Hobie Trailer

Hello friends,

Fen here. I wasn't sure where to put this and ultimately decided on the hobie thread since the issue/questions are specific for a Hobie.

So NwM has convinced me to purchase a Tandem Island, as I am more interested in the sailing aspect of the Island series than the other features.

My greatest issue is that I will need to store my TI on a trailer, and the trailer would need to be long enough to accommodate proper support for the trimaran. I do not have the tools nor the technical know-how to develop a pvc bunk system, and liability says that I shouldn't rely on someone else to do it for me unless they are a professional. I don't want a million dollar suit because I trust the wrong person on the side. (no offense). What I have been considering was 3 or 4 of the cradles to support the TI. NwM recommended the trailex 220 s for when I was considering the AI, and the trailex 350 S is what I believe I would be going for.

Potential design:

Trailex SUT-350-S
More t-track aluminum crossbars and parts to build a 'frame' for the cradles to sit on.

Each cradle support would be 52.5 inches long (https://www.trailex.com/products/pc/TX-1112-NF-CROSSBAR-51-1-2-quot-35p145.htm) and the cradles, if I remember correctly, are about 46 inches long or so. I'd use the t-bolts from trailex and all the trailex crossbars of the one linked above to create the mounting points for the cradles (if that is possible). I was also planning on adding rigidity by adding a length of t-track frame all they way down each crossbar running the length from the first cradle to the last cradle (probably what, 11-13 feet somewhere in there?). Perhaps I could have three of these lengths and sit the cradles on these points (picture shows this, excuse the kindergarden microsoft paint skills, I majored in Agriculture). Or, would I just use the crossbars and attach them to the central frame with 4 bolts on each corner of intersect and would that be ample enough?

What is the length of screw that I can get away with using the cradles? I'm not sure how big the depression is for the bolts within the cradles and if a bolt coming up will interfere with the cradles. The T-bolts are 3/4 inches long if that info is useful to answer the question.

Would either design I am thinking of be able to handle the weight of a TI while moving? I anticipate speeds of 55mph or less (sorry, I'm not a speedster when towing, I'm a millennial grandpa I guess - seeing people towing larger loads than a TI at 75-80mph here on the SF peninsula every day).

Would 3 cradles be enough to support the TI in dry storage? I plan on taking the TI out maybe once a week for crabbing/fun as my rods were stolen and it'll take a while after buying a ti/trailer to be able to afford rods. During the summer I might take it out 2-3 days a week on my days off. Or, should I add a 4th cradle? For three cradles I was planning on placing them under both drive wells and right behind the rear seat as that is what I heard in a youtube video (the only one really explaining how to use more than 2 cradles). Or if 4 is recommended, what would be the placement on those bad boys?

I do apologize for not having any technical know-how in designing a trailer system for the TI.

And yes.... I have contacted Trailex, Malone hasn't responded to me.... However Trailex pissed me off by basically calling me an idiot. I kind of want to reply to their email and say that not EVERY hobie dealer offers their 15 foot hobie TI trailer (nearest one to me I can find is Oregon and I'm not driving up there, sorry). I don't like the Malone offerings as they are 13 feet which, in my opinion, feels to be way too short for an 18'6" boat where the center is supposed to be at the axel, resulting in about 8 foot overhang... yikes.

If you have trailer alternatives that are LIGHT and long enough (whatever an acceptable overhang is that will not result in any potential deformation of the hull while stored on the trailer outdoors). Note, I will be towing with a Hyundai Tuscan so tongue weight is 200 lbs (according to hitch that my mechanic is ordering for me, though I'd very much like to not approach this value at all), capacity 1k lbs.

Thank you all for your time, and I do appreciate any and all responses. Sorry again for being your local idiot.

