On 9/12, after sailing with Lars in Cambridge, Md., I rolled our P19 over on a
back country road after swerving to avoid hitting an animal. The boat stayed
on the trailer due to an extra tie down line at the bow and knots tied in the
strap after the buckle was cinched down.
I feel there are lessons here-the technical ones that I have become aware of are:
-do not drive faster than you can control the vehicle and trailer in event of an
unexpected occurrence. For me now, this means to go no more than 45 when
on any back road, especially at night.
-make sure you have enough tongue weight to minimize the likelihood of the
trailer swaying. The trailer dealer I just saw recomended 10-12% of the trailer
weight, which for our P19 would be 150 to 180 lbs. This is adjusted by moving
the ³winch stand² and boat forward on the trailer.
-make sure the boat is securely attached to the trailer. I used a 3/8² line at the
bow and tied some half hitches in the rear strap so it would not loosen up.
These kept the boat on the trailer when it rolled over, and prevented a much
bigger problem.
I have just returned from getting an estimate on parts to repair our 1989
Shoreland trailer. The winch stand is bent, the right fender is missing and the
leaf springs need replaced (one of the leaves is missing). I am also told the axle
is bent. By the time the cost of the parts is added up, it may prove worthwhile
to replace the trailer. Needless it is more than I was planning on spending at
this time.
The boat is currently sitting on jack stands in a friend¹s yard in Maryland. I
want to get the boat off the jack stands and out of there as soon as possible. Do
any of you folks out there within reasonable driving distance of Philadelphia
and the Chesapeake area have:
-a used trailer for sale for a P19?
-an old Shoreland trailer which has a usable axle, springs, fender and/or
winch stand?
-a trailer suitable for a P19 that can be borrowed for anywhere between a
weekend to a few months?
Thanks,
Tom Hill