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I have a KittyHawk Stainless Steel trailer that I like quite a bit. Superb shape! I'm putting it up for sale because I have two and am now constructing a multi-laser trailer. I'm looking for $650.00 OBO.
The KittyHawk is the way to go if you launch from a ramp, packed sand,gravel or grass. I've pulled a laser on a KittyHawk from Racine Wisconsin to South Florida and it tows at high-speed like a dream.
Its weakness is in dry, loose, sand where you'll need two people and I wouldn't recommend it if you launch on the loose sand regularly. If its just a few times a year, then the convenience far outweighs the hassle of asking for a hand pulling it up the beach. Once you're up the beach, you won't need help hoisting the boat onto a regular trailer.
The strengths are that it supports the boat under the gunnwhales and bow, but you don't need to transfer to a trailer to transport, just hookup and go. It really is a solo solution when not in sand and makes the post regatta boat clean-up a breeze. When you get home, there is no need to transfer off the trailer to a suitable support, just roll it into place.
If I know the venue won't be a sandy launch....I'll take the Kitty Hawk.
I'll be going to Florida Masters and can deliver it there or you can come to Memphis, TN, or we can meet somewhere.
Another question for owners of the stainless Kittyhawk trailer:
They mention that the rims are galvanized. What other parts are not stainless or plastic?
I can't imaging that the bearings are stainless. How about hubs, etc?
Is it really something that you can use to drop a boat into salt water and expect to last with basic rinsing?
Thanks in advance!
Pedal Force:
the predominate type of trailer wiring connector is a "Four wire flat" I don't have a kitty hawk but my trailerex boat trailer, wesco boat trailer, and two other trailers all use that same connector. Its pretty standard, and if the trailer is differant the trailer can be easily converted for about $10 in parts and 15 minutes of time.
the problem with the right on trailer is that it puts all the pressure of the strapped down boat on the crappy plastic parts of the seitech. this is not what the seitech was designed for. the flanges that hold up the gunnels of the boat do break...
kitty hawk or trailex is the way to go, imo
Actually, if you read the literature for the Right-On (which I've done, because I bought one), it tells you to put the gunnel flanges down and let the boat rest on the strap when trailering.
I think that strap is plenty strong for a 130 pound laser. It's not like you're strapping it down with a hydraulic ram. You shouldn't be strapping it super tight anyway because the boat isn't all that strong.
The "Right on" trailer does offer ease of use and it can be used for multiple purposes, (except for towing 2 lasers). However, you better store it in your garage because there is not one single galvanized or stainless steel part on it. I give them 4 years, (of decent use and exposure to the elements) to start rusting up. I also don't like the idea of towing the laser around on the dolly strap, but that's just a personal thing.
either way, the boat needs to be strapped down to a certain degree of tightness to avoid movement during normal road driving bumps and pot holes. whether its on the seitech's straps or gunnel flange, its still relying on the cheap chinese plastic parts of the seitech, which is outside the specs of that dolly. seitech's are not that durable. they are terribly overpriced, perhaps more so than the sail!
I agree with not wanting to trailer on the strap, but I've never had an issue with my 15-year-old Seitech. Have they switched the plastic material over the years?
have you been using it for hand launching as it was designed or do you use to strap the boat to- onto another trailer that is used for trailering behind a vehicle?
i believe the connecting pieces have always been plastic. i've had seitech's for years without them breaking, recently i got a brand new one and the t-joint snapped during the first season
I've used my Right-On a couple times now and the ease of use is quite nice.
I haven't had any problems with the strap, it doesn't move around much, it's tight enough to hold it without damaging the deck (it doesn't even move my admittedly soft deck or hull). The loading/unloading is simple and fast. There's an extra lashing to do, but that's no big deal. Already having the boat on the dolly is very nice.
The kitty hawk you can use as a dolly, but you have to put your trailer in the water, which wears out the hubs and such faster, and you also have to unhook and rehook to your car, which is a pain.
Some of the powder coating isn't perfect, but considering I could buy two of these trailers before I could get a Kitty-Hawk, I think it's a good value. With a little preventive maintenance, and keeping up with scratches I think the rust can be prevented.
edit: I should also mention that Right-On took care of me. He was quick to help when the trailer arrived in bad condition. He compensated me with some freebies and some money so that I could fix it up.
So far I'd buy another one. I can't comment on the long term durability, since I've only had it a few weeks.
When using the Righton or Kitty Hawk, do you generally put spars on your car roof, or on the deck of the boat? I am going to be buying one of these in the spring.