Glen-L.com

I'm looking at a trailer for my Zip (no, not done yet ). It is designed for 14-15 ft boats and has four bunks that are fixed but could be adjusted to fit the bottom contours. The GVW is 3500 lbs and has a 2950 capacity. It has ST 205 75D14 tires, 2" coupler ball, removable tongue, 1400 lb winch capacity, and axle springs. From the back of the bunk to the front of the winch post, it adjusts from 170" to 178". It is 222" long overall. Outside to outside of fender is 91", inside to inside is 74". It is new, but old stock (2006) and made by Bear. The bunks look close now, but I can raise them and tilt them using spacers and wedges and longer bolts.

I have attached some photos. In one, the axle looks bent, but it is an illusion. Right now there is a pile of three of them. The trailers are unpainted galvanized finish and can be painted. They are asking $950.

What say you? (AARRR)

Roberta

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Roberta
Built Zip "Oliver IV" and Super Spartan "Jimmy 70"

Roberta,

That looks good. I just measured and my winch post top where the rest for the bow touches boat at 174" so that should be perfect. Inside fender to fender is 65" on mine.

As it sits it looks like the trailer has more V than the Zip bottom. I think youll need to adjust the center bunks up and the outer bunks down if they do.
Do the bunks slide left and right? It looks like they are welded in place? I wonder if the outer two bunks are wider than the Zip's hull? Check that against your plans.

The price is inline with what I have seen.

I bought my trailer as new but two years old, its a SLV15 by Shorelandr

I think that trailer will work great if the bunks adjust enough.

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My Zip build log...
http://www.vupilot.blogspot.com
http://picasaweb.google.com/vupilot/Chr ... O0x7SvsQE#

"Nothing screams poor craftsmanship like wrinkles in your duct tape."

The axle is actually SUPPOSED to be bent like that. Under a load it straightens out. However, the Zip is not likely to weigh enough to have much effect. That's likely an axle rated for 3500Lbs. There's nothing wrong with that though. ...better too much than too little.

On the Glen-L trailer that I built for my Zip, I used an axle rated for 2000 lbs and it's really just right.

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Isn't it amazing!! The person that never has the fortitude to pursue his own dreams, will be the first to try and discourage you from pursuing yours.

Thanks, Chris and Dave. I took the bottom frame members along when I went to look at it. The transom and # two are fine. I will need to raise the center two bunks. I can weld, so I think if I need to modify the brackets a little that would not be a big deal. I thought about building a trailer, but this one looks so close that a little modifying is more appealing than an outright build. I may put some guides and side bunks on too. I like the larger wheels and GVW. I needs paint, though.

Roberta

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Roberta
Built Zip "Oliver IV" and Super Spartan "Jimmy 70"

Looks like a great trailer.

You will have to cut the bunk supports and modify to adjustable or weld back on to fit the zip hull.

The other thing I would be concerned with ,is the carrying capacity....I'm not sure,but I would think the Zip hull,motor,and accessories would weigh in at approx 1010 + accessories (cooler,anchor,line,PFD's,etc) maybe 1400 tops?

Hull 375-675?.... (per Glen-L spec 375lbs....if just hull,then add approx 300-350 for deck upholstery,windshield etc???)

Fuel 84 lbs..... 7lbsx12 gal approx

Motor& controls 200-250lbs approx

I would think this trailer would be sprung too stiff,and would beat up the boat unless you changed the springs to a lessor capacity

Good deal,but after the modifications,maybe just buy the proper one in the first place?? ??

_________________
Boat building can best be defined as an endless series of
tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream

Thanks, Pirate.

AAAARRRR, I did wonder about the GVW and being too stiff of a spring. I'll keep looking, but consider this one and maybe respring it. I could pull a leaf out.

Roberta

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Roberta
Built Zip "Oliver IV" and Super Spartan "Jimmy 70"

C'mon Dave, tell her the truth. That Axle keeps the middle of the boat from dragging on the road!

rotfl

That comment calls for a response but right now, I just don't have anything in my arsenal of snappy comebacks.

