Trailer Sailing

[graham]

I am seriously thinking of selling Banjo and buying a small trailer sailer or even a large dinghy.Light enough to tow behind a 1600 car small 2 berth cabin and/or a cockpit tent type thing.

The reasoning is that as much as we have enjoyed owning Banjo and cruising in her I rarely get enough time off to get very far and our boys have lots of other interests so I am often singlehanded.With a small trailer sailer I could be in the Solent or Milford Haven by lunch time with no worries about being weather bound and having to get back.

We also go camping as a family so it could add another dimension to that as well.

I know Tony Barebones has done some trail boating ,anyone else with any experience?

 

[Csail]

Oh yes...... wheel bearings fall apart on the motorway......launch and recovery is a pain and just having to tow it is hard work especially in the narrow lanes in W.Wales. I guess if you get the trailer serviced it should be ok. A mate of mine never put the trailer in salt water but dumped the dory on the beach which makes sence.

 

[ash12]

pump grease through the wheel bearings after it should be, A OK

 

[Allan]

I trailed my previous boat, Spirit of Freedom, mainly when I lived in France. As it weighed a ton it was a different proposition to what you are thinking of. I could have her in the water fully rigged in about an hour from arrival. I would suggest a few small mods to the hubs, a flushing system helps, adding grease nipples is a good thing too. A lot of people say not to dunk the trailer straight after a long drive, when the hubs may be hot. I agree that trailer sailing is a great way to see plenty of new places, it also gives you the chance to avoid the worst of the weather.
Allan

 

[Alcyone]

As you know, I've towed Ribs for years. I don't worry about bearings - pump them after every dunk and they are fine. Carry spares and change them if necessary. Just check the trailer. Done four trips to Nortyh West Scotland with a 5.4m Avon on the back, Easy. Never really had a problem with narrow lanes, people always reverse if you have a boat. Meet a caravan and you may struggle....

I much prefer moored boats, having said that. Simply because for every sail/day diving, there's hours of faffing around when towing and launching. Also, any swell or chop makes it hard work on your own.

Swings and roundabouts?

 

[graham]

Decision is made.

Banjo is now for sale and when she goes we will be looking for a large cruising dinghy or small trailer sailer. Possibly could do a part exchange deal with someone going the other way.

I had a 17 ft Lysander years ago and trailed it to Christchurch .The Solent and milford Haven a few times. I know trailers are extra maintenance but the advantages are that you spend your time in your chosen destination not getting there then worrying if the weather will allow you to return in time for work school etc.

Please pass the word round if you know anyone looking for a roomy 5 berth finkeel yacht with good sailing performance.

 

[mrbloto]

graham i know where there is a little hurley 4 sale pm me

 

[Runna]

i know of mcwester kelpie neesing a bit of work but its cheap