posted 01-06-2015 10:12 PM ET (US) The Science Channel recently aired a Mythbusters marathon which featured every episode. On one of the earlier episodes the myth involved a boater who "launched" his boat with the trailer still attached. To test the myth the team used a pre-smirk Classic 13 powered by what appeared to be a mid 1980s 25hp Mercury outboard. On the baseline test (regular launch, boat only) the boat achieved a top speed of 26mph. The boat was then returned to the trailer and after being secured with extra straps, launched again with the trailer attached. During this test the boat had a top speed of 5mph. The Mythbusters seemed to be surprised at how well/high the boat floated with the trailer attached, and listed the myth as "confirmed". I don't recall seeing this episode when it originally aired (I believe sometime in 2004) and wondered if anyone else happened to see it.
Nantucket Sleighride
posted 01-07-2015 04:17 AM ET (US)
That episode of the "Myth Busters" was very amusing. They secured the boat trailer to the underside of a 13' Boston Whaler and motored around the harbor. The only noticeable change was that the boat was slower and refused to get on plane. You would not have known that the trailer was still under the boat unless you happen to notice the carpeted trailer guide-ons on either side of the boat.
posted 01-07-2015 09:24 AM ET (US)
It's good to know my 1981 Sport 13 will remain afloat and maneuverable if launched with it's aluminum trailer. I don't know why it's good to know, it just is.
Butch
Teak Oil
posted 01-07-2015 12:26 PM ET (US)
I am sure probably every classic and perhaps every Whaler would be able to do this, not just the 13.
Teak Oil
posted 01-07-2015 12:28 PM ET (US)
I am sure probably every classic and perhaps every Whaler would be able to do this, not just the 13.
Powergroove803
posted 01-08-2015 12:00 PM ET (US)
I have a friend who lives on a local lake and has no boat ramp but he does have a boat house with a rolling lift that is actuially his trailer with an electric winch and thats where his boat sits most of the year. When he needs to haul it out he straps his trailer to his boat and motors to the locl ramp to haul it out. Its quite a scnene at the boat ramp when he pulls up with the trailer attached.... Its not a Whaler but its fun to tag along for the haul out!
billsa
posted 01-09-2015 09:19 AM ET (US)
I have seen (empty) aluminum trailers float by themselves at boat ramps in the past. Depending on the number and size of the trailer tires they can sometimes float the trailer when it is submerged far enough. With that said I am pretty confident that my 15 foot whaler could float my galvanized trailer if I ever cared to do so.