The Trailer Sailing Alternative

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

The Trailer Sailing Alternative

Radar · Guru

Wow, wow that is another way to travel.

Welcome to the GN Forum.

wasn_me · Guru

I did the same for many years prior to 2005. That's when I started caravaning.

I had a Sunmaid for around 10 years. Prior to the Sunmaid I had a Dennis going back to the 70s.

I had the sunmaid set up so I could take it out by myself.

These are the only digital photos I have. Any others would be photographs

Cheers Pete

Inland_Sailor · Veteran Member

I don't think I've ever seen a boat trailer with trailing arm independent suspension. Is there a reason for this? A good suspension of this type would make touring with a TS easier on the boat and the tow vehicle. Otherwise, as yachty, I'd really enjoy touring in this way as like us all, I've been to ideal sailing locations and felt the call of the water and the breeze!!

Haji-Baba · Senior Member

Absolutely spot on. With the right setup, refrigeration, water, solar, it is popssible to do everything and more with a good trailer sailer and get off the beaten track to some wonderful places.

I also know it is not for everyone. This is definately where a good ute fitted with secure storage is a must for all the extras you would not want in the boat on a trailer. Fuel fishing gear etc.

Been there done that, only sorry we didn't go further. Up the east coast of the Cape round the top and back to the trailer/car at Cairns for example.

Plus the fact that most T/S. have a minimum draft (12-15 inches) with the board up and can motor into creeks and beaches very few people even know about.

If we had our time over again I am pretty certain which way I/we would go. Just imagine the adventure, fish, crabs, oysters, solitude, escape.

Have fun before it is too late. Haji-Baba.

Haji-Baba · Senior Member

Absolutely spot on. With the right setup, refrigeration, water, solar, it is popssible to do everything and more with a good trailer sailer and get off the beaten track to some wonderful places.

I also know it is not for everyone. This is definately where a good ute fitted with secure storage is a must for all the extras you would not want in the boat on a trailer. Fuel fishing gear etc.

Been there done that, only sorry we didn't go further. Up the east coast of the Cape round the top and back to the trailer/car at Cairns for example.

Plus the fact that most T/S. have a minimum draft (12-15 inches) with the board up and can motor into creeks and beaches very few people even know about.

If we had our time over again I am pretty certain which way I/we would go. Just imagine the adventure, fish, crabs, oysters, solitude, escape.

Have fun before it is too late. Haji-Baba.

Haji-Baba · Senior Member

Please excuse the double post, possibly an age thingo. (Or maybe to enhance thepost.)

Have fun Haji-Baba

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Pete

Great to hear you had your time adventuring out on the water. Great looking yacht but as I was saying those older enclosed transoms make it a big climb up and over to get in when using it as a caravan on the trailer. Also like so many it looks like she sat high up on the trailer making the climb even further.

I shopped for ages to get a trailer sailer suitable for extended land use as well as well as standing headroom and an enclosed head.

My good friend Eric and Flo ( Court 750 ERFLO ) also have the big climb up but it didn't worry them that much as they would spend weeks or months on the water and very little time on dry land.

For years I had very small light Jarcat 6's but have recently graduated to an Imexus 28 Power Sailer which looks like it going to be a great long term platform for Grey Nomading by Trailer Sailer.

Regards Graeme

Grandad5 · Senior Member

I have one question, from someone who will probably never seriously consider this option but is curious........what's the minimum height while on the road?
That mast looks awfully high up to my inexperienced eye.
Does it cause any issue with bridges etc?

Jim

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Jim

There are two positions for the mast to be in when trailing. The one in the photo with the rear bimini bar up and its clearance hieght is 3.6 meters and the lower position with it running parallel to the roof and with the bimini bars folded down is around 3 meters.

The higher position easily clears anywhere a semi can travel which includes the standard setting for power lines. The lower position will get me into most places restricted by a low rail bridges or similar but not absolutely everywhere.

In the higher position you can still put the bimini up to give shade whilst seating in the rear area and move around more comfortably.

