[Rhodes22-list] Single vs Double Axle

[Julie Thorndycraft]

Rory,
We have a single axle and have taken Blue Loon on some rather lengthy trips. 
We have a 2003 Triad trailer purchased through Stan in 2003. We have learned 
that if you have a single axle, then the backside of the stern port window 
should be straight up from the axle. For reference, our boat is 1996 
refurbished in 2003 with a 100lb Yamaha 9.9 hanging off the backend. We 
usually have the water tank full when we travel, partially to ensure we have 
water but also to keep more weight forward. Slim is correct on the 
fishtailing and we will take the extra time to get the boat in position. Now 
that we know the 'tricks' for our boat, it's no problem. We also do not have 
the option of removing our motor as it is hooked up to the tiller with the 
remote controls. If we don't get it right, then we get creative and move all 
anchors and chain to the bow, putting the gas tank in the tow vehicle, etc - 
anything to get weight off the backend.

As for paint vs galvanized - we got galvanized even though we are in fresh 
water. We tend to put our boat to bed at the end of the season late and 
didn't want snow/salt to sit on the frame throughout the winter. Aside from 
replacing some tires that were about to blow, we've done no maintenance on 
the trailer.

My husband has assisted friends that have a dual axle and he will tell you 
that they are far less maneuverable than a single axle - this can be an 
issue if you are launching/retrieving in a busy launch site.

Julie (and Dan)
s/v Blue Loon


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Slim" <salm at mn.rr.com>
To: "Rhodes22-list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Monday, May 08, 2006 4:49 PM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Single vs Double Axle


>
> Rory,
>
> My boat came with a single axle which I used for the first couple seasons
> and then added a second axle and have never regretted that decision.  I 
> and
> others have had problems getting the boat far enough forward on the 
> trailer.
> With the single axle, that means not enough tongue weight or even negative
> tongue weight which will cause the trailer to fishtail at about 45 mph. 
> So
> we had to remove the motor and the rudder and shift any heavy gear forward
> in order to go anywhere. Obviously that's unacceptable so we added the
> second axle and the problem is solved and it tracks beautifully down the
> road at 65 or even 70 mph.
>
> The down side is that it's nearly impossible to move it around the yard by
> hand even without the boat on it.  And as stated before one wheel will 
> scoot
> when you're turning sharply forward or backing.
>
> I live in Minnesota and here the law requires breaks on trailers in excess
> of 3000 lbs.  I have electric breaks on only one axle, not both.
>
> For single axle loading, IIRC Julie and Dan have said that the rear-most
> port should be exactly above the axle for correct tongue weight.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Slim
>
> On 5/7/06 5:42 PM, "Rory Orkin" <roryorkin at earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>>
>> Am finishing up choices with Stan on recon boat to be delivered shortly.
>> Any real difference on axle choice ?? I have trailerd for years and 
>> really
>> don't have a serious preference though the double axle might be more
>> forgiving when backing since the rear wheels would be farther back than 
>> the
>> single.. What am I missing ?
>> What has been the experience with the painted trailers re rust. Not 
>> usually
>> the best idea in salt environment.. Wont be used more than in and out
>> seasonally unless we decide to go on the road with the boat.
>>                   Anyone know offhand about Md registration/inspection
>> laws re:brakes and weight ??
>>                        Thanks,
>>                          Rory
>> --
>> View this message in context:
>> http://www.nabble.com/Single-vs-Double-Axle-t1573999.html#a4273737
>> Sent from the Rhodes22 forum at Nabble.com.
>>
>> __________________________________________________
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>
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