Zodiac FC-470 Trailer Recommendations?

[Lincoln Charlie]

I haven't had any luck finding a trailer to use for my FC-470 that carries it effectively. I have a trailer that I'm using now that makes me cringe to transport it with. The wheel wells are too narrow and forcefully "hug" the sides of the craft. The bunks are too low and I have to throw on extra 2"x4"s to support the transom [see picture]. Has anyone found something that works perfectly? Or a certain model that is easily reconfigured? Any help you can offer is certainly appreciated by both myself and my Zodiac!

Thanks.

[prairie tuber]

I'm not sure if you've seen this thread, but it may give you some ideas. Odds are you will have to do some degree of custom fabricating to accomodate a futura hull.

T/T Martini II - New SIB

[Lincoln Charlie]

Originally Posted by prairie tuber

I'm not sure if you've seen this thread, but it may give you some ideas. Odds are you will have to do some degree of custom fabricating to accomodate a futura hull.

T/T Martini II - New SIB

You were correct. I ended up having a custom trailer built:

[kelson]

Nice trailer! Great to see that fc-470 getting the ride it deserves.

I only have one suggestion. Get a spare and most certainly don't rely on those flat fix inflator products. When those trailer tires go they tend to get ragged pretty quick! I carry one spare locally and two when I go places like Mex.

I have always wanted to head east and snorkle my way down to the Keys. That fc must take you some to some awesome reefs!

[sinner]

I would suggest you move your winch stand forward so the transom is supported and provide the proper tongue weight. If there's too much tongue weight with the boat properly supported then you can have the tongue lengthened.

[jyasaki]

I had the same impression as Sinner. Boat looks too far back on the trailer (but can't see details, so that may be wrong.)

Do you know the total trailer/boat weight and the nose weight? The latter should be about 7% of the former. If you're axle is moveable, that's an easier way to adjust tongue weight than messing with tongue length (on most trailers, anyway.)

Luck;

jky

[kelson]

It is hard to see the bunks under the boat, but it does not appear that the transom is being directly supported. That is an important requirement to help avoid stresses on the transom. It is also specified by Zodiac in the manuals for their boats. A transom saver supporting the outboard is also a very good idea if you are towing any significant distance (it helps reduce dynamic loading on the transom).

After setting up my zodiac trailer I moved the axle forward to adjust the tongue weight to 10% of the total weight of the loaded trailer. On my trailer that was not a difficult move and I took the opportunity to replace the galvanized u bolts holding the axle assembly to the frame with stainless steel u bolts.

Be sure to post some pics from on the water!

[Lincoln Charlie]

Hey everyone, appreciate the discussion! Those pictures are from the day I picks the trailer up. I should've put up the more recent pictures where I've done exactly what you're recommending re: transom & winch location. Like they say, great minds think alike. I may be taking it out tomorrow so I'll put up some new pics where you'll see precisely what you're advocating. I thought the same thing and was very happy after repositioning everything. The bunks are actually long enough though and the transom was supported all along. But now it rests right over the back of the trailer frame.

[Lincoln Charlie]

As promised: Pictures reflecting the boat moved closer to the tongue with the transom being directly over the rear trailer brace. Empty trailer shots. And pictures of it in the water.

Enjoy!

[sinner]

Looking good, Enjoy!