looking for a trailer - question on width

[jdsgrog]

This summer, I'm planning on building a flat bottom dory style boat, so I am starting to research trailers. It will be 16' long and have a 7' beam. My question is, how wide of a trailer do I need? The bottom width will be about 5 1/2'. (i'm trying to look at the used trailer market first)

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: looking for a trailer - question on width

i would think that any standard trailer for a 16 would be wide enough. unless you want the low slung, where the boat fits between the wheels.
i prefer a longer tongue, makes launching easier, and longer trailers tow better.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: looking for a trailer - question on width

I was just wondering. I've seen trailers that are about 54-60 inches between the wheels, but with the wide beam of the boat, I was wondering if there is any danger if the width of the trailer is considerably less than the beam.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: looking for a trailer - question on width

Well, there are dorys and then there are dorys. No other boat has as many variations. Growing up on the east coast of Canada, I've seen many. The most common has a gentle arch front to back, and three strips that run front to back that serve as a quassy keel. You didn't mention if this will be a motor dory or not.
A stripped down regular boat trailer with an extended tongue and wide enough for the boat to cradle between the wheels would provide the most towability and ease of launch. Dorys tend to be heavy. Two padded cross bunks with provisions for the keel strips with a support for the bow would work well.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: looking for a trailer - question on width

The dory is a power dory. Based on the plans, the rear of the boat is flat with a single skeg. Also, as it will be a plywood/fiberglass composite, the estimated weight of the boat alone would be around 500-600 lbs (with motor, batteries, and fuel tank it should be shy of 1000 lbs depending on how I choose to power the boat). The overall length is 16'. The reason I ask the question is that I would much rather buy a used trailer for cost reasons.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: looking for a trailer - question on width

A dory trailer would not be a common style in most areas. You didn't say what part of the country you were in. Most trailers you will find, you will likely have to modify, so start with one with a good axle, suspension and frame. I'd go to Google.com and Google.ca and type in dory trailer to see some that are already modified.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: looking for a trailer - question on width

I live in Chicago. It's definitely not easy finding a trailer. But thanks for the suggestion. I will look at dory trailers and get some ideas.

BTW, if you want to see pics of the type of dory I'm planning to build, follow the link:

http://bateau.com/boats/OD16/index.html