Compatibility of Triad Trailer for J/70 and Typhoon?

[RBrenen]

Hello, all. I am new to the board and in the process of shopping for my first Typhoon (or Ensign. I've got a little thing for Carl Alberg I guess....). What I am finding is that there are many out there that would make good projects, but few contenders that come with trailers. Often it seems like the hardest part of this search is not finding the boat but finding an affordable way to get it home. And the ones that are already on a trailer tend to be well-loved and out of my price range.

I have found a listing for a Triad trailer originally built for a J/70. I can't find too many particulars about the hull measurements for that boat so comparing it to the numbers I've seen for the Typhoon in similar "help me find/build a trailer" threads is difficult. Most notably, I'm wondering if the length of the keel is significantly shorter than the Typhoon? It sure looks it to me. And if so, then the bunk placement for the J/70 trailer may be too low to properly support the Typhoon's hull. I have attached two stock photos of the J/70 trailer for reference.

In the thread "How to convert/set up trailer and bunks for typhoon?" located here member Alan Stewart writes that "screwjacks should be located roughly 20-24” above the keel pad with some adjustability for fine tuning", continuing on to say that "the fore & aft distance between screwjacks needs to be roughly 68”, although there is flexibility there as well. " This has so far been my guiding light in searching for a used trailer that *might* work to transport a Typhoon.

It's a long shot, but does anyone have enough experience with a J/70 trailer to weigh in on the viability of transporting a Typhoon with one? If in the end it looks like it'd work to transport my project over the road but not necessarily to launch or receive the boat from a ramp I think I'd still consider purchasing the trailer.

Thanks in advance for any guidance or suggestions.

PS- If you're reading this and happen to have a trailer for sale that you KNOW will haul a Typhoon, give me a shout! I'm in Saratoga Springs, NY but am willing to travel for the right one.

[Ben Miller]

Based on that photo (and zero real-world experience with a J/70 trailer) my guess would be that that particular trailer would not be a great match for a Typhoon. The J/70 is four feet longer than a Ty, so you'd probably have trouble reaching the bow roller. If the bunks can be lifted, then maybe they would work, but I'm thinking it's a stretch.

I've attached a side-on photo of my Ty and trailer for comparison.

[s2sailorlis]

Have you priced the cost of a new Triad? I was in s similar situation when I was looking to buy a Quickstep 24 and then my CD22.

There were some possibilities but in looking at costs, welding of new poppets, etc I ended up buying new.

How much over the road use is expected? A flatbed with some welds poppets might work.

[Sea Hunt Video]

RBrenen:

You might also try calling Mike Orro (owner of Triad Trailers). He is a super nice guy and very, very helpful with all issues involving trailers. I bought a Triad Trailer from Mike for my Cape Dory 25D. The trailer is outstanding and dealing with Mike was a real pleasure. He's a guy who understands the concept of "customer service".

His contact information is:

Mike Orro
Triad Trailers LLC
5831 Triangle Drive
Raleigh NC 27617
Phone: 919.782.6007

[rjnale]

IMG-20150712-00219.jpg

I would agree that trailer won't work. The support bunks won't raise up high enough.
I have an old Performance trailer that came with my CD Typhoon Daysailer. See picture. The trailer bunk set up is very similar except one long bunk with 3 supports.
My old CD Typhoon Weekender had poppets. See attached picture for reference.
From my experience the bunk trailer is much easier to launch and very easy to load the boat at a ramp. Also make sure the trailer you settle on has a tongue extension to get the trailer in deeper. These little boats need deep ramps to load hassle free.
I'm is Syracuse NY if i can be of any help to you discussing and finding a Typhoon.

IMG-20140818-00069.jpg

[Jeff and Sarah]

Purely anecdotal but I race a J70 with that same exact trailer. I don't think it is a great fit for a Typhoon. You might be able to make it work, but I doubt it would be worth the time, effort, and money. Everything about the two boats is different and that trailer is pretty specific for sport boats. Aside from the obvious bunk issue, you might have real trouble getting the tongue weight correct.

[RBrenen]

Thanks, everyone, for your replies. I wasn't sure what kind of response I was going to get to my question and was a little nervous I was going to get laughed right out of here but in the end you guys all came through with some great advice.

Ultimately I took the suggestion to contact Mike at Triad and he got back to me quickly with his opinion. I've read more than a few posts about how great the guys at Triad are and it's no joke. I've copied Mike's response below and as you'll see I think he provides the final say on my idea to put a Typhoon on a J/70 trailer.

"I lined up the keel supports of both trailers and here is what I've found.

The axle center-line on the J/70 trailer is 19 inches further back than on the Typhoon trailer. This is going to result in much more tongue weight than required for the Typhoon trailer.

J/70 bow stop will be 13 inches forward of the Typhoon bow

Winch on J/70 trailer is 8 inches too low

I honestly cannot tell you if the J/70 bunks will work on the Typhoon trailer. I do not think they will given how far apart they spread out.

Overall, I do not feel this is a good fit. Unfortunately you'll never know until you try.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Best wishes,
Michael Orro
Triad Trailers LLC
5831 Triangle Drive
Raleigh NC 27617"

Thanks again to everyone for their advice.

[Sea Hunt Video]

RBrenen:

That is classic Mike Orro. He is a terrific guy who knows his stuff, mfg. and sells a great product (made in USA ) and has a very unassuming personality. One of the few guys I have met over the years that I would trust on nothing more than a handshake. A man of his word; a good guy