max beam

[gonzo]

Let's remember that the maximum legal width on the road is 8'6". I have seen irate boatowners stopped on the highway for towing overwidth boats. The salesman told them the boat was "trailarable". So are bridge sections, however they are required to have a permit, an escort and drive during daylight hours. Some cities also have restrictions during traffic hour.

[Willallison]

Not even that I'm afraid.
As O-1 was conceived as a 'world boat', some of us (like here in Oz for example) have to suffer with max of 2.5m - 8'2"....

[Willallison]

ps - nice to see some o-1 input again....maybe it'll spur some others on...

[yipster]

It’s nice to launch, haul and drive a boat over the road anywhere you like yourself,
I have had some trailers and thoughts on the max size trailer behind a car…

*Legally it’s not only the size of the boat: here, and I assume in more countries, 2 to 3 ton (have to check again) trailers are only legal behind monster trucks like hummers and even than its possible you need to store water, fuel, canned food etc in the car.
*For storage of any trailer you do need a big(ger) garage.
*Heavier boats need bigger trailers and even big trailers I’ve seen bending.
*Professional transport is not all that expensive, can go extra wide and there is much to be said in favor of having a bigger boat launched a by crane anyway.
*Beam size in the 8 to 10 ft range makes a big interior space difference in this type of boat.

I found trailers much more useful for somewhat smaller boats.
Sorry my contribution isnt more possitive and thats why i liked your bigger design all along.
Off course that’s my personal opinion; like to hear (pro and con) other considerations…

yipster

[Willallison]

Of course we would (almost) always choose bigger, more comfortable, more expensive, etc etc.
But at the end of the day, not all of us can afford a 50 x 15 footer. The group chose to make O-1:

1 Coastal hopping. 1 week duration without re-supply
2 Trailerable
3 Range 300 miles
4 Crew, 2 minimum
5 Price range, under 50K US, for home built.
6 Must be able to carry on a normal conversation at 3/4 throttle.
7 Outboard power
8 Locate head up (on same level as saloon as opposed to down with berths)
9 Light weight - about 1500 - 1800kg

There is little to choose from if you're shopping for this kind of boat and for many it is a far more practical option than anything bigger. The larger the boat becomes, the more complicated moving it about becomes. It's ok to have a crane drop your boat in the drink if you only ever cruise from the same place, but certainly not a practical option for those who regularly use their boats in different places.
I think the balance we've struck with O-1 is about right. What we need now is some more input to take the design to the next stage.....

[yipster]

that sums it up quit nice and i quikly try'd to check weight against bayliner's ciera 2655 (starts at 42K)
yes bayliner, this one is supposed to be strong according to boating magazine march 2000- LOA 26.7 beam 9.5, but it does not mention weight and this one is just a ft to wide to trailer.
i'll also try to find back trailer weight versus towing vehicle info.
building your own boat does gives great satisfaction and with that lightweight O1 might just have it all rite...

[Willallison]

Well, Yipster, I can tell you that the combined weight of my 27ft Searay (similar to the Bayliner you mention - though dare I say it, somewhat better built...;) ) is 4100kg. Rather more than your average family sedan can haul. I just towed this rig (with a 6.5litre turbo diesel Chevy Suburban) 3500kms from one end of Australia to the other. I can assure you that whilst I would regard my boat as transportable, it certainly ain't what I'd call a trailerboat!

[dskira]

Well, Yipster, I can tell you that the combined weight of my 27ft Searay (similar to the Bayliner you mention - though dare I say it, somewhat better built...;) ) is 4100kg. Rather more than your average family sedan can haul. I just towed this rig (with a 6.5litre turbo diesel Chevy Suburban) 3500kms from one end of Australia to the other. I can assure you that whilst I would regard my boat as transportable, it certainly ain't what I'd call a trailerboat!

Both you and Yipster has a good point.
What is interresting is the difference between "transportable" and "trailerboat"
I will say between 2.5 to 3 long tons will be the max possible. A 5 liters V8 two tons car can haul it. Unfortunatly a very good trailer cost around $7000, and that is expensive. Plus it is better to change the chocks on the car if hauling on long distances and often. And more that 8'6" is an absolut no no in the majority of the States in the US. Some States are 8'. Length can be around 30' to 35' to be on the safe side. The total length (car and boat) should not exeed 60' again in the majority of the States.
My two cents
Cheers
Daniel