Spindrift Trailer

[Brent]

The discussion around car topping spindrifts has been innovative and interesting, but I am thinking seriously about putting a trailer under mine. Any suggestions for a trailer source? I am considering a harbor freight 4 * 8 trailer - install my own bunks etc. Anybody have any experiece with these cheap trailers?

[Roger Peterson]

Hi Brent,

Chuck over at Duckworks did an article on converting harbor freight trailers for use with small sailboats. Do a search on duckworks and I think you will find what you are looking for. If I remember correctly, there are two or three articles on converting trailers and at least one on building your own.

Roger

[Howard]

I've not checked it out, but it seems to me that those single trailers designed for Jet Ski's (PWCs) would work. In a resort area, perfectly good used ones might be had for cheap.

[Peter HK]

Hello Brent

I use a standard 6*4 box trailer for an 11ft 4 inch dinghy (Welsford Golden Bay dinghy - shortened). These trailers can be had second hand pretty cheaply- at least here in Australia. I use the trailer for general purpose as well so just sit the dinghy on top which makes it a little high, so lifting it on is a little more difficult, but quite manageable.

Here is a pic.

Peter HK

[Hirilonde]

I bought my trailer as a kit from Northern Tool.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_6970_166839

I will be building hard sides for it soon and use bowed battens and a tarp for a cover. This way I can store it outdoors and use it as a utility trailers as well. Mine is model #12542. #12571 would probably work well for a non-nesting S9. Might have to choose even larger for 10-12

[Steve Day]

I recently built an 11' Garvey and was looking for a trailer for it. I finally found a used galvanized jet ski trailer at one of the dealers. It was not cheap, but it was within my price range. It is now under the Garvey and I have a two year old, nice trailer to use with the boat.

Yes, a jet ski trailer works quite well. I'm sure a guy could find one for less money than I have in mine, particularly at the end of the boating season.

Steve

[PeterP]

I second Steve on the jet ski trailer. Got mine for FIVE bucks! The guy was too embarrassed about the condition of it. But for an old bin diver like me she was pure gold. New bunks & carpet. New bearings and one tire. All from a farm supply store where there is no marine premium. I must not forget a new light kit. I reckon about $60 -$70 all up.  ;javascript:void(0);

GrinDPeterP

[msueirro]

Brent,

I have a Spindrift 12 that I keep on a Harbor Freight boat trailer. It's about the same size as the 4X8 trailer, but it is built for a boat, with a bow post and bumper, a keel roller, and bunk boards.

It cost me about $300 on sale, and was delivered in three boxes. Took most of a day to assemble. It has worked just fine for the Spindrift. Tows nicely and never been ill mannered. My only concern is the 8" wheels. I worry the bearings will overheat on long trips, but it hasn't been an issue so far. Never towed more than half an hour in one direction.

Here's a picture, or at least, I hope there's a picture. My first post with this new software.

Mike

[Doug Cameron]

For my Shellback (~11 FEET) I use a jetski trailer with 8" wheels and bearing buddies.  It has been to Cedar Key from Tennessee twice at interstate speeds.  I change bearing grease once a year.

[Brent]

I went with the harbor freight 4 * 8 trailer with 12" wheels.  The trailer turned out to be better quality than I expected.  The boat rides very nicely upon a pair of bunks.  I put a simple keel guide up front to keep the boat centered on the bunks.  All up less than $300.