Chrysler Sailors Forum

Just bought a 22 Chrysler. It came with the original trailer which is a perfect fit. My question is should I lower the keel to ride in the cradle on the trailer while towing? Or should I let the winch hold the weight with the keel up in trunk?
Thanks for any advice.

I'd lower it, especially for any distance of road trip.

Thanks reality, those were my thoughts also. The lake, Allatoona is only 25 miles away but don't like the idea of the winch/pin holding that weight. I just cringe at the sight of potholes. The boat handles like abeauty at first the listing wakes you up but then like boost the forward motion kicks on and she's
off.

Thanks for your reply

I always lower it onto the trailer before I take the mast down. And crank it up just before splashing it.

The trailer instructions say to lower keel onto trailer supports when in transit.

Agreed 100%!
Lower it!

Scott

Yes, let the trailer carry the weight of the keel, not the boat. (if that makes sense)

It's been a while since I had my boat in the water so I forgot to mention this.

If you have the original Chrysler trailer, the keel sits in a "V". The last few times I pulled the boat out of the water I lowered the keel while the boat was hooked to the trailer (winched all the way up on the trailer) but still floating. By doing this the boat automatically centers itself on the trailer. For years I would pull the boat out and check if it was centered. If it wasn't (50% of the time) I would back it in and try again. Then it occurred to me that the "V" was probably meant to guide the keel down onto the trailer. Most of you probably already do this, but if not give it a try. I can't believe I went so long without noticing/trying this. It works slick.

Dan