Regards Graeme

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi All, further to my opening post. Trailer Sailers can start small with the original NZ designed Hartley 16 being a light and easily handled mostly day boat but with enough room for two to sleep under cover and with a boom tent live for short periods on board. These generally cost under $5,000. Next jump up whilst still very light to tow are yachts like the Catamaran Jarcat 6 pictured below. These are still exceptionally light to tow at under 1350kg on Trailer with camping gear on board and with a double berth and two under seat coffin berths have enough room to overnight a family with two children or a fair amount of gear for two on a multi day or even week trip. They are also pretty cheap to buy and equip at well under $20,000 and some much cheaper again. In this same price range are many quality mid sized fibreglass single hull yachts of generally elevated vintage. Many of these larger yachts fall into the over 2 tonne on trailer weight range requiring electro Hydralic Brakes. Most of these yachts are 2.4-2.5 metres wide and given a suitably capable towing vehicle these can be transported/trailed like a large caravan. The range here is huge whilst most of the yachts themselves are fairly old in both design and sometimes condition. Finally there are a range of large newer yachts which tend to cost $30-90,000 unless purchasing New where they are even more expensive. Opinions in the yachting community about the merits of various designs are often more strongly held I feel than in the caravanning/motorhome community and often based on sailing performance or offshore capability which have much less relevance for semi live on board Grey Nomading. The hardest trick I have found is to find a partner who likes messing around in boats and can tollerate being in a small space surrounded by water where escaping from each other is more challanging than disappearing off for a walk or similar.

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Desert Dweller · Guru

We love being on the water too. That's why we enjoy doing trips with our 17ft half cabin boat, sometimes camping or staying in cabins.

We also have an Off Road Camper trailer for remote camping & a caravan for predominately bitumen travels.

Variety IS the spice of life.

We're not huge fans of trailer sailors, they tend to be launching ramp hogs. Too much time setting up getting in the way of everyone else.

-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Friday 20th of July 2018 07:35:50 PM

Rusty W · Veteran Member

Hi guys, I am having a trailable house boat being built at the moment, not as seaworthy as a trailer sailer, but hopefully I will have just as much fun.

regards Russell

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Most considerate trailer sailers will set up away from the ramp and drop in without much more fuss than power boats. Sorry you appear to have struck some who havent organised themselves this way. Personally I have struck more issues with ski boats and jet skis destroying the tranquility close to moored boats or fishermen than ever seeing anyone delayed by a trailer sailor launching. Remember most power boats are heading out for a few hours while many genuine trailer sailers may be heading out for days or weeks if not around yacht club racing launching ramps. It generally takes more skill to handle a yacht than a power boat to the extent that I have been waived past the line waiting pre launching inspection by the water police as they carefully check these understanding few yachts breakdown at sea requiring rescuing. Perhaps its a size thing as a 25 foot power boat often takes some effort to launch as well. Each to their own but I feel its a bit like solar powering your remote camp site versus running a generator.

jkis · Veteran Member

Really like the trailer sailing you have setup. Would like to do as rusty is with the house boat to. Lot of fishing space Cheers stuart

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Rusty and Stuart
Yes I have over the years seen many very interesting trailable houseboat rigs. They are very suitable for rivers and lakes but generally not for trips like the Kimberleys or Whitsundays I feel. Their huge blunt fronts make caravans look streamlined as far as towing but for just the occasional move between waterways would still be great. I have yet to see one with modern electric motors and using all that roof space for solar panels but with advances in technology and batteries I sure thats not too far away. Even my Imexus 28 has a back up 3hp Torqeedo electric outboard which will push it along as much as 3-4 knots but I generally use for just drifting quietly uprivert on those windless days. It can then demount to fit to my inflatable dingy. The trailable yacht also makes a pretty good trolling platform with rod mounts on the stern and quite a few dinners have been made from various fish like mackerel and tuna hooking up on an unattented lure dragging behind whilst sailing.
Overall I think the concept of sailing as well as just parked up in the floating caravan houseboat gives the Trailer Sailer a whole other diamenson. Have fun out there.
Regards Graeme

Mike Harding · Guru

Graeme: Thank you very much for this post, novel and very interesting.

