[Rhodes22-list] RC trailer setup - part 3

The Rhodes 22 Email List rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Mon Sep 1 16:18:53 EDT 2014


You may need to ignore everything I've written in this thread, Graham. It
suddenly dawned on me that RC in your subject line refers to Rhodes
Continental - which may differ significantly from the 'conventional' Rhodes
22 trailer I've been describing. In the interest of being complete (or
completely useless), here's part 3 of my comments:

See if you can add some additional supports to the bunks. One thought is to
use pivoting scaffolding jacks, as shown at
http://www.scaffoldexpress.com/Scaffolding-Screw-Jack-w-Swivel-Base-Plate-p/
psv-164.htm. Cut short sections of black iron pipe at an angle, so the pipe
'points' at the bunk when welded to the trailer frame rail (see the
attached). Mount the jacks upside down, sticking the threaded end in the
pipe and securing the pivoting base to the underside of the bunk; you'll
probably need to cut the scaffolding jack down a bit. When you extend the
jack, you'll be taking more of the weight of the boat on the bunk. Add one
or two jacks to each bunk. Double nut each support jack if you want to count
on its support while trailering. 

Also, you can wedge a piece of 2x vertically under the bow eye and secure it
temporarily through the winter with a C clamp on the trailer frame to take
some of the weight of the bow. 

Lastly, consider glassing in a temporary bulkhead (another piece of 2x) in
the bow, between the forward bunk supports. You can cut it out when you add
reinforcement to the interior at a later date.

Taken together, the above is probably overkill, but you may find something
worthwhile to prevent stress cracks, despite the fact I had the wrong
trailer in mind :-/

Alternately, you may just decide to continue letting the keel bear the brunt
of the boat's weight and be done with it.

Dennis McNeely
Magic Moments
Not much sailing today, but got my jones fixed!!



-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis [mailto:mcneelyd at site-solutions.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2014 10:43 PM
To: 'The Rhodes 22 Email List'
Subject: RE: [Rhodes22-list] RC trailer setup

My bunks are 2x6 treated wood, covered in indoor/outdoor carpeting, and they
support the weight of the boat. Magic Moments' keel is a little above the
roller, and the bow is as far forward as I can get it to ensure I've got
enough tongue weight. The lower 2x6s only guide the keel; they don't offer
any support. If you want the bow stop extended for some reason, you can stow
something forward to the V berth, bring the motor onboard (secure it to the
cockpit floor and give it a bit of cushioning), top off the water tank, etc.
to help with the balance of the boat while towing.

Right now, Magic Moments is in a lift on 2x6s perpendicular to the waterline
- i.e. there isn't much fiberglass bearing the weight of the boat
(especially the forward supports). This is with a 110 pound outboard, 9 gal
of gas, 7-15 gal of water, etc. It also includes the not-unsubstantial
weight of the crew from time to time (another 4 or 5 hundred pounds).
Despite the weight concentration, there has been no gel coat cracking or
oil-canning of the hull. 

Pictures tomorrow, when I have some light. 

Dennis
Magic Moments
Looking forward to finding some open water on Lake Erie on Memorial Day
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