Don't know if this has been discussed here before, but does anyone here use this type trailer? Why/why not? What else do you prefer?

those tilt trailers are typically used for boats that exceed the legal width.

Otherwise.... the typical trailer is much more convenient.

What kind of boat is that in the pic?

I always thought that the DOT dictated alot regarding cat design. The max beam is 8'6", to be horizontal on the trailer, right?

I think its different for each state. Some states are Nazi's about overhang (the bows hanging over the trailer, etc) but i think 8.6 (horiz size) is the max for Florida

That is a Capricorn on an Aussie trailer, where 8.5' exceeds the legal limit.

John, you sure know your boats and trailers.
Where I'm going with the boat, 8.6 is permissible, but the roads are narrow, so it might behoove me to consider this type of trailer.

Consider the Tilley tilting rack:

http://www.thebeachcats.com/index.php?module=pictures&g2_itemId=11313

better mousetrap.

Yes, this is a state by state thing. That really blows my mind that we're living like this is 1922, and there are no interstate roads...

I think one of the main historical reasons for the width restrictions is for toll booth clearance. Of course, most roads have oversize (toll booth) lanes...

Mike

I'm not arguing it's a state by state restriction. It seems all beach cats sold in the US that are 8'6" beam, can be trailed horizontally, are sold or able to have the trailer licensed in any state I thought.

??

I used to tow my H 21se full width (just under 10') everywhere. The only place I had trouble with it was comming back into the US from Mexico. The posts at the inspection booths would touch the trailer on both sides. I had to set up for it perfectly to come through. I allways had yellow paint on the sides of the trailer from this. Got in a wreck heading to reggatta in SanDiego once while towing it and the CHP never said anything about the width.

One of the cons of tilt trailering is that the cross-windage is much greater. If you live in an area where you have to cross a lot of bridges that are subject to crosswinds... or you have a vehicle that isn't rated for towing at least 5000lbs (your average mid-sized SUV for example is typically rated at 5000lbs) then you want to think twice about a tilt.

That beind said, I know Tornado tows his tilted T witha minicooper :P

Additionally, what are the regulations of towing two trailers (ie tandem)?

JW, I was thinking about how you knew it was an Aussie trailer.

In countries where you drive on the left side of the road do you tilt the trailer opposite from that in the USA? If so, which side goes to the oncoming traffic, the low or high side? (not windward/leeward, in trailer lingo)

I towed 2 trailers tandem back from Pensacola last year and nobody pulled me over...until I was less than a mile from my house in Texas. Tandem was legal, I had other violations they were after.

And I take it the trailers track the corners well? When you do this do you put both masts on the aft trailer?

I knew it was Aussie 'cause it's a pic from Medwell, aka TornadoAlive, who used to own a Cap. Also, check out the tags. I knew it was the Cap 'cause I have one and the baby-blue Lycra cover is a dead-giveaway. Sorry if that blows my mystique.

I put them both on the forward trailer to lighten up the back as much as possible (you don't want the tail to wag the dog). You have to plan ahead to go into gas stations and such. Corners did pretty well, much better than if it was one trailer with the same overall length as the two combined. I actually forgot the extra one was back there when going down the interstate. One key thing is to make sure the hitch for the back one keeps the toung up a little, it tracks better. I simply used a reciever drop hitch upside down. Phillip Mumm has some pics of it, maybe he'll post them.

tandem towing is illegal in several states.

Someone once posted a very nice spreadsheet outlining the different states' trailering laws. Its funny because some states max width is 8'0", some are 8'3", some 8'6".

Very odd.

Here Ya go:



Though windage might be a concern...in reality is never has been. I've done tilt trailering in ~20 kts of wind without a problem. If I got nervous, my plan was to remove the tramp (only takes a few minutes on the T). Furhter my current trailer can also carry the boat fully dismantled...this is what I use for long trips (Lee can tell you all about them ;-)

Mike.

rudders on??

booo :P