Shelter Island Boat Works

I ordered the trailer from Trailex. It was meant to hold the Seaford Skiff, but I chose it so that other boats I might build could be accomodated. It is all aluminum, has everything needed including lights, wiring, nuts and bolts (including extras), and was shipped directly in three boxes. It needed to be assembled.

It was fairly easy to assemble. The instructions that came in the package were a bit brief and not for this specific trailer. The ones I found on line were far better.

Once assembled I slipped it under the hoisted boat and made adjustments to the rollers, winch-end stop, and runner pads. Getting the proper weight distribution took some time but the boats sits securely on it, well balanced.

With the boat loaded it is a bit heavy to move by hand. While the boat only weighs about 220 lbs., together with the trailer it is a quite heavy. I liked the idea of an aluminum trailer as I thought it would be lighter. If it was steel, as some are, I can’t imagine how heavy it would have been. This one is can be rolled about by one person, however if there is an incline, two is better.

Components

Unboxing

Ready to Test Out

Surprisingly, everything worked. Lights worked, winch and hitch went on easily, and it towed smoothly. We’re in business.

The boat sits well on the trailer. Now we will see how it works with launch and retrieve. I made some vertical posts so that I could see the orientation of the trailer from the cab of the truck. Without them the boat was invisible. They are made from PVC pipe and some custom brackets I made attached with leftover bolts from the trailer kit.

On a final note I had to go to the DMV for plates and registration. Oddly, it seems that the trailer needs to be “inspected” every year. Not exactly sure what gets inspected. Checking for working lights is about as easy as can be. I have had trailers in the past and never had them inspected. Whatever.