Joe Anderson

Frowley, I just noticed your question. I have a Karavan RB KKR-2400 78-S. I see that KKR is their line of roller trailers which seems a bit odd. I struggled a bit with what trailer to get and finally just jumped. I am not sure I landed in the best spot but it works. One of the dimensions I looked closely at was the width between the fenders. The KKR-2100 has the same width so that would seem to be a better choice not sure why I went with the 2400. Of course the width between the fenders is only important if you are opting for the ride between the wheels as opposed to the ride over the wheels. If I recall correctly I spoke with a representative at the factory and custom ordered the trailer. It came set up with three keel rollers and bunks. I suspect the frames are identical so whether it is a KKR or KKB does not matter if it is a custom order. I went with the bent cross bars and you are right they drop something like 8 inches which is too much for our boats. 3 or 4 inches would be better. I had to lift the center rollers up and modify the bunk brackets down to make it work. It is very possible that the straight cross bars would be a better fit. I think your keel would be a few inches higher. You could back the trailer in a little further to make up for the extra height. I hope that helps. Joe

Launch Day! Photos are not specifically of the trailer setup, but I hope it gives you an idea.

Lots of good thoughts so far. As mentioned earlier one of the challenges in finding a suitable trailer is that trailers designed for a twenty foot boat are also designed for much heavier boats. I ordered my trailer with an extended tongue. This allowed me to move the winch post further forward and fit a longer boat on the trailer. The tongue was longer than I needed so I cut it off to the desired length. ouch. I also removed one of leaves from the springs. Having an axle that can be moved fore and aft to adjust tongue weight is almost mandatory. If you are storing in a confined space make sure the total rig length will fit. A wide wheel base can allow the boat to sit a little lower. The fenders can make a convenient step for entering exiting the boat. However it is easier to drop a wheel off the pavement and negotiating fuel stations, curbs, becomes more challenging. I adapted Graham's launch technique. I have six keel rollers. Five should be plenty. I back until the tires just kiss the water and the boat rolls off. The trailer never gets wet. Six years of salt water and no indication of corrosion problems. Winching up does take a little effort. Also be mindful of what the boat will contact when it inadvertently comes off the rollers. Not much is required of the forward two or three rollers and your average roller will do. The stern roller must carry a significant portion of the boat weight and roll freely. After the first couple of launches I installed a Stoltz roller back there and no problems since. I never considered trailer brakes. I figured the tow weight was low enough and besides trailer brakes would soon be rusted and useless. If you are launching off the keel rollers and keeping the trailer dry, brakes may be worth considering if you a towing with a small vehicle.

There is a fair possibility that Sally was actually the one that took the beautiful photo of your boat. Either way we are very happy for you.

Oh to be a tree and get sent to Amos' workshop.

Thanks to all the B and B crew and the participants who helped make a truly memorable Messabout. Amos and his family joined Sally and I for a sail. Local Honey is in the background. Second photo is Pete sailing Chessie. Third photo is Paul working Carrie B upwind.

Jay Chick said he is planning a mini cruise after the Messabout. You said you were planning a cruise prior to the Messabout. Will you be staying after the Messabout as well? Sally and I are trying to plan for a two to three day cruise either before or after, depending on how we can work out our schedules. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Safe travels. Give my best to Gordy.

Very nice work Amos. You can not have too many kid pictures not if they are working on the boat, or sailing. Your laminate layup looks so clean. I think laminated beams are one of the best combinations of epoxy and wood. Beauty and function. Nature and Chemistry.

Well done Pete! I have enjoyed following your progress. There is nothing like a problem that at first appears difficult and the magic of how a solution appears sometimes from out of the blue.

Alan you and Taylor must be made of some pretty fine stuff, with a boat to match. Do you have any photos, video?

Ken raised Southbound to be undeterred or maybe that is unperturbed by heavy weather. I am sure Ken will be pleased to know she was able to look after Alan and Taylor. This could add fuel to the debate concerning reefing by moving the mizzen to the third mast position.

Looking at the Watertribe site it appears like Alan and Taylor were the only ones to finish the North Carolina Challenge. Well congratulations. There must be a story here. I am unable to access the Watertribe discussion forum. Anyone know any details?

This looks like it could be a lot of fun. A Princess 22, a Belhaven 19, a Core Sound 17 mk3, a Core Sound 20 mk3, plus lots of other interesting boats. Have a great adventure.

Thanks for the update. Good luck on the work. Photos and updates may help others deal with this problem or better yet avoid it. Marine Plywood is not necessarily rot resistant. Okoume has almost no natural resistance to rot. One of the keys to making plywood epoxy boats durable is keeping the water out. Ideally any penetration through the plywood for a fastner or whatever should be drilled oversize and filled with epoxy then redrilled so the fastner is going through an epoxy bushing. One very important place to do this is at the centerboard pin. The pin should be surrounded by an epoxy bushing 6mm or more thick so there is no way that water can get into the edge grain of the plywood.