Trailer for 23 Scepter

jedgar · #1 08-04-2004, 09:43 PM

Guys,

I'm looking for a new trailer for my 1985 23' Scepter. The boat is CSY built with a 144 gallon fuel tank and twin 115 Suzuki 4 strokes.

Does any one have a true weight for a similar boat ?

The trailers I'm looking at are Loadmaster or Rolls tandem axle drive-on aluminum. Both are available in either 6,000 lb or 7,000 lb capacity, the difference being the rating of the axle sets. Both Loadmaster and Rolls tell me that the 6,000 lb models are adequate for my boat, but for some reason I have a feeling that the boat with full fuel, etc. may be pushing that weight and I would rather have a trailer that is underloaded rather than one loaded right to it's limit.

So, if anyone out there has actually weighed a similar model, please let me know.

Thanks.

ScottM · #2 08-05-2004, 09:30 AM

My father's '82 23 Sceptre OB is 3,300# dry, so I'd guess your '85 is the same weight. Add your 2 engines @ 415# each, full fuel ~864# (6#/gallon), and you're up to 5,000#. The 6000# should suffice, unless you carry a lot of gear with you.

BTW, you're boat was built by SeaCraft Industries. Having an '82, I always thought my father's was a CSY also, but I found out by a very reliable source [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] that CSY only produced the 23 for a short time in 1980/1981, at which time SeaCraft Industries took over.

ocuyler · #3 08-05-2004, 11:10 AM

jedgar,

I agree with ScottM's assesment with the exception that the trailer itself weighs in at around 1000 pounds. If you add some gear to that, your'e over 6000. I agree with you that I'd rather have the heavier trailer.

Be sure to get disk brakes, LED lights (a must, even if you unplug) and torsion axles. That combination can be hauled anywhere at 70 MPH with a standard 1500/150 truck in complete safety.

PipeDreamsMarine · #4 08-06-2004, 06:42 AM

How would you know Otto...... yours sits at home all the time...and you don't even own a Scepter...well maybe you do. .but anyway.. I'm sure it sits outback like the 23cc does..... [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

ocuyler · #5 08-06-2004, 12:47 PM

I was trailering boats and heavy machinery when you were in diapers, boy. Show some respect...

ScottM · #6 08-06-2004, 01:46 PM

Quote:

I agree with ScottM's assesment with the exception that the trailer itself weighs in at around 1000 pounds.

This affects the tow vehicle you can use, not what the trailer can carry. As long as your rig doesn't exceed 5,500#, I would think the 6000# would work fine. Then again, I also agree with going up one more level for the "just in case" factor. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

RS · #7 08-06-2004, 03:23 PM

Quote:

This affects the tow vehicle you can use, not what the trailer can carry. As long as your rig doesn't exceed 5,500#, I would think the 6000# would work fine.

Otto's refering to the fact that a trailer's "capacity" includes the weight of the trailer. Said differently, the load capacity of the trailer is the rated capacity less the weight of the trailer itself. So, if the boat with gear is 5500, add the 1000# trailer weight and he needs the 7000# capacity trailer.

ScottM · #8 08-06-2004, 03:29 PM

Quote:

This affects the tow vehicle you can use, not what the trailer can carry. As long as your rig doesn't exceed 5,500#, I would think the 6000# would work fine.

Otto's refering to the fact that a trailer's "capacity" includes the weight of the trailer. Said differently, the load capacity of the trailer is the rated capacity less the weight of the trailer itself. So, if the boat with gear is 5500, add the 1000# trailer weight and he needs the 7000# capacity trailer.

Thanks Roger. I wasn't aware of that.

jedgar · #9 08-07-2004, 09:10 AM

So Scott,

Are you saying the 3,300 lb dry weight was obtained by actually weighing the boat ? If so, with the engines, fuel, and gear I would want to carry for week long trip to the keys, I would definitely want to upgrade to the 7K capacity trailer.

Not too sure about the CSY vs SeaCraft Ind as builder of the boat. Who was your "reliable" source ? I do know one thing, as far as build quality from a structural perspective, I have no complaints - the boat is plenty strong with heavy glass work. A few rough edges here and there, finish work inside the boxes etc. not super, but as good or comparable to any other major manufacturer of that era.

Thanks for everyones input.

ScottM · #10 08-08-2004, 09:56 AM

Quote:

So Scott,

Are you saying the 3,300 lb dry weight was obtained by actually weighing the boat ?

No, this comes from a SeaCraft spec sheet for the '79 model year. I'm willing to bet there is no substantial weight difference between '79, '82 and '85.

See Capt Chuck's post here about my "reliable source".