~~Hopefully I'll be able to reply to this as I have yet to hit my 10 post requirement to be able to reply to many sections of the forum, otherwise I'll need to start welcoming everyone's mothers to hit that limit~~

Thanks again~
~Fen

So my edits aren't working, and the photo upload didn't work. Here's a link to the design I was referencing in my head. Again, excuse kindergarten skills please and thanks! https://imgur.com/jft3vxL

I’d say you should get the Hobie cradles:

https://www.austinkayak.com/Hobie-Cradle-Set-2021-Island-Tandem/ACK21855P.html

And if you don’t want to install them yourself, get the official Hobie TI trailer:

https://www.austinkayak.com/Hobie-Tandem-Island-Trailer/ACK27616P.html

Hey NwM,

Yeah I was planning my cradles, but as I've spoken with you I will be storing the TI on the trailer full time when it's not in the water (so 6 days a week every week at max, unless I get sick in which case it's longer). The SUT-350-AIT is only 15 foot long, meaning maximum 12 foot is above the trailer resulting in 6.5 foot overhang (or more) from rear. Not only that but the AIT only has two mounting points for the cradles. Wouldn't two mounting points be too few for storing the boat on the cradles? I am seriously worried about not providing the TI with the support it needs so that it can maintain it's proper shape. Do you think two is adequate to support the boat without deformation? I do not expect my situation to change for 5+ years for the storage thing.

As well, with the trailer you linked and every TI specific trailer, they all seem to be 2014 and older with that forward beam being so small. The 2015+ TI's now all use the same size cradle, or at least I thought so.

It just really sucks that these guys have a customer willing to throw about 12k investing in a TI/trailer/mods and no one wants to be giving any info. Hobie, for over a month and calling every week, has still not gotten back to me with the weight of the mast on the AI back when I wanted to cartop. Trailex is being a dick, cal canoe&kayak keep forgetting about me even though I call them every week too for an appointment to actually buy the boat. I'm half tempted to just order the boat from west coast sailing in boxes without ever seeing an AI/TI in person yet as it's literally impossible to get a viewing/help from any of these companies.

I wish West Marine sold boats and I'd buy from them, only helpful bunch I've met.

Is this the same trailer? https://westcoastsailing.net/hobie-tandem-island-trailer/ The austinkayak link you sent is out of stock, and this is 100 cheaper. I guess I'll need to call up west coast and ask about the width of the forward crossbar to ensure it's wide enough to support the cradle.

I know I'm probably making it more difficult, but if you think you might be doing long-distance travel with TI (i.e. summer vacation) I would consider more beefy trailer with options to to carry gear (some kind of box) or 2nd yak on a side (with disassembled TI).

Also, you might want to check this trailer out: . I have it (it came with my TI), and while I have some reservations it's a viable option for the times I launch from the beach.

I know I'm probably making it more difficult, but if you think you might be doing long-distance travel with TI (i.e. summer vacation) I would consider more beefy trailer with options to to carry gear (some kind of box) or 2nd yak on a side (with disassembled TI).

Also, you might want to check this trailer out:  I have it (it came with my TI), and while I have some reservations it's a viable option for the times I launch from the beach.

I saw this on youtube as well (exact video). Do you store your TI on your trailer full time? And if yes, do you notice any hull deformation at all from only having two cradles?

And does this trailer come in boxes or would I have to drive cross state to pick it up (I'm up in SF area)? I like the fact it's a low riding trailer, and I've been trying to find trailers with a 'deck' that would be shorter than 28 inches from the ground just for ease of loading/unloading. How does the rear cradle handle the road? Does it pop out of the cradle's cradle (assuming the dolly has it's own cradle on the trailer or something, hard to tell in that 2 minute video) at all?

And you're not making it more difficult. My sole concern is supporting the TI for both road and storage purposes, strictly on the trailer. Ideally I'd want a 6 foot or smaller (width wise) trailer as I don't have any trailer experience, unless you count operating farm equipment and trailers with a tractor which is completely different imo, so having something with a box attachment might be outside of that width concern.

Yes, I store TI on a trailer full time, I have not noticed deformation, though I was not looking hard for one either.

I've got TI on trailer delivered, you would need to check with them if they will ship it. If you are considering this trailer, there are tradeoffs - it has very small wheels and, as result, low clearance. And when I contacted them I got an impression that their load rating was inflated (they did not say it directly though, I could be wrong). Finally, MSRP I saw was crazy expensive (I bought used).

Rear cradle's sits in the cradle and secured with rubber tie. Not a super tight connection, but you can improvise if you needed. I had 400+ miles trips with no problems, except I'm very concerned of a low clearance driving to some gas stations.

