One of the most important pieces of equipment in our game is our trailer. This page is an attempt to gather and organize the inputs of several Dolphin owners and their trailer experiences. We have the full range - a brand new Triad custom fitted for the Dolphin, to retro fitted used boat trailers, converted flat beds and converted cradles.

Reading the stories of the individual contributers, in sum total, will give the reader a pretty good feel for what to look for, what can be done, and things to watch out for. Here, we are not offering designs for a trailer - merely providing information that can be used to help decide which approach to take to fit the needs and wallets of the individual.

You will need a trailer that has a rating of at least 6000 lbs GVW (trailer plus boat). Single axles work, tandem axles are better. Hydraulic brakes are probably better than electric if the trailer is going in the water. The tongue weight on the hitch should be something like 600-700 lbs

Having a 12-14' 'tongue extender' that allows you to back the trailer further down the ramp is very useful. There are 2 types - a seperate unit, ideally with a tongue wheel that locates under the tongue at the connection when the jack is up allows the extender to work. A sleeve type is also used - be sure its strong enough so it does not bend. A spare tire can be very useful. Some way to block the aft end of the trailer so it does not tilt back when you go up into the cockpit is useful. More on the subjects of a removable tongue wheel, extender, spare tire and jacks can be found at Marionette's trailer. Click to go there

Another key piece of information is knowing the exact center of gravity formula for the Dolphin 24. Here is the design formula provided by S&S:

50.55% of the waterline length measured from the bow.

Following is a rough sketch used when we built Marionette's trailer.

The measurement formula placed the center of gravity inline with the center of Marionette's aft portlight, which is a point 11' from the end of the transom. Of course, this is approximate for our individual boats - ie., inboard removed?, 75lb outboard hanging off the transom, a retro fitted 15 gallon full water tank under the v-berth, a 25 lb CQR anchor hanging offf the bow, etc., etc. Within reason, I think the CoG of most of our boats is located pretty close to the middle of the aft portlight. You can see more about this subject, key dimensions, etc., on Marionette's trailer page Here is a picture of Marionette's trailer.

One way to solve a trailer problem is you can just go to Triad, Loadmaster or other reputable sailboat trailer company. They will ask you a few questions, like do you intend to launch on a ramp and need a float off trailer? Immersing your trailer in water, fresh or salt, makes a big difference (better galvanized than painted). A couple of weeks later you have a new trailer custom built to your needs, and our envy. Anyway, this is the most expensive, safest way to go - brand new, well designed, professional advice, experience. Bob Hancock, Pippin, Yankee #198 has one - click here to go his trailer (no picture yet) The picture at left is Jay Picotte's custom Triad built for Recovery.

Buying a Dolphin that already has a trailer can be the easy way. But you still should check for things like capacity ratings, structural intergrity due to any rusting, bearings, brakes, etc. Jim Oppy recently acquired, Cynosure, now Wisp, and had 'an incident" 12 miles from home on the delivery trip. You can read about this by clicking here.

Buying a used boat trailer or a general purpose flat bed trailer and modifying it to fit the Dolphin is an approach used by many. Sometimes these trailers, in decent condition, can be bought for a $1000 plus or minus, and if you are handy, know how to weld, or have a friend who can, a trailer that works can be put together for maybe $1500 plus or minus.

Working on Tiki's trailer	Canopache's trailer

Jim Homet, Tiki, Marscot/O'Day #28, had a great report on his trailer conversion. Click here to read it. Eric Varty, Canapache, Yankee # 188 recently acquired a used trailer and to read about it, click here.

Back in 2007, 3 of our Dolphin/Triad owners and a 4th Triad owner got into a Sailnet Forum discussion regarding their Triads and issues related to float on/float off and ramp launching. To see that thread, click here. To get back here click the back arrow on your browser.

Bill Thomas has modified a trailer for Ruby, nee Clover and had provided a lot of dimensional information. Click here to go there. Here is a picture of his trailer

July 26, 2011 Mike advises that Grand Finale has an EZ Loader Roller Bunk trailer. 5890# capacity, tandem axels with drum surge brakes on the front axel.

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	November 7, 2011. Scot Ioset, Prodigal, Yankee #204 just picked up her new Loadmaster trailer. Click here to go there.

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As we get more input on individual trailers we'll list them in our Technical Section/Trailers. Here are some popular trailer websites that are worth checking out

http://www.triadtrailers.com/index.htm

http://www.loadmastertrailerco.com/sailboat-trailers/

http://www.customsailboattrailers.com/

Additional input, comments, corrections to this page are welcome.

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