need trailer advice

[Megunticook]

My TySenior came with a homemade steel trailer, from title looks to be almost 40 years old now. I removed as much of the rust as I could and painted it when I got it 6 years ago, but when blocking up the trailer after hauling last year I noticed what looked like a serious deterioration from rust at one of the welded frame joints, and also noticed the beginning of a crack in the frame in another location.

I went ahead and launched the boat last week but am not comfortable hauling it with this trailer in the fall. I'll have a shop look it over, but I'm thinking it may not be salvageable (or worth salvaging).

Anybody have any trailer recommendations? I've looked a bit at Triad, it looks like that solution would run me $5-6K (as much as the boat cost!). What other good trailers are out there? Is there much of a used market?

The boat gets moved 4 miles each spring and again each fall, so use is minimal.

[Sea Hunt Video]

I know you referenced Triad Trailers and the higher cost. You also mentioned very limited road use - 4 miles each way. Although not stated, I assume your Ty Senior will be on the trailer over the winter months.

I can only speak from my personal experience. I bought a new Triad Trailer for my beloved 1982 Cape Dory 25D, S/V Bali Ha'i. Yes, it cost a little more than other trailers I could have purchased. However, in my judgment the cost was worth it. With Triad Trailers the old saying "You get what you pay for" applies. The owner, Mike Orro, was the most helpful, understanding and patient sales person I have ever dealt with. A lot of the "value" of the Triad Trailer is Mike's personal involvement with the trailer and the customer. He is a good guy.

If you do not want to invest in a new Triad I would recommend you focus on buying a used trailer. While you are "towing it" only 8-10 miles a year, you also want to consider parts and equipment degradation, etc. Triad Trailers uses only the highest quality materials.

I HAVE NO CONNECTION WITH TRIAD TRAILERS OR MIKE ORRO EXCEPT THAT I BOUGHT A TRIAD TRAILER IN 2017 FROM MIKE ORRO. I HAVE NOT SPOKEN WITH MIKE SINCE 2017.

[mgphl52]

Anybody have any trailer recommendations? I've looked a bit at Triad, it looks like that solution would run me $5-6K (as much as the boat cost!). What other good trailers are out there? Is there much of a used market?

The boat gets moved 4 miles each spring and again each fall, so use is minimal.

PM "Alan Stewart" on this board. He does a lot with trailers and has a very good reputation!
You can also search for "trailer" on the "Buy/Sell CD Boats & Gear" board.

[Megunticook]

I assume your Ty Senior will be on the trailer over the winter months.

Correct. I block up the trailer frame, remove/store the wheels, and cover the boat.

With Triad Trailers the old saying "You get what you pay for" applies.

I have no doubt I'd be extremely satisfied with a Triad...haven't seen one in person but reading the specs and reviewing the images online I'd guess they're very well made. If I was hauling this thing more than across town (35 mph max) for fifteen minutes twice a year I'd want a Triad.

Question is, if I economized a little in this area without compromising safety or reliability would I have more money left over for things like new sails, other improvements? If there's one thing I've learned, a boat will drain your wallet right quick if you're not careful...

[sloopjohnl]

been using a Load-Rite roller-type trailer for 28 years doing the same routine as you with the difference being of spring and fall trips are 45 min/35 miles one-way. Purchased new as galvanized with 8' tongue extension for launching, four roller stands with four rollers each, and keel support that can be raised and lowered for travel or launching. two other typhoon owners in our marina have similar trailers.

[casampson]

There's a lot to be said for not having a trailer at all and hiring a boatyard to launch and haul for your boat. It just cost me $426 to haul my CD 25 to the ramp (which is only two miles away), step the mast, and drop her in the water. Easy, safe, and affordable. What I like the most about not having a trailer is that it is easier to work on the bottom without having to deal with the trailer being in the way. There was an initial start-up cost of $700 for the Brownell boat stands, but I expect I will get half of my money back when I am done with them.

Easy as it was, I hated stepping the mast on my Typhoon myself. I always expected a catastrophe. I helped a friend step the mast on at Typhoon Senior once, and I thought we were all going to get crushed to death. Never again will I stand underneath a mast unless a large crane is holding it up.

[Chrisa006]

Contact Alan Stewart on this forum if you still want a trailer. I believe he is less money then Triad.

[Megunticook]

There's a lot to be said for not having a trailer at all and hiring a boatyard to launch and haul for your boat. It just cost me $426 to haul my CD 25 to the ramp (which is only two miles away), step the mast, and drop her in the water.

I'm considering that. But at $900 per year in 6 years I've spent as much as new Triad would cost. And I could probably get some of the trailer investment back when I sell the boat.

What I like the most about not having a trailer is that it is easier to work on the bottom without having to deal with the trailer being in the way.

My only issue here is not being able to scrape/paint the entire bottom of the keel. Otherwise the trailer is not really in the way.

Easy as it was, I hated stepping the mast on my Typhoon myself. I always expected a catastrophe. I helped a friend step the mast on at Typhoon Senior once, and I thought we were all going to get crushed to death. Never again will I stand underneath a mast unless a large crane is holding it up.

Agreed, this can be a pain and dangerous. However, I've got a pretty decent system going now where two of us can get it up without much trouble. Still, it's a "high stakes" operation--I'd definitely prefer to have the mast fully supported from above.

[Megunticook]

Contact Alan Stewart on this forum if you still want a trailer. I believe he is less money then Triad.

Someone suggested that earlier and I'm in touch with Alan, thanks.

[Megunticook]

Here's a few pictures of the trailer. Think this is worth repairing?

[mgphl52]

Since you stated minimal usage and only 4 mile distance, I believe a good welder could probably patch it up. I just wouldn't want to go any distance or speed...

[tjr818]

Just think of what cold happen if the trailer cracked in half while your boat is on it, even if it is not moving it could dump your boat onto the pavement.

[mgphl52]

Just think of what cold happen if the trailer cracked in half while your boat is on it, even if it is not moving it could dump your boat onto the pavement.

So true... That's why he should locate a very good welder and get a quote...

[Seaweed2]

I too have given serious consideration to a trailer. The cost is quite high though. If it were on a trailer I could then bring it home in the off season and do some work on it. (What boat owner wouldn't like to work on their boat year round?) My boat, a CD28, weighs in at over 9000# so a small trailer won't do it. I am considering a deck trailer and a cradle. This allows me the use of the trailer during the summer for other needs while also giving me a sturdy platform for the winter. Some attachments would have to be made to accommodate the cradle but I think it is possible. I could also haul the boat to other waters if the need be.

[s2sailorlis]

I purchased a Triad in 2014 as the boat didn’t have a trailer. Some choices were buying a flatbed and welding poppets, buying used, etc. in the end I paid $4K delivered for my CD22 trailer. Like you it travels a few miles each year. It’s in new condition after 5 years and when I sell I’m sure the trailer condition and brand will help it move quickly...

Now as to your situation... given the pictures I would get a welding quote. I’m sure some steel plates can be sistered into the frame and you’ll be fine. I assume axle, etc is fine. My sense is if you can fix it for under $1k you’re good. But if axle, brakes, tires, springs are an issue, then think again..,

UPDATE: I noticed the crack near the leaf spring. Not sure if that’s an easy fix...