[Rhodes22-list] Trailer Sailer Sails Trailer

[mweisner at ebsmed.com]

Michael,

I would be concerned that even if the Rhodes can safely provide enough "lift" to transport the trailer, it will make the boat fairly unstable, particularly if you encounter winds or currents.  You could easily wind up losing both the boat and the trailer, not to mention compromise your own safety as pilot.

I would consider towing the trailer behind the boat using flotation under the trailer. One can purchase large airbags that could be affixed to the under carriage of the trailer.  If the load becomes unstable, you just cut it loose from the boat.  Make sure that you attached a marker float to the tow line before starting out enabling a salvage operation later.

Mike
s/v Wind Lass ('91)
Nissequogue River, NY

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> On Behalf Of Michael Dale
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 3:41 PM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Trailer Sailer Sails Trailer

Let me know how crazy is this idea:

I need to get my 2003 Triad trailer from the mainland marina to my island home in Severn Sound, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. I plan to moor the boat spring-summer-autumn just off the beach in front of my lakehouse but when winter approaches, bring the boat ashore for storage upon the trailer. Commercial barging services are available to my island but will cost about $300 to deliver the trailer.

Here is the idea—I launch the boat at the marina ramp normally...except I have the trailer affixed with two or three 10,000 lb ratchet straps to the boat. Then I just sail or motor the boat/trailer combo to my island where I beach it, unstrap and float the boat to the mooring and pull the trailer up on land with my ATV. Tada!

This is about a 4 km journey.

I wonder how much this combo will draft and if the Rhodes 22 can handle this oddly balanced belly cargo load.

What could go wrong?

Michael


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