electrosys
Well-Known Member
Can anyone explain why a Swinging Cradle Trailer is so called. The rollers may tilt, but nothing actually swings .... or does it ?
Swinging Cradle Trailer ?
- Thread starter electrosys
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William_H
Well-Known Member
Boat trailers
I have seen a lot of boat trailers however I have never seen anything that might be described as a "Swinging Cradle".
There are many arrangements of rollers in pairs or fours that are on pivots in 2 directions so that the rollers are all at similar pressure on the hull and also so that they guide the boat into the correct position when winching on. These arrangements have a lot of advantages but are a bit complex. olewill
I have seen a lot of boat trailers however I have never seen anything that might be described as a "Swinging Cradle".
There are many arrangements of rollers in pairs or fours that are on pivots in 2 directions so that the rollers are all at similar pressure on the hull and also so that they guide the boat into the correct position when winching on. These arrangements have a lot of advantages but are a bit complex. olewill
bluerm166
Well-Known Member
break back or swinging cradle trailers
Yes these exist and we have one.The boat sits on an independent cradle that is pivoted over the main axle and is restrained by a large pin on the drawbar.
If properly set up the boat and cradle are balanced about the pivot point so removal of the pin allows the stern to tilt down toward the water,encouraging it to slide off.Too steep an angle on too shallow a ramp will cause the stern to ground before flotation lifts the hull.
Yes these exist and we have one.The boat sits on an independent cradle that is pivoted over the main axle and is restrained by a large pin on the drawbar.
If properly set up the boat and cradle are balanced about the pivot point so removal of the pin allows the stern to tilt down toward the water,encouraging it to slide off.Too steep an angle on too shallow a ramp will cause the stern to ground before flotation lifts the hull.
William_H
Well-Known Member
Boat trailer
Ah... That is known around here as a break back trailer. The draw bar itself pivots near the axle line so allowing the trailer to pivot back down for launching and retrieval. On retrieval the winch pulls the bow which then presses down the back of the trailer. As the boat is winched up it over balances and the bow and trailer drop down to level. The design is very good for power boats or flat bottomed boats to be launched in shallow water. (or with the trailer not totally underwater.) olewill
Ah... That is known around here as a break back trailer. The draw bar itself pivots near the axle line so allowing the trailer to pivot back down for launching and retrieval. On retrieval the winch pulls the bow which then presses down the back of the trailer. As the boat is winched up it over balances and the bow and trailer drop down to level. The design is very good for power boats or flat bottomed boats to be launched in shallow water. (or with the trailer not totally underwater.) olewill
electrosys
Well-Known Member
I first came across the expression "swinging cradle trailer" in connection with the range of Drascombe boats. It sounded like something quite unique as I've always associated the word 'swinging' with something which is hinged at one end, with the other end scribing an arc: hence a child's swing, or a swing-wing aircraft, or a swinging door.
As swing bridges pivot in the center (and as we 'swing' a compass) I suppose there's some variation in the expression to include rotation.
Looking at manufacturers pictures of 'swinging cradle trailers', it appears that the term is being applied to fixed (not break-back) trailers which have an array of self-aligning rollers - especially at the rear. And to be pedantic, it's the rollers which 'swing', not the cradle itself.
Well - I feel cheated - I thought that this was going to be something quite unique and really clever. But it seems that it ain't.
As swing bridges pivot in the center (and as we 'swing' a compass) I suppose there's some variation in the expression to include rotation.
Looking at manufacturers pictures of 'swinging cradle trailers', it appears that the term is being applied to fixed (not break-back) trailers which have an array of self-aligning rollers - especially at the rear. And to be pedantic, it's the rollers which 'swing', not the cradle itself.
Well - I feel cheated - I thought that this was going to be something quite unique and really clever. But it seems that it ain't.
jswindel
Well-Known Member
I've got a swinging cradle trailer. My second. The cradle is at the rear and supports two sets of four rollers, one either side. It is pivoted at the sides so that it tilts vertical around the bow of the boat as it is retrieved. As you crank it in the boat rises up over the cradle which gradually levels out as the bow is hauled forward. They are excellent for single handed retrieval. As the boat is cranked into the cradle, the bow is trapped and automatically aligned with the centre lione of the trailer.
This video shows one being used to recover a Swallow boats Bayraider
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqkEvpaafXk&feature=related
This video shows one being used to recover a Swallow boats Bayraider
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqkEvpaafXk&feature=related
