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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2021
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    4

    Default Widening a Boat Trailer

    I’m looking at putting a longer axle on an ‘A Frame’ catamaran trailer to allow it to carry the folding trimaran shown in the first picture below. Existing trailer is second photo. The distance between the outside of the trailer guards is only 1670mm which seems somewhat narrow for the raised floats. The total weight of the boat is approx. 300kg, including floats of approx. 60kg each.

    The option I’m looking at is to use a ‘bolt on’ rectangular frame as shown in the third picture below which would be bolted with U-Bolts onto the existing rectangular frame where the springs are currently attached. The springs would then be relocated to the new frame. Bolting rather than welding would allow the new frame to be removed if the trailer is required for another boat which would not be very often, but also to avoid potentially damaging the existing trailer frame by welding.

    I’m thinking that the distance between the outside of the guards could be increased by say 500mm to 2,170mm with the new frame being around 1700mm x 900mm made from 50x50x3 RHS. This would reduce the overhang of the floats to only 165mm per side.

    My question is whether there are any structural issues with this approach i.e. using U Bolts rather than welding or bolting through the two frames, dimensions of new frame etc. and if members have any suggested improvements or recommendations e.g. should U-Bolts be vertical or horizontal.

    Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

    Cheers
    Blair
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Helensburgh
    Posts
    618

    Default

    I would check the legality of modifying it with the relevant authorities but my gut feeling says they won't like the idea without engineering approval.
    CHRIS

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