Alan Parr wrote:
I have two related problems: (1) what kind of trailer would be
suitable for short (15-20 mins, around 45-50mph) hauls - accomodating
a wing keel on an S2 22, and (2) we have a 2004 Honda Odyssey which is
rated for 3500lbs with a trailer fitted with surge brakes. Is it even
feasible to trailer an S2 22 with this minivan, albeit for short
distances? The boat is 2300lbs, probably closer to 2500 with outboard,
sails etc.

My alternative is to have it professionally moved and stored, and
later installed at a friend's slip for 5 months of the year. I would
prefer to trailer it myself and store it myself in my garage's 3rd
stall were I can do maintenance etc. But I'd like to know about
trailering this boat.

If the boat & it's gear weigh 2500 lbs, then by the time you get it on a
trailer you're probably looking at well over 3500 lbs on a suitable
trailer. A problem IMHO.

For years we towed an 19' 1800# trailerable racer/cruiser with a
minivan. I weighed it at a certified truck stop scale... 2500# with
trailer, rig, motor, etc etc. The trailer had very good surge brakes. We
started with a minivan rated for 2500# and that was very anemic...
didn't like towing the boat at all. The last six years we had that boat,
we towed with a beefier minivan, with a "towing package," rated to pull
3500#. That did OK, much better on hills and at highway speed (55 - 60
mph), but did not accelerate well enough to be comfortable in traffic.

I'd recommend a heavier duty tow vehicle, one with a tow rating *at
least* ten percent above the weight you realistically expect to tow. But
for a rolling rig, you should be considering a double axle trailer with
brakes. A lot of people have said that the new computer-controlled
electric brakes are very good, my experience has all been with surge
brakes which, I heartily recommend *if* you don't mind doing the
necessary maintenance. Also my experience with old fashioned drum type
brakes has been good. An aluminum trailer will save you a lot of weight,
but be much more expensive.

Hope this helps.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King