Collapsible Trailer

[Brandon Gamble]

So what kind of Trailer configurations are out there. I've seen pics of one trailer that the boat could be built on or disassembled and collapsed. Anyone else have anything like that?

[Scott Veirs]

Maybe you move bow into the nearby outboard rotatable V, then move stern into lower launching cradle, then move bow again with V down to lower launching cradle, fitting V into the receiving hole down there. But how to not tip the hull over in that final move of the bow?

[Carl]

Scott,
I note you are giving this much thought, and yes, you're on the right track. The hulls do sit in the V which is able to "rotate" as you move the hull to the lower position. This does allow me to assemble unassisted.
However you make a valid point when assembling the boat and before any beams are in place, the hull can tip over. Solution: (See photo- note this is an old photo taken before I owned the boat ; )) There are 4 thread-rods with a butterfly type nut on the end of each. These serve 2 purposes. Firstly when the boat is unassembled and on the trailer for moving, the folding arms are in the up position, and the thread rod serves to hold these in place. Very cleverly, I have another attachment that screws onto the end of the thread rod, and the end of that fits through the hole (for the trampoline) in the centre inner beam block which holds the hull in place without the fear of it tipping over.
Sounds complicated but is very straight forward. I'm about to put the boat back in the water again after what felt like a very long winter, and will get a few pics and post on here (note the boat is assembled already.)
The trailer is great and as you mentioned earlier is ideal for launching when you are relying on a shallow ramp.
Cheers

[Rick Hueschen]

Hi Scott,
1) The galvanized thin walled electrical conduit is welded in an offset side by side pattern. I then used low profile carriage bolts and unistrut to clamp it to the trailer. PVC pipe couplings are glued inside the outer pipe to provide a bearing surface. The inner pipe then is centered, and clears the carriage bolts.
2)I used a stock 18 foot jon boat trailer. I position the rear wheels of my van at the waters edge. Usually a stiff push will start the boat to rolling off the trailer. The boat floats just enough to clear the rear "v" of the cradle.
Hope this helps. Rick.

Scott Veirs said:

Ahoy Rick,

That is an inspiring solution! Can you please explain (with photos or words) two things:

1) How did you fasten the round pipes to the trailer (and each other?)? If welded, what technique did you use? If with bolts through a single side of the outer pipe, how do you avoid conflict/friction with the inner pipe?

2) Do you find that the hulls are low enough on the trailer that you can float the assembled boat off the trailer on typical-length boat ramps without submerging your car? If so, what size trailer do you use?

Keep up the great work.

Thank you,
Scott

[Brandon Gamble]

Rick,

I was looking over the pics and it looks like the keels sit lower that the top of the fender for the trailer wheels... If that is the case how do you slide them past the fender?

B

[Rick Hueschen]

Hi Brandon,
The keel clears the fender by about 1/2 inch. I kept that clearance in mind while installing the polyurethane rollers in the cradle. Rick.

Brandon Gamble said:

Rick,

I was looking over the pics and it looks like the keels sit lower that the top of the fender for the trailer wheels... If that is the case how do you slide them past the fender?

B

[Jay Bennett]

Hi there, 

this discussion is a couple of years old. 

I am currently in this place of looking to build a extendable trailer for my Tiki 21. 

I wonder if anyone has any further improvements on the discussed designs; and does anyone have a plan for such a trailer. i would be willing to pay for a plan. 

Cheers jay