It seems I have run out of projects at the moment (surprise... finished the spin, hoop,bag,pole, fixed ding in bow) and am thinking about making a trailer box to keep sails etc. My question is this: if you make a water tight box that goes on the trailer- obviously under the cat- then would this create too much bouyancy and have the trailer possibly float when you put it in the water to load the boat?
Secondly, if it weren't waterproof then wouldn't you be getting the sails wet (even if you took them out before loading the cat then the box would still be wet)?

Seems like there are obvious answers to these questions - considering how many people have those boxes- but if someone could help me out that would be great.
Thanks

Somehow I have to think you are not putting your trailer in the water! I know you sail near Pcola. Do you feel the need to use a concrete boat ramp? Nobody (using this loosely) around this area does such a thing!!

Bob

I'm sorry - I really don't mean any offence, BUT, you put your road trailer in the water ?
I have never seen a catamaran road trailer in the water. I don't believe that any wheel bearings are totally waterproof.
Build a box AND build a launching trolley.

Well, powerboat trailers put everything underwater all the time when launching and retrieving their boats, and some of them trailer their boats for long distances. So, it can be done.

But beach-cat sailors normally have beach wheels, take their boat off the trailer, and launch and retrieve from the ramp (if using a ramp) using the beach wheels rather than the trailer.

Well, I am glad I asked now! I usually don't even use the trailer (my cat is a true "beach cat" and stays on the beach for the most part)
I have noticed that people don't usually put their cat trailers in the water (if they do, its only part of the way). I do have beach wheels but how do you not screw up the hulls sliding the boat off the trailer onto the wheels? I have four cradles on my trailer and I have heard you shouldn't use rollers. I guess it shouldn't be too bad. Ok... but how do you get the boat back on to the trailer? I mean, the thing isn't necessarily light
As far as what mary said- I agree... trailers are made to go in the water.

I've launched my I20 off the trailer plenty of times at the ramp. It's a steep ramp and with dual trailer boxes, the trailer does float before the front cradles get in the water. You have to push the boat out of the cradles. I've even sailed the boat onto the trailer (boards up at the last moment).

I installed stainless steel vents fore nd aft on my box pluss added weep / drain holes to the bottom to let it breath. My trailers have never been in the water....on purpose that is.

eric-
how do you get your boat out of the water onto the trailer? I am sure that ARC 21s aren't the type of boat two people can lift onto a trailer.

Most trailer boxes leak some. Otherwise rain would not be able to leak out.
Use your trailer in Fresh water, cattrax it off in salt. Not to worry.
CARY

Ditto Zuhl. Fresh water is ok to sink the trailer, but better not try it in salt water too often.

I've always used front cradles and rear rollers (for easier off loading on a ramp in fresh water). I do add extra cushioning on the rear rollers when trailering out of the club grounds. Seems as if most of the weight is on the main beam (i.e. front cradles) when stored with the mast up.

Spray the cradles with silicone (or McLube) and the boat will go on/off much easier. Even carpet scraps are slippery when sprayed with that stuff.

Most people use some sort of "bumpers" on the sterns when loading/unloading. John Bauldry makes these things out of foam swimming "noodles" that clip on with shock cord around the back of the boat. That way, you can set the back end down on the asphalt without scratching the gel coat.

Use the launching trolly always. Simpler by far !

Build your box with breather holes in it so when you put your sails away wet (it might happen ) they can breath for the time they stay in the box.

It only weighs a little over 410 lbs, cat trax are perfect.

First...some advice. NEVER immerse your cat trailer in the water, NEVER. You are asking for trouble. Sure powerboats do, but how many times have you seen them broken down on the side of the road missing wheels, broken supports or non-functioning lights? My previous trailer was 18 years old, made of steel and had over 200,000 miles on it. It was well maintained, never put in the water and never had travel issues. My current trailer is an aluminum Trailex.

You can use a ramp and back the trailer to were the rear support is just above the water. Lift your bows and the whole thing slides right off. Repeat the process for retrieval. If your having problems getting on the trailer, mount a winch on the front mast support and winch it on. Get a set of beach wheels. You can launch from anywhere (ramps too) with beach wheels and roll your boat directly into and out of the water.

Regarding a sailbox... my winter project last year was to build a new water tight sailbox. I used a "shoe box" design with a removable top. The box is 12 feet long in order to accommodate a fully assembled Tiger spin pole. Since you can't get 12 foot long plywood, I used 8 foot pieces, 1/4" thick and offset laminated them together to make a 12 foot length. After the box was assembled, I glassed it with polyester resin/6 oz. glass cloth and finished with a marine grade paint. It's totally weatherproof and will last many, many years.

When I die, I want to be buried in my sailbox

I launched my H17 off a galvantized trailer in ocean salt water all the time. When the H17 died, the trailer was sill goin strong. Even checked the bearings and they were fine.

If you dunk, just invest in a good set of sealed LED trailer lights. That was the only problem I had.

May I ask where you got the LED trailer lights? I am tired of the junk lights that came on my trailers.

thanks

PTP:

If you haven't bought some, here is a cheap way to make some wheels. They work GREAT on sand and flat surface, just not to good on uneven ground. Under $100 without cradles and under $200 with (unless you can make your own cradels).

http://www.geocities.com/mec_coleman/tip13.htm

Doug
dsnell4 at houston dot rr dot com

Bob,

Around here we have a place called "Northern Tool and Equipment"

Not sure if they have them where-ever you may be, but they have everything you'd ever need as far as trailer lights.

I think they have an online store.
(Sorry, but I couldn't find anything like it on the catsailor store)

Bob:

Did a search for you. Here is there website.

http://www.northerntool.com/

Here is link for led trailer lights

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...challpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial


Doug

West Marine carries LED kits and individual lights.