As I'm currently in the process of selling up to go nomad but have not yet purchased a caravan your post does get me thinking about something I would not otherwise have been aware of. However as my last experience of boats was being told to site the other way around in order that I be able to row the hired boat on the Basingstoke Canal I am not filled with confidence in my ability as a sailor - although I can do the drinking part :)

Can you suggest more sources of information?

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Mike
The Complete Trailer Sailer by Brian Gilbert might be a start. Like most of these books however they are not completely up to date with the most modern technology and have a bias against some of the newest innovations like water ballast to replace lead. Unfortunately the most commercially successful trailable yacht ever the Mcgreggor 26 is built way down to an entry level budget distressing many conventional sailers with its poor quality equipment in their view. It does however provide a entry into the caravan on water sailing life with a significant motor to get novice sailers out of trouble.
It is all a balance between sailing ability, speed, offshore capability and creature comforts for just low stress mainly inland waterways cruising. Happy to provide what further advice I can.
Regards Graeme

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Again Mike
On reflection I would suggest hiring the smallest possible house boat somewhere like the Hawkesbury or Lake Eilden and trying that for a few days. ( they are still much larger than a Trailer Sailer ) That will give you a feel of life on the water.
If that works then try hiring the smallest possible monohull sailboat in say the Whitsundays ( still way larger than a trailer sailer ) for a week and this will either infect you or cure you of the watery dreams.
Most sailing clubs are into around the buoys racing which is not at all like cruising and whilst the skills learned are valuable the experience is totally different.
Many people have started from scratch later in life including my friends Eric and Flo who commenced in their middle fifties and now would be amongst the most capable exponents of Trailer Sailing in Australia.
They have spend many months and now in total probably years sailing in the Kimberley's which would be amongst the most challenging inshore sailing locations in the world. This is along with all their other around Australia adventures would make the most entertaining book if they ever got to writing it all down.
I have had the rare privilege of sailing alongside in company with them on just a couple of very tame inland waterway cruises.
The other way is to purchase something very simple and cheap as mainly a day sailer and learn that way and I am happy to discuss and recommend if you go down that path.
My first trailer sailer was a Hartley 16 which we (camped!cramped)on.
I then moved onto very successfully camping on a Jarcat 6 including living for weeks out in the Whitsundays on this tiny but capable cruiser.
It is what raised my interest in the ability to power out of trouble as the 18 hp outboard on this would push the Jarcat to 15 knots whilst virtually all other sailboats are restricted to about 6 knots.
Many sailors sneer at this as careful planning can of course can generally deal with all these issues but with tides and rapidly changing conditions a quick short blast at high speed can be a very nice option to have on occasion.
I feel for novices the ability to sail when conditions are lovely yet revert to power when they are not is worthwhile.
Some would call this chicken whilst others might call it sensible.
Whilst out cruising on yachts as distinct from racing most would be amazed how many hours are spent motoring as distinct from sailing.
Hope this helps.
Regards Graeme

Bryan · Guru

I've thought of using a trailer sailer, specifically a 24 foot Farrier Trimaran. Where (apart from Caravan Parks) Would you safely park your car and trailer if you are away for a week or more.

-- Edited by Bryan on Saturday 21st of July 2018 11:25:37 AM

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Bryan
From experience there are a large variety of options. Joining a well known yacht club will sometimes get you reciprocal rights at other yacht clubs. Some police are happy to have car and trailer parked up in their compound. Some transport companies will charge a very small fee to park up in their fenced yard. Some caravan parks will charge a small fee to park somewhere out of the way but only off main season times. Some farmers will also happily provide parking for a very small fee or the rural currency. (a carton or two of beer) If you are affiliated with various community organisations from churches to service clubs like rotary/lions/ses/ rural fire etc often regional members will help out with storage. In more major centres there are often caravan, boat storage yards which are still way cheaper than caravan park fees. Really its just about keeping an open mind and asking around. Yachties are a rarer breed and are generally very helpful to other yachties in a way that fewer cavanners and motor home owners are due to the dramatically higher numbers doing it.
Hope this helps. Regards Graeme

Desert Dweller · Guru

Mike Harding wrote:
Graeme: Thank you very much for this post, novel and very interesting.
As I'm currently in the process of selling up to go nomad but have not yet purchased a caravan your post does get me thinking about something I would not otherwise have been aware of. However as my last experience of boats was being told to site the other way around in order that I be able to row the hired boat on the Basingstoke Canal I am not filled with confidence in my ability as a sailor - although I can do the drinking part :)
Can you suggest more sources of information?

