$1,000 for a trailer?!The idea of putting a $300 boat on a $1,000 trailer seems crazy to me, but of course, we're buying bangers, not new boats. However, I can see the logic of investing in a trailer so that you don't have to invest in another boat down the road. But that would wipe out our boat budget. We might devise our own dolly as a winter project or invest in submersible trailer lights.
Most trailers today just have pads for the boat to sit on, but this is bad for the bottom of the hull and usually no way to easily roll the boat off of the trailer. My fix was to add a couple of 2x4's extending the length of the trailer aft, and then add a roller at the end so you can easily launch the boat singlehanded. Regarding the hull damage, I made a conventional trailer into a double trailer allowing air ride suspension. I added a wide 3" tie down strap to the upper frame so that I could raise the hull off the pads and ride suspended. Has worked fine. Strongly suggest a trailer with the larger dia. wheels if you can afford it.I am looking at getting into the world of the Sunfish, as it would be great to have a small boat I can rig quickly and take out single-handed without needing to rouse up crew or spend an hour rigging my other boat. I mostly sail at a lake with no hoist for launching, and usually ramp launch my other boat, which is also dry sailed. I know a lot of Sunfish sailers just haul their boats upside down on flat trailers or in the bed of their pickup, but I suspect this is more feasible if you have (1) a soft beach for beaching the boat so it can be un-rigged and lifted onto the truck or trailer, and (2) a helper to manage the boat. I'm looking for something I can tow to the lake and get into the water in less than 20 minutes, and haul out just as quickly, any evening of the week.
What advice do you have for ramp launching, both in terms of equipment and technique? Are there any trailers that are most favored for this? I am starting fresh, and will probably buy all new, so I'm really open to try anything / not limited to what I can find second-hand.
Thank you!
Regarding the hull damage, I made a conventional trailer into a double trailer allowing air ride suspension. I added a wide 3" tie down strap to the upper frame so that I could raise the hull off the pads and ride suspended. Has worked fine