First 21.7 trailer

[Powersalt]

Having decided tomove berths we now find that where we leave wants us out by 1st April or pay visitor rates and where we go to wants us there by 1st April or pay from then.

So begining to realize that it may be an expensive move, and going by boat on a 21 foot boat brighton to the Solent is not far but a hardship in March unless the conditions turn perfect. An alternative is to trail it to the new home and I just wondered if anyone had a suitable trailer for the First 21.7 that might be available for the day as an option to consider when the desicion is made?

 

[Seajet]

I'd think the departure more important than arrival, as presumably you're going to a long term berth.

I'd be watching the forecasts like a hawk, and move early if a window presents itself; then quite possibly stop over in Chichester ( you can anchor at that time of the year at East Head, or better, straight on from the entrance and go to the W side of the Emsworth Channel, or go somewhere with facilities ).

I think picking a date like April 1st in advance for such a journey is asking a lot !

 

[Powersalt]

Yes the last time we moved it was Eastbourne to Brighton and I crewed for my son over the Easter weekend. It blew a force 5 and snowed most of the day, resulting in me feeling so cold I dare not remember. So I now dread the thought of another trip like that and of course something like 6/8 hrs slog to Chichester. Hence my longshot though of the trailer because I dont see me getting away without being crew again this time

 

[Powersalt]

Just been informed that the 21.7 has a special trailer design that some baot owners use to trail about all over the country.

Is that true

 

[PhillM]

If you get stuck and need a crew I'd be wiling to have a chat. I'm not v experienced ( day skip with 1 year own boat in Hamble) but know the Solent and might be a useful extra hand. Pm me if you are stuck.

 

[BAtoo]

Possibly try beneteau owners association & see if anyone there can help; alternativly there are some hauliers who specialise in smaller boat movements - look on Boats and Outboards; or hire a trailer assuming you have a suitable car.

 

[BAtoo]

Just been informed that the 21.7 has a special trailer design that some baot owners use to trail about all over the country.

Is that true

You need a trailer with adjustable hull supports, the weight is taken on the fully raised keel. I think the "special" bit is to make launching and recovery easy. Not so important for a one off move.

 

[davidwf]

I modified one, only real area to note is that you need to account for the Keel, hull weight needs to be taken on the hull with good sized pads at the appropriate position.

I never launched from mine always used a lift. My boat was delivered from the factory by a chap with a Landrover and trailer, might be worth asking local Beneteau dealer for the name of the guy they use. It should only be a days job for him if you can get the lifts on and off the trailer co-ordinated.

 

[Seajet]

I modified one, only real area to note is that you need to account for the Keel, hull weight needs to be taken on the hull with good sized pads at the appropriate position.

I never launched from mine always used a lift. My boat was delivered from the factory by a chap with a Landrover and trailer, might be worth asking local Beneteau dealer for the name of the guy they use. It should only be a days job for him if you can get the lifts on and off the trailer co-ordinated.

Surely the weight of the boat should rest on the retracted keel ( I forget if the 21.7 leaves a protruding ballast stub ? ) and rest on the bottom, with the side steadies being just that, 'steadies' ?

I imagine the 'special' trailer would be like any lift keelers', with a 'tray' for the keel / central hull bottom to rest on, and steadies which will go suitably low, compared to a fin keel boat.

As to hiring a trailer, good luck !

It's certainly worth checking out, but I know Hayling Trailers used to hire one out, but stopped that years ago as they found it was just getting trashed, some people not caring how they treated it.

That does make me think though, it would be worth calling them and asking if they know of anyone; 02392 464176.

 

[Powersalt]

You need a trailer with adjustable hull supports, the weight is taken on the fully raised keel. I think the "special" bit is to make launching and recovery easy. Not so important for a one off move.

Just what IM after. Is that photo taken in Eastbourne?

 

[BAtoo]

Just what IM after. Is that photo taken in Eastbourne?

Sorry but its just a brokers photo "borrowed" to show the type of trailer for you....

But it was on the South Coast IIRR

 

[davidwf]

Surely the weight of the boat should rest on the retracted keel ( I forget if the 21.7 leaves a protruding ballast stub ? ) and rest on the bottom, with the side steadies being just that, 'steadies' ?

.

I used to allow the weight to be taken by the keel and use the supports to steady the boat, however there are a load of 21.7 owners out there that will argue against that.

 

[Seajet]

davidwf,

how does that work then ?!

Does the 'special' trailer have extra large supports to spread the load over a large area of hull ?

I know some keelboats ( as in Etchells, Flying Fifteen types ) have complete hull supports on the trailers to cradle the hull, presumably they are not designed to place all the weight on the keel area; but I'd have thought a 21.7 would be best resting on the keel area, and steadied; after all the boat dries out like that ?