Ensign Trailers

SteveO · Post by **SteveO** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 1:42 pm

So, I have this opportunity(?) to pick up an ensign hull for no cost that is currently sitting in a 10 year old cradle that probably needs work. Same owner is offering a trailer for $1500 that is supposedly road worthy for the 2.5 hour trip back to the house. What do ya'll think a used trailer setup and ready for an ensign is worth? I haven't seen it yet so can't really give a good description.

Post by **Tim** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 5:00 pm

$1500 is a good deal if it's a nice trailer that is ready for continuing use with no real work required.

$1500 is a rip off if the trailer is barely roadworthy for your trip home.

A spiffy, brand-new trailer for the Ensign can be had for $2900. (www.ensignspars.com). Use that as your determining factor in assisting you with figuring out whether this trailer is worth it or not.

Or, you can look at it as a free trailer with a $1500 Ensign. The trailer is worth having if it's remotely decent and usable. But a lot of people think their junky trailers are worth a lot more than they really are.

If you get more info on the trailer and would like additional thoughts, feel free to send it along! Good luck with it all. Get the Ensign--great boat.

Tony G · Post by **Tony G** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 10:44 pm

Tim hit it on the head, fifteen is not outrageos even if it needs minor stuff like paint or lights. However, junk is junk and not worth diddley. Our Ensign had a 'with the trailer' option for a thousand dollars. It had a single axle and 6" x 6" beams bolted together forming an "x" that hugged and scratched the hull. Needless to say it was a fine example of junk and not worth diddley.
We built a trailer for just over a thousand dollars. But you have to factor in that we had time, all of the tools and didn't pay ourself a dime.
A good trailer is important with an Ensign because you want that stern and quarter at eye level so you can-so everyone can admire it. Those hulls do have great lines for a 22 foot boat.

SteveO · Post by **SteveO** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:23 am

Nice trailer Tony! I can only hope it's even close to that. I do understand the one I'm talking about is a tandem which is definitely desireable. I was sort of thinking along the same way but it helps to have a little aggreement. Especially when people around you are giving you grief about even think of starting such a project as I have in mind. I have no idea where I got this idea that such a project is even possible. Probably some website I keep running across!!! I plan on going over this weekend and coming back with at least a boat/project. The trailer sure would simplify things and be safer to tow.

Post by **Tim** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 9:39 am

SteveO wrote:I have no idea where I got this idea that such a project is even possible. Probably some website I keep running across!!!

Yeah, the nerve of those guys who post websites about their projects! And then, to boot, they go and encourage others. Some people... :<)

Good luck this weekend! Personally, I think an Ensign makes a great first project. They're so simple and small, yet are well worth the effort it takes to make them nice again.