As regular boating people we can confidently say that being on the water is a completely different ball game than land based travel.

If you find backing your rig into a site in a caravan park challenging, try berthing your boat at an anchorage on a windy day with a strong tidal flow.

Bryan · Guru

Trailer Sailer wrote:
Hi Bryan
From experience there are a large variety of options. Joining a well known yacht club will sometimes get you reciprocal rights at other yacht clubs. Some police are happy to have car and trailer parked up in their compound. Some transport companies will charge a very small fee to park up in their fenced yard. Some caravan parks will charge a small fee to park somewhere out of the way but only off main season times. Some farmers will also happily provide parking for a very small fee or the rural currency. (a carton or two of beer) If you are affiliated with various community organisations from churches to service clubs like rotary/lions/ses/ rural fire etc often regional members will help out with storage. In more major centres there are often caravan, boat storage yards which are still way cheaper than caravan park fees. Really its just about keeping an open mind and asking around. Yachties are a rarer breed and are generally very helpful to other yachties in a way that fewer cavanners and motor home owners are due to the dramatically higher numbers doing it.
Hope this helps. Regards Graeme

Good info. Thanks Trailer Sailer

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi All
One more critical thing about trailer sailers. Please note which word comes first. Trailers! Many trailer sailers rarely leave the yacht club hard standing yard or only do short journeys to the local boat ramp. Given the process of launching the yacht does the most unimaginably horrible thing of dipping your perfectly good road trailer deep into salt water it is little wonder most second hand trailer sailers come with trailers needing minor to complete refurbishment prior to long distance towing. Regular careful maintenance is then required due to the hostile environment these trailers are subjected to. Larger trailable yachts also need more complex electro hydraulic braking systems as electric brakes obviously cannot be submerged. So be very careful when purchasing to throughly inspect the trailer as well as the yacht as replacement trailers can range from about $7,000-$15,000 should more than repairs or refurbishment be required.
Regards Graeme

beiffe · Guru

I have taken a similar path but my "Boat" is a 12mtr by 5mtr houseboat permanently on the River Murray. I bought the boat as I developed a problem where I elected to not drive anymore due to major muscle problems. I did consider a cruiser but the option of bow in mooring and the extra space as well as the fact that most of the cruisers on the Murray are riddled with wet rot, I went for the steel frame and aluminium clad houseboat.
My dream was to steam UP the Murray for approx 3 years and then drift back if my body allowed.
I have set up to be self contained with 2Kw of solar and lithium batteries and all appliances 240v.
I collect rain water into a 200ltr tank on the rear deck and have my herb garden etc on the deck and hanging exterior on the hand rails. These can be easily moved for passing through locks etc.
At the moment I am still getting to grips with the medical problem and have not venture far but feel I can still navigate Ok even though in small steps of about 2 - 3 hours steaming so plenty to move location and then sit for a few days to recover.
Many people move to house boats and live on the Murray but surprised the number not game to release their ropes. No one seems to be prepared to either teach these people to overcome their fear or the purchasers to try themselves. I and a mate have offered to assist some people as well as allow them to join us on our short trips out (about one week at a time) but none have taken up the offer.
All new experiences take a while to become comfortable and even I found that the transition from prawn trawlers to house boat a bit of an experience so can see the hesitation of people with no boat experience.
Any one contemplating a water experience should make them selves aware that they can not just open a door and walk away. You must learn the ways of water tides, winds and currents and learn to read the weather maps and not rely on the tv station announcers. You need to make your own decisions by reading the maps and taking into consideration your vessel and your experience.
Have met a few while travelling that use trailer sailers for accommodation and thought it was a wise option if you have any water love in your blood. Not sure if you dont have the love of the feel and experience of being on the water.
Just as well we are all different.