Couldn’t u modify an existing trailer to meet ur needs?
Something along the lines of this and changing out the beam to a longer one.
It’s got a 1060lb load capacity.
https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660342_200660342

Couldn’t u modify an existing trailer to meet ur needs?
Something along the lines of this and changing out the beam to a longer one.
It’s got a 1060lb load capacity.
https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660342_200660342

During my parents' divorce, all of MY tools were taken by her ex-husband while I was away in college. We're talking about 15k in tools (started as an engineer). I've given up on ever having any sort of tool collection again due to space concerns at home (trailer is going to be stored at a storage facility even).

As to modifying an exist hull, please check the first post. That was my question if a modification I had in mind to the trailex SUT-350-S would be acceptable and adequate enough to hold the boat. Thinking on it now, I'm going to have to hire someone to cut 45 degree angles on some of the plates so that they don't scratch the boat if I go that route. Modifying a trailex, to me, seems like the easier method for someone who only has basic household tools now as it's all t-slot/bolt 'insert/tighten and play' kind of stuff.

Yes, I store TI on a trailer full time, I have not noticed deformation, though I was not looking hard for one either.

I've got TI on trailer delivered, you would need to check with them if they will ship it. If you are considering this trailer, there are tradeoffs - it has very small wheels and, as result, low clearance. And when I contacted them I got an impression that their load rating was inflated (they did not say it directly though, I could be wrong). Finally, MSRP I saw was crazy expensive (I bought used).

Rear cradle's sits in the cradle and secured with rubber tie. Not a super tight connection, but you can improvise if you needed. I had 400+ miles trips with no problems, except I'm very concerned of a low clearance driving to some gas stations.

8 inch tires? My concern with small tires is that the bearings would wear out more easily, especially if I do end up choosing to go long distances. I've been considering West Coast Sailing and seeing if they could assemble the trailer and deliver the TI to me on the trailer and just buy the straps off them too that they use, and they quoted me only 300 for delivery (online so probably more when I call). I'll have to compare with Fastlane, although I'm not too enthusiastic after hearing their tires are small. I'll still give them a call tomorrow if they're open.

8 inch tires? My concern with small tires is that the bearings would wear out more easily, especially if I do end up choosing to go long distances.

Yes. I have not had problems (hubs get hot but not super-hot) - but driving 55 mph is a torture.

FWIW, if you don't think you'll be beach-launching often I would buy something like Malone (retractable tongue could be a plus) - if you search around you might be able to find a used one for $700 - and add Hobie's cradles (or cheaper PVC solution). For beach use you would have to dis-/re-assemble TI, and either use standard kayak or TI-specific ($$$) cart.

I mean I like versatility of FE Trailer (they are the ones who build Fastlane's trailer), and use it at HMB a lot, just depends whether tradeoffs make sense for your usage. FE's phone # 619-444-9932

I have been checking Craigslist Facebook in Cali and Nevada for hobies the last two years and see complete newer TI setups with trailers every three month or so. Theres a very small market for the TIs and ive noticed selling the TIs take alot longer then regular hobies. It might be worth considering used and waiting, especially through the winter, to see if a nice TI at good discount pops up.

Is this the same trailer? https://westcoastsailing.net/hobie-tandem-island-trailer/

Fen, I think that's the older version of the trailer that has some tiny rubber shock absorbing thingies instead of the leaf springs. I'd say the leaf springs are well worth the extra cost.

If you store the boat on the Hobie cradles, you are doing exactly what Hobie recommends, so I wouldn't worry about that. Personally, I think PVC bunks (run the long way) do a better job of support, but either would be fine.

I bought my AI used, but I ordered my Hobie Adventure (aka Revo 16) from Austin Kayak (ACK). That boat had a fabrication flaw and leaked around the gudgeon. I was able to warrantee it (total replacement) thru ACK, without any problem. I also got my Trailex trailer from ACK, and one of the main aluminum I-beams was dented (thanks to UPS). Getting that replaced was easy too. I would not hesitate to order anything online from ACK.

Is this the same trailer? https://westcoastsailing.net/hobie-tandem-island-trailer/

Fen, I think that's the older version of the trailer that has some tiny rubber shock absorbing thingies instead of the leaf springs. I'd say the leaf springs are well worth the extra cost.

