[Rhodes22-list] Getaway's new home

[Saroj]

Rob, Upon discovering that my surge brakes no longer worked, I invested in
electric brakes a few years ago.  Upside is that it is easy to test if they
are working and I have a heightened sense of security with the electric
brakes.  Downside is that you need a vehicle with the part that links into
the electrical system of the car.  My tow vehicle was totalled and none of
the rental agencies have trucks with electric brake setups.  I subsequently
used rental vehicles to tow the boat from AZ to MT and then from MT to VA
(where I currently live) with NO brakes other than the emergency brakes that
run off a battery on the trailer itself triggered by separation from the tow
vehicle.  I had absolutely no problem with braking or anything else during
either of those trips -- hardly even knew the boat was behind us (mind you,
we were towing with very heavy trucks).  Going thru the switch-backs of Zion
National Park heated up the truck breaks pretty well, but no driving issues.
I also went through the Rockies and the Appalachian mountains in these
trips.

I have a dual axle trailer which may be more stable -- ie no tail wagging.
I'm also careful to have sufficient tongue weight on these long trips by
storing the motor and other stuff in the v-berth.

I had heard on this list a few years ago that surge brakes were not allowed
in many states, but I honestly don't know if that is true, nor if it matters
(i.e. are the police ever going to stop you, know what you have or care).

Don't know if any of that helps, but may give you something to think about.
My preference is definitely electic brakes.

Saroj

----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Lowe" <rlowe at vt.edu>
To: "Rhodes List" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 8:44 AM
Subject: Fw: [Rhodes22-list] Getaway's new home


> As Bob has mentioned, we are the new owners of the "Getaway".  I look
> forward to getting a lot of advice and help from this group, as I'm a
fairly
> novice sailor.  A lifelong dream of owning a sail boat has finally
happened.
> But, as boats go, it's time (already) to throw some money at it.  Virginia
> requires boat trailers over 3,000 pounds gross to have trailer brakes, and
> this trailer does not.  So, looks like it's time to add brakes.
Especially
> before I tow from St. Louis to southwest Virginia.
>
> Question, electric vs. hydraulic?  I've heard that hydraulic are preferred
> in salt water areas, but I'll be mostly lake sailing.  Looks like the
prices
> for both systems are comparable, around $500-600.  Any difference between
> 10" and 12" besides braking power?  Any other advice you can give me would
> be helpful!  Thanks - Rob
>
>
> >
> > All,
> >    Getaway sold this evening to Rob Lowe.  He says that he will be
joining
> > the list shortly as the newest Rhodes-22 owner.  I want you all to tell
> him
> > what a steal he got on this boat!  ;-)  (He really got a nice boat, no
> > kidding)
> >    It has been my pleasure to be a part of this group, even if I mostly
> > lurked, I was here.  Thanks, everyone, for all of your help, advice, and
> > inputs.  My new San Juan does not have nearly the support group that the
> > Rhodes had and I'm gonna miss that a lot.
> >    Please welcome Rob to the list and please accept my thanks and
> admiration
> > for the support you all give to each other and to me.
> >
> > Fair Winds,
> >
> > Bob Hendrickson
> > S/V Getaway
> > _________________________________________________
> > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> >
>