carbman
New Member
I suppose it is self explanatory, but can someone please explain what a breakback trailer is, and what are its advantages, if any?
Breakback trailer
- Thread starter carbman
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121
Active Member
The pivot (usually just in front of the forward axle) allows the backbone of the trailer to hinge, once the catch is released near the hitch. The rear end of trailer then dips toward the water under the weight of the boat and makes it easier to slide the boat into the water. The key advantage of this approach is that you do not have to immerse the wheel bearings in water. Also you can use slipways with a short drop-off.
Obviously, for retrieval a winch is necessary....
Obviously, for retrieval a winch is necessary....
carbman
New Member
Thanks 121, I understand it now.
Would I be right in presuming that this type of trailer always comes equipped with its own winch or would that be a presumption too far?
Regards carbman.
Would I be right in presuming that this type of trailer always comes equipped with its own winch or would that be a presumption too far?
Regards carbman.
DownWest
Well-Known Member
On the one we use, the initial lift out is something like 30deg. Without a winch it would be impossible unless the boat was very light, in that case one would not need a breakback. After the boat comes forward enough for the weight to tilt it level, it gets a bit easier but still not without a winch.
A
A
cliffordpope
Well-Known Member
I have seen another design, possibly not technically a breakback, which has a secondary lighter trailer running in beds on the main trailer. Again, I think the main advantage is that the road wheels are not immersed, only those on the secondary launching trolley.
In this design, the angle does not change, but the length of ramp is extended.
Whatever kind you have, a major improvement is to fit longitudinal guide boards either side of the backbone, and two padded guide posts at the rear corners giving just clearance for the maximum beam.
Before I was given this tip I had to make repeated attempts to get the keel aligned straight on the trailer, the tractor tentertively hauling it out only to discover the tide had pushed the keel squew-wiff. With guide posts to aim for and boards to locate the keel, it cannot slip off once engaged.
In this design, the angle does not change, but the length of ramp is extended.
Whatever kind you have, a major improvement is to fit longitudinal guide boards either side of the backbone, and two padded guide posts at the rear corners giving just clearance for the maximum beam.
Before I was given this tip I had to make repeated attempts to get the keel aligned straight on the trailer, the tractor tentertively hauling it out only to discover the tide had pushed the keel squew-wiff. With guide posts to aim for and boards to locate the keel, it cannot slip off once engaged.
TQA
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Lyulph Hesling
Active Member
I use the dolley system for my Sunbeam (2 tons), winching the dolley onto an ordinary car trailer, or flat bed, using a shared trailer. This means I have better access to the boat for maintenance, and take up less space. I am very pleased with it.
Tyrone Snell trailers (near Falmouth) built it, based on their shore cradle design, which packs flat. The wheels are steel taken from the front support for articulated lorry trailers. No steering system is needed, but it can be skid steered with a long pole.
Tyrone Snell trailers (near Falmouth) built it, based on their shore cradle design, which packs flat. The wheels are steel taken from the front support for articulated lorry trailers. No steering system is needed, but it can be skid steered with a long pole.
