I doubt that you could sail under such circumstances and using the motor would probably be very slow. You would want the lake to be dead calm especially when crossing 4 km of relatively open water.

I don't think the weight would be a problem for the boat. There is a lot of buoyancy in the tires. I once backed my single axel trailer down a cement ramp that ended abruptly with a drop off. The trailer wheels were suspended with the trailer frame sitting on the edge at the end of the ramp. There was no way to pull forward and I was contemplating how I might lift the stern of the trailer when a fellow boater pulled up, looped a rope under one of the bunks and while standing on his foredeck lifted the stern of the trailer by hand and held it while I pulled forward. It never occurred to me that one person could do that. If you have a dual axel trailer the buoyancy would be even greater.

If you decide to do this I would suggest that you be accompanied by a power boat that could tow you if necessary. I guess the only way to know for sure is to try it. Personally, I doubt that I would have the nerve but I am a lot less adventurous in my old age.

Graham

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Michael Dale
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 3:41 PM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Trailer Sailer Sails Trailer

Let me know how crazy is this idea:

I need to get my 2003 Triad trailer from the mainland marina to my island home in Severn Sound, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. I plan to moor the boat spring-summer-autumn just off the beach in front of my lakehouse but when winter approaches, bring the boat ashore for storage upon the trailer. Commercial barging services are available to my island but will cost about $300 to deliver the trailer.

Here is the idea—I launch the boat at the marina ramp normally...except I have the trailer affixed with two or three 10,000 lb ratchet straps to the boat. Then I just sail or motor the boat/trailer combo to my island where I beach it, unstrap and float the boat to the mooring and pull the trailer up on land with my ATV. Tada!

This is about a 4 km journey.

I wonder how much this combo will draft and if the Rhodes 22 can handle this oddly balanced belly cargo load.

What could go wrong?

Michael


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