wilddog

Member

From: Devon

Registered: 22 Dec 2013

Posts: 143

Trailer suggestions

Hello Chums,

I am looking for a used trailer for my Skerry and I am not quite sure how long she needs to be. The Skerry is 15ft LOA, so do I need to find something of a similar length or will a shorter trailer do? I am wary of showing too much of her backside to passing traffic.

It would seem to make sense to ensure that the trailer's axel was well aft of the centre of the boat, rather than directly amidships. Does that make sense?

Any recommendation as to what sort of trailer to look for on ebay etc...? And of course if any one is selling, please contact me through this fyne forum.

Thanks

Andy

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Built a Skerry!

DerekD

Member

Registered: 12 Aug 2013

Posts: 33

Re: Trailer suggestions

I have been researching info on trailers recently as I need something to move a Lutra Laker which I have almost completed.

Some overhang at the rear will make launching and recovery easier - 2 or 3 feet is fine for small boats but you want most of the weight forward to keep a positive weight on the towball.

For a boat like yours I reckon a simple "T" trailer will suffice, basically an axle with a long bar to support the boat.

If you are buying on Ebay be aware that trailer theft is rampant and Ebay is one place to move them on.
Check if the trailer has a plate with an I.D number and weights. Part of the problem here is that older small trailers often never had an I.D plate. If you get pulled for an inspection by DVSA (formerly VOSA) then they can and have confiscated trailers and load if they believe the trailer to be stolen and that belief may be based on as little as it looks like an I.D plate has been removed or obscured.

Another problem with older trailers is that some have 13" wheels which sounds perfectly logical. But some use an unusual metric tyre size based on the old Austin Metro I think. At first glance it may look like you can replace those old tyres with perished side walls easily and cheaply but main street tyre dealers don't stock replacements. Online specialists are available but at around £80 per tyre plus delivery. Turns out easier/cheaper to replace wheels and tyres as complete sets.

You could build a trailer. Everything is available on Ebay and no welding required, 50mm box tubing and suspension units, tow hitch, keel rollers etc all bolt on with U bolts, even the join between the axle and the main bar can be done with a pre-drilled plate and U bolts. The assembled project can then be approved by your local DVSA station (at a cost)

If you intend to take your trailer on the continent then it has to be fully CE marked and compliant or some authority will give you grief.

Personally I am going to refurbish an old trailer I have acquired but I still keep an eye open for an existing trailer locally if I can find one.

wilddog

Member

From: Devon

Registered: 22 Dec 2013

Posts: 143

Re: Trailer suggestions

Very useful, thanks.

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Built a Skerry!