What would be a good choice for a new trailer for my 1978 dyne 18? What model number would you go with from either Karavan, or Shorelandr? What weight should I be looking for? what would be a good model for a dyne 18? Thanks, Jason
Jason, Forum policy is to list your location, and your question would be easier to answer with that info. Most, if not all "standard" boat trailers do not fit the 18. Their 18 foot trailers are generally 8 ft wide which is too wide for the 18. I know because I have one. Most do not provide adequate guidance for a steep ramp. The bow gets very low between the bunks and the bow roller and can damage the boat. Most mount the boat way too high for fin clearance. A high mounted boat requires the trailer to go further into the water for launching which is bad on some ramps and creates more air drag when towing which decreases mileage. It also decreases visibility. These issues are important if towing with a car. Most do not have the verticle guides at the stern which is really helpful with a flat bottom boat with a fin. These issues caused the Crosbys to design their own trailers which are no longer available. Many Dynes are mounted on Eagle trailers out of michigan. I think Eagle still has the specs for an 18 trailer. You could also contact Tom Miller to see what he is using. A proper trailer will have to be custom made. The only axle I would consider is the reliable tool sure lube system. I have gone from the interstate directly to the ramp with hot hubs and never had a bearing failure or water in the hub. I only disassemble for brake repair. http://www.reliablepmw.com/downloads/hubs_drums.pdf This probably not what you wanter to hear, but I have been towing a Dyne for a lot of years. These are my observationws. jim
I know that the last couple of newest 18's that Tom built he used Trailmaster trailers. I am not sure of the model though.
I agree with what I read above, I am in the process of a full restoration on a 1971 18' and will need a new trailer as well, I plan on fabricating an all-aluminum welded chassis w/ torsion axle. Assuming it turns out as planed I could post a picture & build more if needed. Aluminum is planned for corrosion resistance & weight, as our tow vehicles get smaller I want to keep the weight down.
I ordered a new "Eagle" trailer for my 1989 Hydrodyne 20 Comp in 1994. I simply told Eagle the specs on my boat and they did the rest. The boat fit perfect. The trailer still looks good after 17 years of use. If you want a custom fit you should give Eagle a call and see what they can do for your 18. You can look them up on the internet by Eagle Boat Trailers. If you want to see my Eagle trailer under my Hydrodyne look on the forum for "1989 Hydrodyne with Original 1989 Yanaha".