If you store the boat on the Hobie cradles, you are doing exactly what Hobie recommends, so I wouldn't worry about that. Personally, I think PVC bunks (run the long way) do a better job of support, but either would be fine.

I bought my AI used, but I ordered my Hobie Adventure (aka Revo 16) from Austin Kayak (ACK). That boat had a fabrication flaw and leaked around the gudgeon. I was able to warrantee it (total replacement) thru ACK, without any problem. I also got my Trailex trailer from ACK, and one of the main aluminum I-beams was dented (thanks to UPS). Getting that replaced was easy too. I would not hesitate to order anything online from ACK.

Devon at Norcal Kayak just got back to me and apparently they have a used TI for 4500 at another location that he's checking into for me, 2019 model so I'd only be losing out on kickup fins. 4500 seems pretty cheap for only one year old so I'm hoping there's not much damage, and hoping the mast doesn't have any wear from the cleat. As to the PVC, I do not have any tools that would deal with pvc besides my all purpose bits I guess. I don't have any larger sizes or extensions to reach in the pipe. Honestly I love your sut-220 setup and wish I could do the same with a sut-350, I just don't have the skills nor tools. I just wish trailex or someone could get back to me if they have any screws specific to the TI cradles or if the 3/4 inch long screws+nut would fit perfectly in the screw-well of the cradle without pushing up on the hull. And if mounting the crossbar on the tongue would be enough support for the boat, if I use 3 cradles. But nope, trailex and no hobie dealer wants to respond to that. :/ Maybe ACK would reply to this question? I'll shoot them an email and see.

I have been checking Craigslist Facebook in Cali and Nevada for hobies the last two years and see complete newer TI setups with trailers every three month or so. Theres a very small market for the TIs and ive noticed selling the TIs take alot longer then regular hobies. It might be worth considering used and waiting, especially through the winter, to see if a nice TI at good discount pops up.

I have been doing the same, but I'm not overly enthusiastic about buying used from someone's house. I've had some pretty bad experience with craigslist where people aren't willing to let me see what they're selling other than the one or two 240p pictures they upload where it's impossible to see damage. Maybe I'm just unlock with people in my area, but cheers for the suggestion as I am following it. Every single hobie dealer is out of stock for the TI in CA it seems and most aren't going to be getting any shipments in until February/March so used is more likely to pop first.

8 inch tires? My concern with small tires is that the bearings would wear out more easily, especially if I do end up choosing to go long distances.

Yes. I have not had problems (hubs get hot but not super-hot) - but driving 55 mph is a torture.

FWIW, if you don't think you'll be beach-launching often I would buy something like Malone (retractable tongue could be a plus) - if you search around you might be able to find a used one for $700 - and add Hobie's cradles (or cheaper PVC solution). For beach use you would have to dis-/re-assemble TI, and either use standard kayak or TI-specific ($$$) cart.

I mean I like versatility of FE Trailer (they are the ones who build Fastlane's trailer), and use it at HMB a lot, just depends whether tradeoffs make sense for your usage. FE's phone # 619-444-9932

Would 12's fit in the wheel well for that trailer? Just curious if I could switch to larger tires, which in turn would raise the base of the trailer a couple inches too. The issue with Malone is that a lot of them don't have the ability to go to the 67/68 inch spacing, or at least not the ones that I'm finding in my area. I've thought about a jetski trailer but they're all pretty wide and I'm not comfortable towing 8 foot wide loads with no experience. As to the pvc solution, I do not want to spend hundreds in tools that I'd have to buy just to use once. I know buying cradles will end up costing the same/more overall but at least this way I'm going the 'official-supported' route of supporting the TI for warranty issues.

Trailex just started offering a 12” tire upgrade. But I think it’s a non-issue. On the Hobie forum you’ll find plenty of discussion and many claim to have put vast numbers of miles on their trailers with 8 inch tires without any tire problem.

This trailer is likely overkill, but I use it for a lot of different tasks.  It got 2 panels on top that fold open, and a tailgate that drops down.  I put my kayak inside, and a river raft can strap on top.  I also use it for dump runs and transporting building material.