Trailer work 2

Did a bit more trailer modification. The main aim of this was to lower the boat, secure it forward, increase stability and not get stuck on the trailer when launching. In the wylo shed  Teria was blocked up and the trailer pulled out using the same method as when the centerboard was restored. It didn't take long this time around with all the support gear on hand.

The 2nd front cross beam was cut off as the roller for this held the bow too high. Trailer brake wire Guide eyelets were cut off for this and then rewelded back on.

2nd front cross beam removed, new rear crutches

The aft bilge crutches were re-built using 3x2 pine wood with a 2" wide strips of red sliding plastic (from motor marine) fastened with counter sunk stainless screws. The aft bunk had to be lowered so cut off the adjustable support posts, lowered 2" and rewelded to the trailer frame. As they were now quite short the lateral bracing wasn't needed so this was all cut off and removed.

Rear crutch

The trailer was winched back under the keel and now the boat could be pulled further forward by about 4" and the bow now docked onto the winch roller.

winch and roller

The rear 2" web tie down strap needed anchor points. So weld two 8mm chain links onto the rear corners of the trailer, the tie down strap anchor hooks fit nicely.

The lowered keel roller support posts were projecting below the axle level, so cut these off for maximum ground clearance under the axle.

Finally adjusted the 4 bilge crutches to hold the hull bilges firmly and sprayed cold galvanizing on the new metal work.

Trailer road handling was improved. The boat sits about 2" lower and 4" further forward, more tow ball down force and lower center of gravity. Also the bow in the winch roller stopped any hobby horsing of the hull. There was no side sway.  For now my comfortable and safe tow speed is 80-90 km/hr on the highway, 85 being the best. My tow car is a 2.7 litre 4 cylinder Toyota workmate trayback utility with a 1.8 ton towing capacity. I could sit in top (5th) gear on the flats and sometimes went to 4th for small hills.

Cruising guide book - "Cruising the Coral coast"

A great cruising guide book is "Cruising the coral coast" by Alan Lucas. This is an authoritative cruisers' guide to the Queensland coast which first came out in 1968 has been reprinted many time since and can be found on the book shelves of many boating supply stores in Queensland.  Second hand copies still work ok for budget minded but best to get the latest edition.

It has many illustrations - maps of good anchorages, photos and practical descriptions about many things along the way. Alan sure knows his stuff from practical experience. There is priceless information that can save allot of money, avoid trouble or prepare for what's ahead.

My editions 1988, pretty old, but i will still use it awhile as Island geography etc doesn't change much over time, perhaps the then developed sailing centers have expanded further, the original facilities are often still there. I bought the guide to sail Pablo, an Endeavor 24 sloop, up the coast but only used pages 233- 292 on the Townsville to Port Douglas stretch in 1989, we sailed outside Hinchinbrook Island on that cruise.

Currently reading up on Hinchinbrook Channel, as thinking about sailing Teria there soon. An excerpt  .."the most scenic, calm waterway on the east coast of Australia having the spectacular peaks of Hinchinbrook Island to the east and the rugged Cardwell range to the west".."there are vast areas of wetlands which create a maze of secondary channels and creeks as well as dry land where shore access is possible". It's an almost uninhabited 26 nautical mile stretch of water between Cardwell and Port Lucinda.