Purchase a trailer separately?

[0verdrive]

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm looking at sailboats to buy. With the suggestions from the previous thread, I've started looking around, and have found several potential boats. However, some of them don't include trailers. In general, how difficult is it to match a trailer to a boat? I can search for used trailers online, but how will I know if the trailer will work for a boat I have a line on?

Most of the boats I've been looking at seem to be around 20-25' with centerboard or swing keel, so I don't need a trailer for a full-keel boat, if that helps. Beyond that, though, I've never taken a look at a trailer up close, so I'm not sure how adjustable they are for different size/styles of boats.

For example, I'd like to locate a trailer that could haul a '76 O'Day 25 centerboard. What are the odds that a typical 25' trailer would be equipped to haul the O'Day? (Another question would be: if for some reason it turns out that the trailer is wanting in some way, how adaptable are they? Could I just go to a trailer store for parts to adjust it to what I need?) If anyone has any tips for me, I'd appreciate it!

Thanks,
~Dean

[sailingdog]

Overdrive-

It really depends a lot on the sailboat and the trailer design. Most trailers are not designed to be really adjustable in much of any way.... this is primarily to keep the costs down, since they're generally made to work with a specific model boat.

If you know someone who knows how to weld, that would be far more useful in getting a trailer that fits a given boat than anything else.

[TractorJohn]

I would try hard to find a boat with a trailer, it will save you money and time.
but don't pass up a boat you really want for lack of a trailer. If you can keep your boat in the water or store it on the hard while looking for a trailer go for it. Trailers always become available right after you quit looking. Consider buying a boat you don't want with trailer and then selling boat just to get trailer. You might end up with a free trailer. Make sure the trailer axles (and tires)can handle the weight of the boat and gear. If you can weld, cut steel and drill holes, it's pretty easy and cheap to modify a trailer. The boat manufacturer may be able to supply a line drawing for a factory cradle.
Good luck

[tommays]

Triad of CT is your best bet i have owned two of there trailers and they build for allmost any sailboat


Triad Trailer Ltd. - Sailboat Trailers Custom Built

Tommays

[TAK]

Where are you sailing the boat and do you have slip/mooring options?

I ask becasue I bought a trailerable 23 foot as my first - thinking I would use the trailor but in hinsight it would have been a pain and I used my boat more having it in the water ready to go.

Some set ups and take down sailboats can take an hour or more so be sure thats really what you want. If it is, I would look for simplicity in set up and the trailor already with the boat.

[mrwuffles]

you could research for a trailer before you buy the boat and just match the boat to the trailer or when i bought my c22 we found a guy on craigslist that had a junk boat with a good trailer so we came out good crigslist is awesome for stuff like tht