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Hi All, AS I am getting ever closer to finishing my cocktail racer. I am now trying to determine which would be better to haul the boat around (small boat trailer or small utility trailer). What does everyone think or use? Thanks
Hi Andy,
I was trying to keep my build low budget. I was fortunate enough to have somebody give me a broken down jet ski trailer that I was able to fix and modify to meet my needs. Since the trailer would be garage kept, I was not worried about protecting the boat from the weather and I felt that an open trailer was OK. I rigged the trailer so that I can mount multiple engines on it , strap gas tanks to it and have an attached tool box. It has worked out pretty well for me. Plus, it is light enough that I am able to pull it with a vehicle that has a low towing capacity.
Quite a few racers have cargo trailers, which are extremely convenient, but more expensive and heavier to haul. Frankly, I wouldn’t mind having a cargo trailer, but I am OK with my set up and will probably stick with it.
I would recommend visiting a race or two to get a look at what setups people have. You might get some good ideas. Good luck. I look forward to seeing you on the water!
I am getting closer to having my boat built Does any have pictures on how the steering hookup to the 6hp tohatsu?
There are a number of ways to skin this cat, none as “neat” as the one used by two Cocktail Class innovators from Fla. and seen in the steering of “Neat” and “Five O’Clock Somewhere.” The custom 3-hole strap connects to the Tohatsu’s s.s. bracket (that bracket is provided with the remote control adapter kit and fastens to the front carry handle.) A custom s.s. or alum. spacer takes up some of the gap between the Tohatsu’s carry handle and the rope’s natural path (a straight line between the fairleads through the coamings.) Add some shoulder washers to facilitate swivel action in the connection and eliminate excessive slop in the connection.
I have two boats, one is rigged with both lines on the port side with purchase, two Ronstan blocks. The steering wheel drum is 5″ diameter. The blocks are attached to a 1/4″ SS hex socket screw that is drilled through the head and pinned with small shackles. The springs were selected from a hardware store assortment.
The other boat is rigged with harken blocks on the carlins and direct connected to a 1/4″ SS bolt that I found somewhere, it has a stud on the top of the head. It is also drilled with shackles pinned. The steering drum is 4 1/2″ diameter. The springs are stiff stainless steel used on a sailboat rudder. I like the steering ratio where one can steer the motor to either extreme from center without releasing the steering wheel, about 2/3 -3/4 turn.
The center hole on the Tohatsu steering plate has a 10mm hole, so I managed to find a brass step washer that works nicely.
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