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Beiffe
Best wishes with your dream of Doing The Murray. I also hope as one of my retirement adventures to use my Imexus to tick that one off the bucket list.
I looked at various trailable houseboats extensively and hired several smaller houseboats during my investigation process. In the end the joys of quietly sailing with the extra skills and challenges involved combined with the inshore open ocean access and fuel saving under sail brought me back to trailer sailing as the best choice for me.
I am sure your medium sized houseboat is way more comfortable however the many and diverse places to sail, camp on water and land all over the country have resulted in my careful selection of my Imexus 28. I understand that with any significant mobility issues that this would not be a feasible option.
Hope all goes well for you and you get off on your adventure soon.
Kind Regards Graeme

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Bryan

I forgot to say I once owned a TT680 Tri myself, so have done exactly what you are planning. It sailed very well and the large and stable platform had many advantages. As with most small Tri's it was a bit cramped inside and a big climb up unto mine as it had a small cabin under the stern which was great for a snuggled up couple sleeping but made it awfully high to get up into on land.

The pictures below are of one that was identical to mine

Best wishes with your adventure.

Regards Graeme

-- Edited by Trailer Sailer on Sunday 22nd of July 2018 12:40:44 PM

-- Edited by Trailer Sailer on Sunday 22nd of July 2018 12:42:26 PM

Mike Harding · Guru

Hi Graeme

Many thanks for your kind advice. I have obtained a copy of Brian Gilbert's book and will read with interest.

My initial feeling is that the living space will be too cramped for me - although a caravan is hardly spacious - but it's a direction I hadn't thought of and well worth looking at before I hand over $60k for a caravan.

Thanks again for such an interesting post.

Bryan · Guru

Trailer Sailer wrote:
Hi Bryan
I forgot to say I once owned a TT680 Tri myself, so have done exactly what you are planning. It sailed very well and the large and stable platform had many advantages. As with most small Tri's it was a bit cramped inside and a big climb up unto mine as it had a small cabin under the stern which was great for a snuggled up couple sleeping but made it awfully high to get up into on land.
The pictures below are of one that was identical to mine
Best wishes with your adventure.
Regards Graeme

-- Edited by Trailer Sailer on Sunday 22nd of July 2018 12:40:44 PM

-- Edited by Trailer Sailer on Sunday 22nd of July 2018 12:42:26 PM

Thanks Graeme.

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Mike Yes most under 24 foot Trailer Sailers are quite small inside. Brian Gilbert in particular is not a fan of the larger Trailer Sailers where the living accommodation is a little more caravan like. Being based in England if I remember correctly ( might be US ) and being a bit old school means he is more sailing oriented than sailing caravan. In the past trailable yachts larger than this often became almost untrailable but modern techniques have improved this. Still some older very large trailable yachts like RL28s and Farr 7500s are still relatively roomy inside. My own yacht has a queen sized bed, a large two person v berth in the bow a fold up table comfortably able to seat 6 and standing headroom in front of the small kitchen area and a small room with toilet/shower and hand basin. The rear deck area again has outdoor seating for 6 and a fold up table mount. The use of water ballast instead of lead leaves my 28 foot yacht still light enough to be towed by a larger 4x4 at around 3 ton on trailer with cruising living equipment on board. Those final words are important as many boat manufacturers give bareboat weights not fully loaded for cruising ones. In fact quite a number of trailable boats will exceed their trailers rated capabilities if fully loaded for cruising. If you had previous had a more boating oriented life I would have seriously encouraged you to look at some of these larger designs as the experiences available far surpass those obtained from regular caravanning in my view. I have now attached a floor plan and some internal photos.

Wishing you all the best. Regards Graeme

-- Edited by Trailer Sailer on Sunday 22nd of July 2018 04:33:15 PM