finding a trailer builder?

[Steven Tunnacliffe]

Hi everyone

HELP!! I need a trailer either ready built with a secure box or a manufacturer who wants to build one as the ones i've tried so far havent exactly rushed to do me a quote have drawn up detailed plans etc

can anyone help

[Charles]

Steve

There's an old Dart 18 on the 18 website in Brid, selling trailer separate for £300, he might take £900 for boat & trailer!

Is Ben at Boat Bits wanting too much?

West Mersea do 'em & Google comes up with stuff, but you're best going with a known maker who will make sure it's tough enough for what you want. Catbitz & Windsport will source, I'm sure but you've got to drive to the ends of the earth to pick it up.

You're just gonna have to splash the cash some time soon !

Charles.

[Bob Carter]

How about these:

DART 18 TRAILERS
BREAKDOWN TRAILER WITH LARGE FIBREGLASS BOX, JOCKEY WHEEL, LIGHT BOARD, REGULAR USED & SERVICED.
£350

FULLY GALVANISED MADE UP TRAILER WITH LARGE GALVANISED BOX, REAR MAST REST WITH LIGHTBOARD, SPARE WHEEL
£350
TEL: 01795-880116

Off the Dart 18 website

[Steven Tunnacliffe]

Hi Guys

thanks for such a quick reply Charles I havent tried Boat Bits as (how do I put this) Im not too impressed with his welding, might see if its improved and if he does a box and haw much.

Nice to here from you Bob

I will follow up the two leads you gave me as I would like to do more TTs this year and I realy need my own trailer with a box for all the wet bits and leave space for hols lugage to the car. I have already booked acommodation at Saundersfoot

[Steven Tunnacliffe]

just realized bob

the two you have listed from D18 site (just had a look) its the same number that I phoned in January for a D18 trailer but the description of these two are completely different but I know he's in the isle of sheppey in Kent

[Andrew Hannah]

I bought a road trailer from West Mersea Trailers about 5 years ago. It was a great trailer which was described as suitable for a Dart 15/18. It cost £720. But I thought there were two defects:

1) The eight foot galvanised box could have been wider. At about 18 inches, it was only just wide enough to take the rudders.

2) The trailer wheels are a bit too wide apart for a 15. I had to stick some small strips of carpeting onto the outside of the mudguards, to stop them chafing the inner side of the hulls.

I think it is preferable to have a Sprint 15 trailer if you can. They are also more compact.

Andrew Hannah.

[Steven Tunnacliffe]

thanks for that Andrew

I would like a designated Sprint 15 trailer but they seem about as rare as hens teeth.

the D18 trailers all seem to be in kent so a round trip of 600 miles for trailer that may not fit the Sprint 15 without some fiddling about (width of wheels and mudguards is 1.5 metres) this bit seems crucial....what to do?

[Steve Willis]

Steve,

Definitely beware the 18 'take down' type trailers for a 15. We have both 15 and 18 trailers and our 18 take down one is designed for the hulls to be slid onto the side steel beams upside down - the beam separation (fore aft) is wrong for the 15.

In addition our one has the wheels well back (being designed for the stern of the hulls to overhang) this makes its turning circle abysmal and the front towing beam and mast support are fixed so you cannot reduce the length. The beam side beam steels are at about 600mm high and quite a juggle to get the hulls on - especially if you are going to have to do it alone at any time as gouging the steel down a hull would be disastrous

Our 15 one has the folding outer arms that make it much easier to store when the boat is not on it as it reduces the width by about 1 metre.

It is worth thinking through what your wish list is - nice to have folding side arms, near essential to be able to pull the boat on from its trolley - low level and possibly with rollers at the back. 10" or 12" wheels ?

Then look at what the various makes offer for the money.

best of luck

Steve Willis

[Bob Carter]

Hi Guys,
Mine is a swinging arm one & I really like it. The trouble is they are made by Lizzard Trailers at Helston, Cornwall (an even bigger trip). Most of the Dart 18 trailers (non knock down type) are the same as the Sprint 15 ones - the length of the strut to the car is adjustable on U bolts. I also much prefer the type with a trailer board & mast prop which fits on the pintels. It makes the trailer shorter and supports the mast better than the West Mersey type. So Steve - I suggest that you sound out the owner of the one Charles pointed out at Bridlington.
Cheers
Bob
PS Are you coming to the Nationals?

[Kevin Parvin]

Hi all.......When I picked my boat up from Steve Sawford he had a couple of good looking 15 trailers, galvanised with jockey wheel. That was some time ago but he may know the supplier.

The one that came with my boat is made by "Hallmark". It's galvanised, tough as old boots, I can take it apart quickly for storage and can attach my stern mounted lighting board to the back of the trailer when towing without the boat on. Steve is making me a box to fit.

[Steven Tunnacliffe]

Hi fellas

All this information about trailers is very welcome thanks, I have designed in my spare time not quite my ideal trailer but close to it, have taken plans to two local fabricators one of which specialises in trailers and towbars but dosnt seem interested and the other is a busy general fabricator of industrial junk and would like to build it but the junk pays the bills.

another friend has put me on to another small fabricator that seems interested so we will see especially as I am now armed with lots of useful information.

havent contacted the guy in Bridlington yet but will ask some questions.

And yes Bob I will be at the nationals my good lady has already booked us a chalet in saundersfoot for the week.

[Robert]

Hi all.......When I picked my boat up from Steve Sawford he had a couple of good looking 15 trailers, galvanised with jockey wheel. That was some time ago but he may know the supplier.

Hi Steve

I see that, in his latest post, Steve Sawford is now advertising new trailers. Perhaps he might be worth a call.

Robert.