Any body have any recomendations on trailers for 18' dynes? I'm looking for brands and options. I have checked out the web pages for Trailmaster and Eagle so far, and I think I may be leaning more towards Trailmaster, but I am not sold yet. For options (some companies call them options some call them standard on certain items), I know I want 4 bunks (not two), vertical guide poles, spare tire, jack. I am also looking into paint vs. galvanized, tube vs. channel, rim options, brake options (I would prefer electric, but do not know how they work when dumped into the water). I prefer recessed lights, and am considering LED. Are there companies that will deal directly with the customer, or do you have to go through one of their dealers? Any recomendations would be of great assistance.
Try Phoenix Trailers http://www.phoenixtrail.com/ Eagle went out of business for a bit a couple years back, and the last one we got was not near as good as earlier trailers. Phoenix has a group of people that used to work for Eagle and seems to be more reasonable priced. The tough part will be getting the pattern for the hull to them. Eagle should have it as there are several people who I know personally ordered trailers for 18 footers from Eagle. Trailmaster trailers are usually adjustable bunk so there should be no problem fitting the hull. They do not to my knowledge offer a bow stop for dynes like Eagle does with the two carpeted pads which saves wear and tear on the bow eye/gelcoat. If you get a Trailmaster be sure they understand you want the post type guides as most of them come with horizontal carpeted guides which are just about worthless. I used to really want a custom tube trailer with all the goodies, but lately we've been getting cheap Karavan trailers for our team boats. They hold up great and are about $1000 cheaper for a tandem than an Eagle, maybe more. I like the Shoreland'r B24 for 18 footers. Black or white, they have some nice bolt on vertical guides.
I wish someone would build the wishbone style trailers that Dyne built for the 18's. They are nice and low. I am thinking about having one built. jim
If you find plans for one, and can get a rolling model by mid march, I would certainly consider adding one more to the quantity. I would think that would make things easier for a manufacturer, and cheaper for us. As long as the price isn't way out of line from where something a little more conventional would be.
Ram-Lin would be the most likely candidate since they still supply Correct Craft with that style of trailer. I think they are right near Correct Craft in Florida. A trailer for the Ski Nautique 176 might fit the 18. Edit: Here's the site http://www.ram-lin.com/
The 176 Nautique had an 88 inch beam I believe which would make the trailer too wide for me. Ram-Lin only sells through dealers also. I think I asked Tom if he still had the drawings for the Dyne trailer and I believe he said no. Someone could check with him. I just reviewed the pictures of the Dyne trailer and I would buy one if it was available, but if I build one I am going to change some things. I will not have it done by March though. I have tried custom built factory trailers and I lost control of the design so this time I will have the frame welded up to a drawing and do the rest myself. I am also considering a bolt together aluminum trailer. I do like the bunk directly on the frame concept, but it gives only two bunks. I would like to hear some more comments. jim
The only company that I am aware of who has the pattern for the 18 is Eagle. They can make a great 4 bunk trailer with vertical guides and snubber type bow stop. My guess is it will be $2000 or more without brakes. The only thing I wonder about is if they will make it narrow enough to truly fit the 18. The last one we ordered for an 18 when I worked at a dealer who sold Eagles was a great trailer, but it was a bit wide. I don't know where that one ever ended up. It was a nice metallic green trailer, 4 bunks, guides etc.
That is the problem with the stock trailers. The 18 is a narrow boat. If the trailer was built to fit, it would be an easy boat to store in a normal size garage and still get around it. Most of the trailers now are 8 ft wide and the 18 does not need that width. I have a trailer that has adjustable position for the axle. This is a great asset to offset the different size motors and even twin rig. I can get perfect balance, but it is 8 ft wide. Even the Dyne trailer is too wide in my opinion. jim
