BC23 trailer weight

[markbatey]

Hi,

I've looked all over for this and can't find it - does anyone have a figure for the combined weight of BC23 (empty of everything) plus the standard trailer? Thinking of changing the van/car combination and I need to check that whatever I get is up to the job of towing.

Cheers

Mark

[Graham W]

Mark,

Not what you asked for but here's a posting on the all-in weight http://www.swallowyachtsassociation.org/smf/index.php/topic,1519.msg11118.html#msg11118

[markbatey]

I know, I saw that, and given that the unladen boat weighs 850kg, that's either a lead-lined trailer or Rob with his all-up weight of 1580kg had the kitchen sink and a lot more on board. I'm just wondering if I'm ok to trail with a Skoda Octavia, max towing weight of around 1300kg according to the outfit matching tool on towcar.info.

M

[Nicky R]

We've looked into this as we're just in the process of changing our car. It's not the weight of the boat and trailer that matters, but the maximum weight that's given on the trailer rating plate. I think Octavia has a maximum towing weight of 1300kg so anyone can tow without needing a separate trailer licence. (People who passed their driving test in 1997 or later can only tow trailers up to 750kg or where the car and trailer combined come to less than 3500kg maximum authorised mass.)

[markbatey]

Hi all,

Just to complete this, I've had a reply from Lara who tells me that Matt had Juno weighed on the trailer a while ago. Total weight of trailer, BC23, Yamaha 6HP outboard and anchor was 1420kg. That's without any other bits and pieces on board.

Hope this is useful for anyone looking around for towing vehicles.

Cheers

Mark

[Rob Johnstone]

So how do I account for the difference of 160kg between the "official" figure of Matts and that of Vagabond a couple of years ago? Here are (possibly) some of the extra kilos:
Dinghy             25
Spare Anchor    5
Tool Box           20
Trailer spare wheel (?) 15
Several lead weights to hold anchor lines nearer the sea bed 20
2 x Gas bottles   10
Clothing              20 (think air travel suitcase with a lot of foul weather gear in it)
2 x 5 litre petrol   10
5 litre water        10
Mooring ropes and fenders (?)  10


That totals 145 Kg - it's amazing how what you carry adds up!

Rob J

[Peter Taylor]

I agree with Rob - the weights do add up! Being wood-epoxy, my BC20 is a light hull but I still have to fight to keep the weight of the equipped boat plus trailer below the 1300kg limit which is specified for many medium size cars including the one I've just bought. I'm sure Matt's quoted weight values are correct but only if you keep your boats equipment to the very minimum;  remember his boat's name... "Go Lightly"!

Peter

p.s. I note Rob is using "heavy water"!

[Andy Dingle]

And what happens when we are all 'forced' to go electric/hybrid? Will this effectively be the end of trailer sailing?
I can't imagine how a pure electric vehicle will tow the best part of two tonnes for any distance?

A brief scout around t'internet shows that even the large mitsubishi SUV hybrid (petrol/battery) will only tow 1500kg braked?

And how will the vast caravanning community, farmers, builders etc all fare ..?

Hopefully better men than me will be looking at this ..

[Rob Johnstone]

Well spotted Peter - I see my proff reading is not imporving. Not heavy water, just a missing "2 x" !