground get the workshop squared and then find a decent steel supplier...

ID be intending to reuse much of your existing trailer (boat mounts, springs, hitch, sail boxes and the like....

First off tho pics of your existing setup w/wout the boat would be helpful and since its a build from scratch jobbie if theres anything you want relocated now would be the time to think about it.
Understoof Dave - cheers. Will probably be in a couple months at earliest. Existing trailer is not too bad, just needs beefing up. Will send photos etc once I'm getting closer to starting the process. Looking forward to it ! Gav

[Quiggers]

Looks like a totally fascinating neighbourhood where you are, Matbor!

Cheers, GQ

(Love the tractor!)

[Blknight.aus]

Understoof Dave - cheers. Will probably be in a couple months at earliest. Existing trailer is not too bad, just needs beefing up. Will send photos etc once I'm getting closer to starting the process. Looking forward to it ! Gav

Bring that trailer with you, we may be able to simply dummy up a sub frame for it that will do what you want and reuse 90% of the existing trailer.

[matbor]

Looks like a totally fascinating neighbourhood where you are, Matbor!

Cheers, GQ

(Love the tractor!)

should see his other trucks, black f150, ford expedition..