_________________
Isn't it amazing!! The person that never has the fortitude to pursue his own dreams, will be the first to try and discourage you from pursuing yours.

Hey Pirate,

If I were to buy the perfect trailer for the Zip, what one would be the best with the least amount of modification? I would like it to have 14" wheels and tires and 4 bunks. Do I really need four bunks for the Zip?

For the price of $950.00 This trailer seems to be a good compromise as it is the correct length, sturdy frame with walkways on the back, wide enough to add side bunks and guides, 14" wheels and tires, and looks easy enough to adapt to the Zip. As far as the GVW, I can remove a spring leaf or get lighter springs.

Roberta

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Roberta
Built Zip "Oliver IV" and Super Spartan "Jimmy 70"

950 bucks is not a deal if you have to modify the trailer to meet your needs. Later on I will provide you some context and hopefully ones thats readily avaliable. A trailer off the shelf for that boat in our area would run you around 1100 to 1200 plus or minus. Most of those trailers use 13 inch tires. I am fan of the biggest tires avaliable since I personally tow long distances and major highways too. But 13 inch tires are surely load rated and does allow a lower profile a bit for launching on shallow angle ramps, something that you need to also look at too around your area. See what other boats are using. Snope around marinas and storage lots. Vee axles are really not needed for your boat and only causes some issues with hilly regions too.

I think it's a great trailer for the Zip....lots of support,all the reasons you stated.

I just wanted you to be aware of the spring & welding issue,but you answered the welding issue before I could post....I think the galvanize puts out a toxic fume when welding so check into that and be careful

I seem to remember taking out a spring for one of mine somewhere back in the past,so that works too,but it is hit or miss as to the capacity as opposed to getting the right spring.

Where are you seeing these?would they trade springs to a lower rate if you did the work?

As far as the raw galvanize,it's fine and most (maybe 99.99%) use them as is with/out paint....unless you want a painted trailer for the look.

There is a way to treat the galvanize to be able to paint,but I can't remember how to do that.....I think if the galvanize is weathered,which yours may be,it may be OK to paint as is.

Maybe PM Tom Drake or others that have completed and towed their Zips as to trailer recommendations

There was another in our S/W Fla area,can't remember their names, that just completed one this spring and have towed it

_________________
Boat building can best be defined as an endless series of
tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream

Hi Pirate,

I really appreciated your comments. I hadn't considered the stiffness of the springs and damage that could be done, so that was very helpful. We have several spring shops in the area, so I will look into it.

Right on about the welding on galvanized steel. We used to grind it off before welding. Besides being toxic, it screws up the weld, if left on.

Hi Oyster,

Thanks for your help. I'll look forward to your suggestions. I'm in no hurry and it's doubtful those trailers will get sold anytime soon.

Do I need the four bunks, or would two be fine for the Zip?

Thanks all,

Roberta

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Roberta
Built Zip "Oliver IV" and Super Spartan "Jimmy 70"

I'd use all four....you have them anyway and it spreads out the weight onto more hull area.

On my past wood boats,I placed the wood bunks directly under the battens to give more support.

Check out Gayles blog on trailers:

http://www.glen-l.com/wordpress/build-y ... am-boat-17

_________________
Boat building can best be defined as an endless series of
tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream

Thanks, Pirate. I hadn't run across that blog before.

I think I will order the plans and that book. Even if I don't build a trailer, they will help me in modifying anything I may buy.

Roberta

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Roberta
Built Zip "Oliver IV" and Super Spartan "Jimmy 70"

Ya wanna buy my Zip trailer for $950? It's not galvanized but I'm really happy with the way it came out. It fits the Zip perfectly.

_________________
Isn't it amazing!! The person that never has the fortitude to pursue his own dreams, will be the first to try and discourage you from pursuing yours.