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The basic trailer
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This is a standard equipment moving trailer purchased from a local
builder in northern Florida. It has a Gross Vehicle Rated Weight of 14,000
lbs. The flat part of the bed is 16 feet long by about 80 inches wide. It
has two 7,000 lb rated axles with electric brakes and the required DOT lights,
wheels, tires and fenders. The forward extension with the hitch coupler
makes the trailer 20 feet long. This total length will accommodate the Cape
Dory 28 with ease. This type of trailer would also work for a CD 27 or if
a bit longer for a CD 30. I am able to tow this trailer when empty with
my small pickup. The hitch ball is 2 & 5/16" with a 1" shaft.
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This is one of six screw jacks I will use to provide support
for the hull during transport. The screw shaft is a convient diameter
of about 1 & 3/8". This size will easily fit inside standard
1 & 1/2" schedule 40 steel pipe. It has an adjusment range of
12 inches. The cross piece is a big wingnut used for adjusment. It has
a groove cast in that fits the 1 & 1/2" pipe snugly. The square
base will be modified to provide a pad that will swivel to align itself
to the hull's deadrise.
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The screw pads are great. They are very strong but do not have any
provision for angles. It is necessary to make some changes. The first thing
is to cut the pad loose from the threaded shaft. I did this with a 4"
grinder with a cutoff wheel. The plate is nearly 1/4" thick so removal
required some work with a saws-all as well.
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A 1/2" solid steel rod about 6" long is then welded to the end
where the pad was attached.
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Then 3/4" angle iron is welded to the support plate. It is welded
over but not to the 1/2" rod. This allows the threaded shaft to swivel
back and forth in one plane using the 1/2" rod as a hinge pin. One
foot square by 3/4" thick plywood pads will be bolted to the plates
through the existing holes. Then the plywood will be covered with scrap
carpet.
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The finished
trailer
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The finished
trailer with added cross braces, six hull supports and wood bearers.
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Loading
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In the driveway
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Trailer blocked
level
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Boat blocked
level
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The boat on the trailer and leveled. The trailer tires are now off the ground
and covered to prolong tire life. I have added two more supports for
the hull. This will make it easier to clean and prep the bottom. Most of
the exterior woodwork has been removed.
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The empty trailer after launching the boat. I sold the trailer on e-Bay
in a five day auction. Fortunately the selling price was equal to my material
investment with a little extra for my labor.
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