Ken_Potts Posted May 17, 2006 Posted May 17, 2006 I was just looking at my boat thinking that sooner or later I need to figure out the trailer. From time to time I see trailers for sale but I haven't bothered to go look at any yet. It seems that most trailers that can be made to fit a CS17 were originally built for outboard powered boats so I think a trailer for a 15' john boat would probably work for my boat since I don't have a big heavy outboard hanging off the transom. So when I go look at a trailer I'm wondering where the axle should be in relation to the bow of the boat (in order to have the right approximate tongue weight). Could some of you fine folks chime in with a measurement from the bow of your CS17 to the axle of the trailer? The measurement doesn't need to be to the inch - I'm happy with "about two feet behind the mizzen" or something like that. Quote
Peter Batchelor Posted May 17, 2006 Posted May 17, 2006 Hi Ken, For our CS17, the axle on my trailer is about 4 - 6 inches forward of the mizzen. I looked around and the best I could find to suit (in Australia - not much help to you, but helpful for other builders in Australia and New Zealand) was a Dunbier Sports 4.7M. See http://www.dunbier.com.au/trailers_sports_series.php for details. Click on the Sports 4.4M-10 link to see the longer version as well. I couldn't go for a wider trailer, as it wouldn't fit down our side driveway. This trailer, with the boat on it, just fits diagonally into the garage I used when building the boat. The axle is movable, which was one of the real attractions to this trailer. I moved it forward so that the load in the ball was reduced. I've heard it said that around 60% of a boat's mass should be in front of the axle, and 40% behind, so when you lift the trailer at the ball you should be lifting about 20% of the total weight of the boat, plus a % of the weight of the trailer. Following this line of thought, if a CS17 has hull weight of say 450lbs, then the tow hitch should be bearing a weight of about 20% of the 450lbs - 90lbs or so. My trailer hitch comes in at 35kg, or 77lbs. I'd be interested in hearing what sort of weight other CS17 owners have on their hitches. With this weight I've found it easy to tow, no problems with sway, and easy to hitch up... Regards, Peter Quote
Kidd Posted May 17, 2006 Posted May 17, 2006 I just recelently purchased a trailer for my CS 17. You didn't state whether you were looking for new or used. The trailer I bought was used. I like so many others figured I would save some money. $200.00 for the trailer, $150.00 for new tires, $175.00 for material for de-rusting and painting, $178.00 for new brackets bunks bolts etc. Still need a new winch and trailer jack. www.championtrailers.com this websight has some trailers which might be good for a CS 17. I saw them when I was ordering parts for my trailer so I glanced at them but haven't really looked hard at them. Quote
mustangermatt Posted May 17, 2006 Posted May 17, 2006 I second Ray's advice about outboard wheels. We had a -3' tide at the ramp last weekend and alot of people were pulling off the ramp with their boats still on the trailer because they couldn't reach water. I have an EZ-Loader EZ 17-20' with bunks, but it is way overkill for the CS-17. It has a capacity of 3700 lbs and weighs twice what the boat does, but I got it in excellent condition for 200 bucks. I have the axle all the way forward and the boat all the way aft, it is still a little heavy in the front but tows well anyway. I think the axle is about a foot behind the mizzen. I like the bunks over rollers because the CS just sort of plops down on them and doesn't really care where. Quote
mustangermatt Posted May 17, 2006 Posted May 17, 2006 After writing the reply I got to thinking. Maybe I should get a boat big enough to use the trailer capacity. Looks like a Princess 26 would just about do it :-) Quote
Ken_Potts Posted May 18, 2006 Author Posted May 18, 2006 Thanks for all the good information, guys. I have plenty to go on now. I am looking for either new or used (whatever works). The Champion link looks like a good one for parts. Keep us updated on the P26 Matt... Quote
Michael_H Posted May 21, 2006 Posted May 21, 2006 Come on, man, I'm on the other side of the country here, I NEED to see the progress!!!!! Michael Quote
Ken_Potts Posted May 21, 2006 Author Posted May 21, 2006 Hi Mike! Welcome to the forum. It's about time you spoke up I'll get pics after the sun comes up. I promise (yet again). Of course tomorrow's a brewing day but I'll get boat pics taken - Really, I will. Besides - If you'd quit hanging around on the wrong coast you could see the boat in person! Quote
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