Trailering Advice

[JimGo]

Well, things have taken an odd, but pleasant, turn in my search for a boat. I've been offered a free Irwin 25 that, to my untrained eye, looks decent. No major "work" needed, but it does need new running rigging, a new main sail, and an engine. Also, the boat is located in Long Island, about 3 hours from my house, and about 150 statute miles (by water) from where I'd like to keep her (NJ shore, probably Ocean City, NJ or Avalon, NJ). My preference would be to hold off rigging her until she's closer to home/her intended destination. I'm trying to find a cost-effective way of trailering her (or having her moved) from there to here. Any suggestions? The boat is 5400 lbs (IRWIN 25 sailboat on sailboatdata.com), 25 1/2 feet long, with a shallow keel (and centerboard).

[Ishmael]

www.yachtworld.com has a shipping estimator where you can enter the size and type of vessel, and the to/from zip codes, and it will give you a list of recent, similar deliveries and how much it cost.

[JimGo]

Thanks! I hadn't seen that. Unfortunately, the estimates go anywhere from $350 (which is within my target range) to $1200 (which is NOT within range!). I wish my Pilot could tow the boat - that would make things a little easier!

[knottygurl]

can you rig up or temp install of outboard bracket and use a9.9 and push it home in 3 days or one and a half straight through

[JimGo]

I thought about that, or sailing her with just the jib, if the jib sheets are long enough to reach the cockpit.

Do you think a 9.9HP would be sufficient for a 5600 lb boat? I have seen a few 15's at reasonable prices, too.

[JimGo]

Anybody have a configurable trailer and some time one weekend soon? I make custom pens and could work out a barter!

[JimGo]

Knotty, what do you think of your Grampian? (it's OK if I hijack my own thread, right?)

[aquarian]

Contact Todd or Spencer at www.sailtrailers.com. 706-888-6722. They build trailers for folks who haul boats for a living. They will know who to put you in contact with.

Good Luck

PS. Spencer's "baby" is an Irwin. He will be jealous.

[Cormorant]

Originally Posted by JimGo

Do you think a 9.9HP would be sufficient for a 5600 lb boat? I have seen a few 15's at reasonable prices, too.

JimGo -- congrats on getting the Irwin. We have a 31' trailersailer that weighs about 4500-5000 lbs when fully loaded for cruising . . . and our Nissan 9.8 is more than enough power for her. We usually motor at 1/3 throttle and do 5.5 kts. You can go faster, up to 7 or 8 kts, but at great cost in fuel efficiency. So, strap on an outboard and get 'er home!

[JimGo]

I've found a trailer, but I don't think it will work for the Irwin. Can someone help spot-check me? I'd REALLY like it if this trailer could work! As I understand it, the keel needs to support about 80% of the boat's weight while on the trailer. From what I can tell, this trailer doesn't have enough support along the keel line for the boat. Is that a correct guess?

[Khagan1227]

Don't know if you weld or not, but the galvanized frame will be a pain in the rear, but you could modify it for a pull, you are going to need some serious side supports for the boat.

[JimGo]

Thanks for the feedback, that's what I thought (and welding is one of those skills that I'd love to have, but haven't acquired yet). I think I'd be better off with a bunk-style trailer with adjustable bunk heights, or one with the equivalent of jack stands.

[Cormorant]

I think you could just cut all those roller assemblies off with a Sawzall (or unbolt them, in a civilized manner) and build a wooden framework on top of the steel trailer frame to suit the Irwin. 6x6s across laterally to take the keel weight. 4x4s or 4x6s forming a cradle to hold her upright. If you have a lines drawing of the Irwin you can plan it all out on paper before setting saw to wood. Not ideal, but easy to do on short notice.

And . . . repack / change the bearings before you drive anywhere!

[nautical62]

Originally Posted by JimGo

I thought about that, or sailing her with just the jib, if the jib sheets are long enough to reach the cockpit.

Do you think a 9.9HP would be sufficient for a 5600 lb boat? I have seen a few 15's at reasonable prices, too.

I sailed and powered a 26-foot 6,700 lb monohull through a few of the great lakes, and a few trips from Florida through the Bahamas, with a 9.9 HP outboard, so in my opinion, probably yes.

[Tbrad]

Forget the trailer. Use the 9.9. I've got a 9.9 Johnson hooked to my Catalina which weighs considerably more than your Irwin and it works just fine.