Oppy trailer design
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11250
Printed Date: 14 Jul 25 at 7:49pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Oppy trailer design
Posted By: Matt Jackson
Subject: Oppy trailer design
Date Posted: 08 Dec 13 at 10:27pm
|
I'm considering converting a standard box trailer into an Oppy stacker. I'd be really interested to hear from anyone who has done this, especially any plan resource sites and Oppy hull CAD models.
I'm reasonably handy on 3D CAD (Solidworks) but am a firm believer in learning from others mistakes ;-) ------------- Laser 203001, Harrier (H+) 36 |
Replies:
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 08 Dec 13 at 10:53pm
|
How many are you planning to stack that you need a CAd programme, not a few bits of bar and a welder?
------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: Matt Jackson
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 9:15am
3 in total (normally 2). I'm an Engineer. I have a CAD station. I don't have any bar or a welder. I'm getting someone else to make the frame. As this person is not a sailor and will not have a boat as a template, I need to design the frame myself. Sheesh, didn't realise I'd need to justify myself... just like being at work.  ------------- Laser 203001, Harrier (H+) 36 |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 9:33am
|
Just curious. I guess I'd still be using a paper and pencil for the CAD stage. Maybe I need to learn how it all works.
------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: Dougal
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 11:15am
|
Make sure the tailgate at the back of the box opens - otherwise you cannot get any gear in or out without moving the bottom oppie. Other than that, it's a pretty simple frame needed with the cross bars not too far apart. Stacking 3 is easy and done by plenty of folks (we only do 2). Oh, and, stating the bleeding obvious, make sure you have a jockey wheel for moving it around.
------------- What could possibly go wrong? |
Posted By: laser193713
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 12:24pm
| Here you go, someone's done it for you! http://www.purplemarine.com/dinghy/trailers-boat-covers-sails/multi-boat-trailers/west-mersea-box-trailer-with-racks-for-3-optimists-750kg-unbraked.html |
Posted By: Matt Jackson
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 12:33pm
Made the link now. I know I can buy one, I've used Google before. I recon I can do if for a little less than a grand!
------------- Laser 203001, Harrier (H+) 36 |
Posted By: laser193713
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 12:54pm
| I wasn't suggesting you bought one, more that the idea is there and you can find pictures to show your "mate who can weld". |
Posted By: johnreekie1980
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 1:16pm
| Consider buying a base trailer and doing modifications suitable for the carrying of other single handers when designing the Opi trailer. This way when you sell it there would be more buyers interested and if the kids move on then you can tow other single handers. A trailer that does 3 toppers, opi's or lasers would not be that dissimilar. The length of the trailer is key to making other boats work as they are longer. |
Posted By: rolo2
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 3:56pm
|
Welding? I thought the modern Oppy parent just used the lashing points on the Rib or the roof of the motor home :-) |
Posted By: Matt Jackson
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 4:51pm
Hmm, I take exception to the term 'Oppy parent' ;-) ------------- Laser 203001, Harrier (H+) 36 |
Posted By: yellowwelly
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 4:55pm
| just roll it in the back of the (lowered) T5... |
Posted By: kevg
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 6:20pm
|
A friend of mine put a single Topper on a 4x3 foot box trailer and had a series of problems. The draw bar needed extending and broke dragging the tail of the Topper along the road. With the tubes strapped to the sides it was too top heavy and unstable on sharp turns, it capsized during a U turn!Thank full the said tubes took the damage. This small box trailer was simple to narrow and not robust enough. Now a 6x4 box trailer with good axles/running gear should be a good starting
point.
The best sailing kit I have ever owned was a West Mersea Laser/Topper Double stacker.
|
Posted By: RichTea
Date Posted: 09 Dec 13 at 8:08pm
|
Three boats one on top of the other plus box will be over 6ft. The base of the trailer needs to be wider than the boat itself. I would recommend finding your nearest boat owner with a west Mersea trailer, take your measuring tape, camera and welder friend along and copy that design. We did exactly that to make a 6 stacker, copied the Laser/Topper version and made our own. ------------- RS200 |