[Steveosuburbs]

So, I recently posted I got my first sailboat--a holder 14. The trailer that came with it is rusted at the axles pretty badly. I found a 17 foot trailer someone is getting rid of for free. I'm new to this boat stuff, but would it be okay to use that trailer for my sailboat? It will obviously fit, I just want to make sure that it be okay.


Thanks!

 

[krisscross]

I have that very same boat (Holder 14) and used several different trailers for it over the years. IMO just about any trailer is fine for a small boat like that. I prefer to use the lightest (and lowest) trailer suitable for any given boat, so you can easily move it when empty and trying to get into a tight parking spot at the launch site.

 

[Steveosuburbs]

I have that very same boat (Holder 14) and used several different trailers for it over the years. IMO just about any trailer is fine for a small boat like that. I prefer to use the lightest (and lowest) trailer suitable for any given boat, so you can easily move it when empty and trying to get into a tight parking spot at the launch site.

Perfect. I'll definitely pick up this trailer then.

 

[capt jgwinks]

Make sure you get the boat far enough forward to get enough tongue weight. Should be 10% or more of the total weight or the rig will sway violently. On a boat that small you can weigh the tongue with a bathroom scale. It won't be more than 300#. The winch post and maybe the axle should be held on with u bolts and can be adjusted. Had that sway problem once with a 28 foot, 4000# boat on a 2000# trailer. Damned near killed me.

 

[nccouple]

I see no problem at all with that. I had a 24' boat on a 20' trailer and it worked great. Most of your boat trailers are adjustable so it should work just fine.

 

[ultraclyde]

Hey, I have a Vagabond 14. Same boat, and same as the Hobie 1-14. There's a good group of owners on Yahoo groups and a facebook group that's mostly the same people.

My boat has a tiny Dilly trailer. I think displacement on the boat is less than 400lbs, so with a 17' trailer, your trailer will outweigh the boat but you should be fine. The nice part will be you can easily mount your mast on the trailer as well since it's only a 20' mast.

Enjoy the boat, they're fun and easy to sail. Pics of mine are in the introductory thread somewhere.