1st post on this site. I want to get a Hobie or Nacra F18 for my son and myself, probably next spring. I am an ex 505 crew, he is 12. Most of the used boats I see in the area come w/o trailors. Any advice on where to get new or used, costs, etc. Any help, advice is appreciated.

Trailex builds premium lightweight aluminum trailers for catamarans:
http://www.trailex.com/buycat.cfm?mcat=87&cat_id=87

There are other plenty of other places that offer standard galvanized trailers too - but I can't think of a name off hand.

I've had a painted trailer for my H16. Don't get one of these. Especially bad idea if you launch in salt water. I upgraded to a glavo trailer before I sold it. They run about $1000 new.

My TheMightyHobie18 came with a painted trailer and I immediatly bought a new one. I have a VW Passat and wanted to lighten the load I was towing so I stepped up to the Al Trailex Trailer. I love it. They run about $1500 new. They are very light (comparatively) and with the extrusion it makes it easy to mount stuff to the trailer without having to drill any holes in the frame.

I would with Trailex for longevity, weight (fuel) savings, and reduced maintenece.

You'll have a trailer that will last you a lifetime and will always hold it's value. The only thing that can possibly go wrong with it is the trailer wiring might dry out, much like any other trailer.

My daughter and I refurbished a 1980 last year; it's a treat to have on the beach.

Wyatt

Absolutely get a trailex.

Pro's
1. You can lift and move it around the yard, its light. Galvanized steel trailers are very heavy.
2. Its aluminum and will never rust.
3. Trailex uses a unique sliding T bolt system, so bolting on cradles, or a box or whatever is a snap.
4. If you change boats you can re- configure you trailer quickly and easily - I have 2 different size boats and one trailer.
5. If you ever damage part of the trailer, just call and get a new section and bolt it on.

http://www.trailex.com/buycat.cfm?mcat=87&cat_id=87

My only complaint is that they have poor assembly instructions. But most of their trailers come assembled.

Bill

I'll agree on the assembly instructions. But if you do it yourself the tech guys are really helpful and responsive.

Performance is what I have.

That's it! I was trying to think of their name.

http://www.performancetrailers.com/

Thanks for all the info. Tha aluminum Trailex looks like the way to go. Do you have any problems with the boats sitting on the 4 hull points? Most of the 505 sailors tried to have the boats sitting on their rails so the hulls did not get crushed or delammed. I was wondering if anyone has tried to carry their cats on removeable posts that would support the boat on the crossmembers while traveling, and then remove the uprights when setting up and getting the boat off the trailer. Actually, the 2 front uprights could be non- removeable, and the 2 rear posts could be lifted out.
Also- do the trailex trailers have grease fittings on the wheels so you do not have to repack the bearings to grease them?

The A Class cats, due to their light weight and thin-skinned hulls, are usually supported by their crossbeams, most other cats are usually supported by the four contact points on the hull. Cradles are preferred to rollers.

You can order the bearing buddies from trailex or at any trailer supply store. I think I even saw them at Wal-Mart and Target.

You can buy (or make) cradles to spread the laod out on your hulls if you are worried about it. It is nice, though, to have the rollers when you are loading and unloading your boat on a shallow ramp.

Check out the trailex website for all the details. I think someone posted it earlier.