MacGregor Trailers

[captainjohn]

As I look at pictures of the 26's sitting on their trailers, I have to admit that the trailer looks ridiculously small for the boat. It would seem that a double axle should be a necessity. What experiences have people had with this setup? I know that MacGregor claims that their trailer is within specs for the size and weight of the boat, but really! Any opinions on this. I have a 19 and its factory trailer seems adequate.

[Hamin' X]

The forum members have discussed this at length in the past. Although the trailers are marginal, there are far more single axle trailers towing Macs around the tandems. Use the advanced search function at the top of the board and search the Trailers and Towing forum for the appropriate terms. I'm sure you will have plenty of reading.

~Rich

[40Toes]

The Previous Owner of my X put an extra axle on after a trip down South from Vermont after experiencing a lot of movement when passed by big rigs etc. It adds much for stability when towing but other then that I don't believe there has been any failures due to the design itself. I am curious if Roger has ever been accused of over building anything?

[TAW02]

One of the many considerations hashed over when designing a boat trailer is, "Does the axle rate the load place on it?"

But then there is the issue of launch-a-bility. Lower is better. That is, having the trailored boat sit the lowest possible is king. It's where it's at. It's the brag-about-town.

"Yeah man, my boat sits lower on the trailor!"

Okay, break-out the tape measure dude!

Why? Because many a tow vehicle are lost in the drink because of having to back down the ramp farther if the boat don't float because of height above the water due to trailor restrictions. If you add an additional axle you have to deal with the trade-off it creates. That is a nominal figure of merit of .5 feet. Minimum. Higher in some cases. On slimy ramps, that could mean a difference of using a 4WD vs 2WD tow vehicles.

So there you go .. you decide.

Big T

[pokerrick1]

On slimy ramps, that could mean a difference of using a 4WD vs 2WD tow vehicles.
Big T

You mean everyone doesn't already have a 4WD tow vehicle

Rick

[Bransher]

Yes, TAW02 is absolutely correct. Low riders on the trailer are King.
Could somebody pass me that tape measure; I want to measure something over here.

[TAW02]

On slimy ramps, that could mean a difference of using a 4WD vs 2WD tow vehicles.
Big T

You mean everyone doesn't already have a 4WD tow vehicle

Rick

I hardly doubt that Rick

... But I am certain in the thought that ALL sailors who don't own a Macgregor or ... secretly wished they did



Big T

PS.
Bransher, that's a beautiful trailor

[bubba]

I had a difficult time with the carpet on my trailer letting my bottom paint on my M slide when I bumped, so I added the black plastic like many other boat trailers use. http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... ure021.jpg http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... ure020.jpg http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... ure018.jpg I counter sunk the screws. It works very well when I do the Mac bump.
I

[pokerrick1]

Bubba;

I assume it doesn't, but it LOOKS to me like that plastic could leave a mark on the hull?

Rick

[TAW02]

Bubba;

I assume it doesn't, but it LOOKS to me like that plastic could leave a mark on the hull?

Rick

Well Rick, I can't answer for Bubba, but I believe he is on to something here.

Before I became a proud Mac Owner, I was an owner of a few Airboats. Both of which had aluminum hulls and 1/4 inch mylar sheet bottom reinforcement panels installed. This plastic material is very tough and very wear resistant.

Moreover, it will not mar another surface regardless of the friction placed on it. I pressed a plenty number of racoons and gators into the mud with this stuff. And all that resulted from it was them critters shaking their fists at me as I exited the scene!

... so, I would say that this stuff is tough (that I know) and it willnot mar or mark the surface of what crosses it. That too I know

Big T

[dvideohd]

so where might one find the right plastic parts??

--jr

[bubba]

I am not sure where to get it now. My 4ft x 8ft sheet pieces were from several years ago when I sold and installed a product called Jet Dock for float planes in Alaska. It does not mark.

[dennisneal]

I think you should look for a product known as Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, (UHMWPE). Its extemely strong and easily as slick as Teflon. It comes in all sorts of shapes, including sheets of various sizes and thicknesses. It can be cut with a circular saw and machined with routers and other common woodworking tools. I've wondered if maybe it isn't too slick. Would the boat slip off the trailer at the launch ramp a bit too easily?

[Currie]

I actually wonder if sand and grit between the boat and the bunk would be hard on the hull over time - even though the plastic itself wouldn't tend to mar it. Seems like with carpet or cloth, sand/grit would find its way into the cloth, helping to protect the gelcoat or bottom coat. Just a thought...

Cheers,
~Bob

[atzserv]

I got my bunk slides on ebay. I just did a search and if you type this in the search it should take you right there. They come in one strip sections so you can control costs. Easy to cut ect. helped me alot but I don't have bottom paint on yet either. But sure is easier to work with the boat. REPLACE BOAT TRAILER CARPET WITH WIDE BUNK SLIDES .


Gary