[Public-List] Trailer

[Don Campbell]

     There are a couple of things about trailers that have changed with 
time. The first is that regulations regarding the tractor's towing 
capacity, its safety checks  and brakes, trailer safety checks and 
brakes,  and driver's licenses are now much more stringent than they 
used to be. To drive an Alberg on a trailer, at least in Canada, you 
will need an "A" class driver's license because of weight 
classifications, (equivalent to a full trucker's license) as one example 
and both tractor and trailer require annual safety checks. The next 
thing you will need is a wide load permit because the standard width for 
trucking in North America is 8'6" for width. (Tennessee may still at at 
8'.) Since Alberg 30s are 8'9", any problems that arise leave you open 
for the book to be thrown at you.
     As for cranes and ramps: the usual problem with ramps is that ramps 
are too short and not steep enough for the depth required by sailboats 
with keels. The usual thing is for the wheels of a trailer to be 
supported by concrete on the pad. Even long trailers for things like 
cigarette boats are about 30' long so concrete pads are usually not much 
longer than that. As well the depth is usually enough to float boats off 
those trailers so perhaps 5 feet deep at the very outside end of the 
pad. Since the draft on an AL30 is 51" and unless the trailer is custom 
built with extremely low carriage, there will not be enough water to 
float the boat off. Once the wheels go beyond the pad, all sorts of 
joyful things happen, like the frame rests on the concrete and the 
vehicle cannot recover the trailer without assistance for extra 
flotation like air bags,  and swimmers to attach them. If the ramp is 
longer, and they do exist at places like the Lake Norman Yacht Club in 
North Carolina (for E scow launching), then you will need a tongue 
extension that will both support the trailer and be strong enough to 
pull the boat out. The last consideration is the condition of the 
bearings and axles. Usually it is not a great idea to submerge the 
bearings of a trailer that carries this kind of weight. Often they are 
in an oil bath rather than with grease and any dilution of oil means you 
will have the possibility of adding oil to the water you launch into and 
that can now create a very expensive clean - up.
     This usually means it is so much easier to find a crane.
Don Campbell
On 9/9/2013 11:08 PM, bryanvcarbino wrote:
> I have been interested in Alberg 30's for some time now. My question is can you launch an Alberg from a trailer at a boat launch or do you need a crane?  I am looking for an Alberg with a trailer.  Pre liner, tiller steer, diesel, and preferably with a roller furling. Thank you,
>                       Bryan
> Myrtle Beach SC    area
>   
>
> Sent via the Samsung GALAXY S®4, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
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