[Rhodes22-list] RC trailer setup - part 3

Tue Sep 2 15:32:37 EDT 2014

Dennis:
I gave some thought to your suggestion for taking some of the weight off the
fore strut of the boat and came up with a mechanism that seems to work well.
I used a scissor jack and a bow pad that I already owned and mounted them on
a 2x8 and placed it under the bow. I raised the jack just enough to put a
bit of pressure under the bow - not enough to lift it but enough to relieve
the weight. If I see hull deformation occurring I can give the jack a crank
to increase the support. This is intended only for long term storage on land
while I complete the restoration. It gives me some peace of mind.

Graham 

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of The Rhodes 22 Email
List
Sent: September-01-14 9:41 PM
To: 'The Rhodes 22 Email List'
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] RC trailer setup - part 3

Dennis:
 From the picture you sent, the trailers look identical to the RC to me. I
don't know when or why the "RC" designation was dropped from the name.  Your
suggestions seem great.

I carefully lowered the boat onto the trailer today but set it back somewhat
from where I had it before and so far there has been no deformation at the
front struts. I put a plank under the keel and wedged in a piece of 2x6 that
just touches the keel thinking that it would only take up weight if the boat
settles through deformation or while I am in there doing my restoration. I
will remove the plank and spacer before trailering.

I had a bad scare with trailer sway early on and found that the tongue
weight was minimal so after that I would crank the boat up as far as I could
get it when retrieving the boat from water. I think that puts a lot of
additional weight on the front bunk struts when the boat tries to level off
once up the ramp and that may have been part of the reason for the
deformation being so substantial.

Once I positioned the boat on the trailer where I now think is more relaxed,
I weighed the tongue weight at the jack and found it was 260 lbs. The boat
has no hardware on it and no interior, rigging, motor etc. It is really just
the fibreglass shell. My guess is that the boat and trailer would likely be
about 2500 lbs or less so a tongue weight of #260 seems about right based on
10 to 15% that is typically recommended.. It will be interesting to see what
it is once the boat is in full dress. I would be interested to know what the
tongue weight is for other Rhodes.

This whole question of placing the boat on the trailer and the responses
from others really demonstrates the huge advantage of having an extended
network of Rhodes owners with so much experience to draw on. I am glad I did
not proceed with my "theories" before checking with those on the list. This
is not the first time I have been saved from myself and I am grateful to you
all for sharing your knowledge and photos.

Graham 

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of The Rhodes 22 Email
List
Sent: September-01-14 4:19 PM
To: 'The Rhodes 22 Email List'
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] RC trailer setup - part 3

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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