Need Trailer for 25

S

stclairgal

New member
Hi Everyone
It looks like we will be moving to Michigan soon. We are in the Baltimore area and will need to move Dragonfly north. I think we should buy a trailer, but what kind is best for a 25 Cruiser? Next problem is the tow vehicle - we just bought a Mercedes 300 and my new job will provide a Chrysler 200. Neither can tow a boat! Is it possible to rent a truck to tow the boat?
If we don't buy a trailer, does anyone know a good boat transporter who would move my boat to Detroit?
Thanks!!
Joyce
 
Joyce,

Sorry to hear that you and Wolfgang will be moving. Suzanne and I enjoyed getting to know you both this summer at the NNYC trips. We wish you the best in your new employment and hope you will stop by an NNYC event if you get back in the Baltimore area.

Dick & Suzanne
 
If it is a one time move, and you won't need a trailer in MI, then I would strongly suggest that you use Cory.

A good trailer will not be cheap--sometimes you can find a used one on the forum. Many other used trailers have to have the bunks changed for the C Dory, since the bottom is flatter than the majority of boats. Also you want to have room for the bottom of the boat between the fenders.

Float On makes excellent trailers. Pacific, and King are also trailers frequently used by the 25's. If you are doing to do much towing in hills or mountains, go for the electric over hydraulic brakes. If only occasionally and on the flats, then surge brakes, on both axles.
 
Joyce,
Sorry to hear that we won't see you and Wolfgang on the James and the Bay again, at least for a while.

The only advice I have re: trailers is to avoid Load Rite. I went the low cost route and have had lots of electrical and brake problems. But it occurs to me that those are mostly from salt water, which won't be a problem for you.

Also, there is lots of info about trailers from others more expert than me on other threads here.

Finally, after consulting discussions about tow vehicles on C-Brats I got, from CarMax a 5.7L, 2wd Tundra with factory tow package. It works fine up and down the flat E. Coast, although while towing, I never forget that that load is back there.

All the best,
 
I'm not sure how you stored Dragonfly in Baltimore, but rest assured, you need to pull it out of the water in Michigan. So getting a trailer makes sense, in addition to the added ability in trailering it to different destinations.

A C-Dory 25 isn't a light load, so unless you buy just a yard trailer, get a good one. I like E-Z Loader, but certainly others make good trailers and would be closer to you.

AS for the tow vehicle, any American or Toyota V-8 pickup will do the job. I understand that's not what you have, but that's what you need.

Good luck. There's wonderful cruising around Michigan from the Eire Canal to the Mississippi River.

Boris
 
Joyce and Wolfgang,
I would suggest that you avoid buying a trailer, as the expense, upkeep and storage cost will not have any dividends for your boating pleasure, as you do not plan on buying a truck to tow it. Trailers, even thoughts that are infrequently used, still require routine maintenance ($$$ + your time).
Heck, I have a yard full of trailers (7 as of last count) and do take reasonable care of then and they still have a ton of issues (pick a top brand and I have one as you may have seen.
I would simply pay to have it hauled by a professional and do check their ratings, as I was ripped off by paying $500, years back for a deposit with a no show to move my sailboat. BoatUS investigated the company, and found that I was one of the few that got off easy, as others lost thousands...
The shipper suggested on this thread is very good, but you can also go to the BoatUS site for other recommended shippers.
 
I've rented U haul trucks in past years for one way trailer haulers. Don't know if they have rules against that. I didn't ask, just hooked up my trailer an off I went. Expensive, but if you are moving that direction anyway, maybe that will take the sting out of renting a truck as you can load the van part of the truck with stuff AND tow the boat.
 
One issue I would be concerned with a rental truck, is the hitch. Not sure how many have class IV hitch, which I would consider very desirable, if not essential. I would also want to know how towing affects any insurance involved; both your, and the rental company.
 
The smaller box vans are towing dual axle car hauler trailers that are close to 2000 lbs, I'm guessing. On top of that is grandpa's 1975 family wagon at close to 5000 lbs. So I'm guessing that a 25 all up including trailer is about the same. However, the insurance issues are definitely something to cross the t's on.
 
Another absolutely great boat hauling guy that we use at Wefings alot is Tim Ginalski with TG transport [ 401.487.2973] . He has his own trailers and lives in R.I. and goes up and down the east coast all the time . He knows his stuff .
Cory is a busy guy these days and I'd like to congratulate him on his new job with Nordic Tugs .
Marc
 
Thanks, everyone for your input! I did contact Cory a few years ago for another move, but he was pretty expensive. I will follow up on other tips. Tis a shame we are leaving this lovely area before exploring much of it, but we WILL be back someday. LOVE the Chesapeake! We will miss the terrific C-Brats we have met here (but do come visit!)
Maybe we can start a new trend in Michigan, with our "cool" "cute" boat! At least we no longer have to fear the waves of Lake Erie and Lake Huron!
Joyce
 
Err, ahh.
Lake Michigan is every bit as nasty as Erie and Huron if you're in the wrong spot at
the wrong time.
As for a trailer, why don't you check out Venture Trailers (www.venturetrailers.com)
made right there in Baltimore.
I got their VATB-8025 aluminum tandem with notched bunks for around $4K for
my CD 26 Venture. It seems to do the job and the price was right.
I tow with a 1500 Hemi Ram - a big gas V8 and in the mountains I wish I had their
2500 turbo diesel with about 2x the torque.
Northern Lake Michgan (unsalted, unpoluted) is a wonderous cruising area north
of Frankfort and the water is actually blue. Not true further south, the
Chesapeake, much of Lk Erie and southern Lk Huron.
Welcome to Michigan.
Aye.
 
Thanks Marc from Wefings for recommending Tim Ginalski to move our boat up to Michigan. He safely delivered Dragonfly earlier this week.
Tim was great to work with and his price was fair.
Now, if only the ice would melt!
 
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