Want To Buy: Buy or Rent Trailer for Cal 28' fixed keel

[mikalcalvino]

I'll try to keep this short and sweet.

Shipping my Cal28 from Guaymas Mexico to East Coast of Florida.
I already have the truck and drivers.
All I need is the trailer.
I am looking to purchase or rent a trailer.
I have until February to find my trailer.

Here are her dimensions/specs:




We will be driving this route (east to west) over the next month or so as we head back towards our boat.
If you have a trailer or know of one for sale or rent near this route, please let me know.


Photos of my vessel:





I would like to acquire the trailer ASAP in order to get it back to the boat yard in Mexico, prepare the boat for shipping, to be ready and waiting for our drivers.
If you have any extra bits of knowledge or helpful advice, feel free.

Thank you so much!

Here is a link to our cruising website: splendid isolation

[Cheechako]

If you cant find a Sailboat trailer... I wonder if a flatbed trailer and building a cradle is an option?

[mikalcalvino]

i've thought of this... but i have no experience welding.

[jeepbluetj]

But surely there is someone nearby the yard that has experience welding. Quite possibly experience welding up a sailboat cradle.

Otherwise you'll need to troll cragislist and forums. (Like you are doing)

A quick view of cragislist turned up this fine example:
Sailboat Trailer 20 ft

Now of course, there's NO WAY that would support a cal28, but it appears to be a simple boat trailer with supports added. Add 2x/3x the number of supports, have a spot to set the keel down, and you're set.

[mikalcalvino]

thanks cheech and jeepblue for the good welding info. i'm hoping not to have to go down that path, but i just might have to. i'll keep all this close in mind while i continue to search.

[Steve W]

try these North FLorida craigslistings:

Sailboat Trailer For Up To 28' Boat

sailboat trailer for sale

Hauling Trailer(boat, tractor) for rent- to 18K lbs

Hope this helps,

Steve

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by mikalcalvino

i've thought of this... but i have no experience welding.

Many a cradle has been made out of sturdy lumber. 4 x 4, 6 x 6 etc. That may be hard if you are in Mexico though.... although if you are taking a trailer down you could fab most of the cradle up here..... arent most new sailboats deovered on a cradle? or are those days gone.. maybe check with dealers....

[mikalcalvino]

cheech i'm sure if i do find a good priced flatbed trailer i could construct something to hold her just fine. i'm thinking if i take this path instead of getting a used one ready to go, that people in the boat yard will be happy to help guide me through the process. checking with dealers and boatyards is a great idea too. i'll have to get on that.

thanks steve i saw some of those earlier. that first one looks like it might possibly work. i'm just concerned on weight limit. my specs say 6000 lbs displacement but isnt that in water? would it be the same for trailer dry weight? how close do i want to get to the limit without it getting sketchy on such a long haul?

[delmarrey]

A twin axle car trailer with a cradle built would probably work with the keel sitting on the bed, on a hard rubber pad. Check its gross weight so you don't get a ticket. And, check your overall height with the highway patrols of each state you pass thru, for over-pass clearances.

Truck hits 11foot8 trestle as train is crossing - YouTube

[mikalcalvino]

great video. we will measure before we hit the road.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by mikalcalvino

cheech i'm sure if i do find a good priced flatbed trailer i could construct something to hold her just fine. i'm thinking if i take this path instead of getting a used one ready to go, that people in the boat yard will be happy to help guide me through the process. checking with dealers and boatyards is a great idea too. i'll have to get on that.

thanks steve i saw some of those earlier. that first one looks like it might possibly work. i'm just concerned on weight limit. my specs say 6000 lbs displacement but isnt that in water? would it be the same for trailer dry weight? how close do i want to get to the limit without it getting sketchy on such a long haul?

Yeah.. just remember...a "sailboat trailer" might fit one specific boat or have no adjustment or have lots of adjustment..etc. I was just thinking a flatbed's easier to find.. maybe not though.. Good luck!

[mikalcalvino]

just got to New Smyrna, Florida. Should be in Florida the next week or two if anyone has any tips on trailers in this area. Heading West along Hwy10 once we leave the state.

[Cheechako]

There used to be a hydraulic trailer sitting in the storage lot (along with derelict boats and a lot of junk) of the marina at Fort Pierce. Not the City Marina or Harbor town, but the old marina/boatyard just north of Harbortown and North of the bridge. The trailer was a bit beat up but looked serviceable... and it was the kind that had the hydraulic pads that adjusted to fit the boat. Pretty cool. Who knows, it might be for sale.. or might be completely gone! The storage lot is on the South side of the canal across from the travelift area.

[Steve W]

Keep us posted on your journey.

[rgscpat]

Converting a powerboat trailer may be an easier option than converting a flatbed, and would give you the additional option of wet-launching (possibly with an extension bar or short drop cable). Add corner supports with pads and a keel rest and you should be good.

Besides the 6000 lb. boat dry displacement rating, keep a reserve because some boat builders built heavier than advertised, and some boat owners accumulate stuff -- so that 6000 lb boat could be 7000 lbs easily enough. Axles come with weight ratings; they need to be sufficient to handle the weight of both boat and trailer.