Cape Dory Typhoon Trailer set-up

[Skeep]

I am posting these photos due to a continuing question I've read amongst our membership about launching our dories, ramp depth, suitable trailer "set ups" and so forth. I engaged with Road King Trailer manufacturing back in December for a trailer which until just the other day, was a pain in the arse to manage at the ramp.

A 2.7 foot keel draft is no small thing when you're trying to float-on or float-off. Like many of you, I am a trailer-sailor, because of my current living situation. This is not a debate at all. This entry then is for those of you who are wondering what "right might look like" in a CD Ty Trailer. I offer my solution and recommend it if you are in the market for a road-worthy trailer which will not fail at the ramp.

Plus, I'm pulling it with a vehicle that I really don't want to splash in the water so I'm rather picky about this trailer being set-up right. After nearly 9 months, I finally got Road King to see the need of a suitable trailer which has an extension. At first they suggested I spray the bunks with Liquid Roller. I did. Some benefit. But no Cigar.

Here is the Problem:



And here is the solution:





I literally led the Dory by hand to the trailer stem, hooked her on, and pulled her out. No fuss, no muss. I write a little bit more about this in my blog http://baggywrinkles.blogspot.com/ where I philosophize a bit more LOL.

Enjoy

[Skeep]

Another thing I've added to my trailer operation is a heavy chain. Reason for this is I tired of using the heavy nylon rope coiled around the foredeck cleat. It was always in my way when I needed another tie-off. So, I got the chain and am using this more traditional approach to securing the Dory to the trailer.



And here is a closeup which shows how I threaded it, making sure there is no interference with these pins on the bronze which are not a load-bearing looking item.

[Skeep]

If you would like to see this particular trailer in action pulled by the wagon in the above photo, follow this link:

http://baggywrinkles.blogspot.com/2014/ ... ailer.html

We've since added an older Suburban to our vehicle inventory which provides additional strength and a bit of reach too. But either vehicle yanks the Dory out of the water easily. The key was the trailer extension.