Rubber Caps

[Gemini]

Does anyone know a supplier or where I can get the rubber caps for the goal posts and the V-Guide at the front of the trailer?

Also, is it a big bennefit to get PVC pipes and put them over the goal posts?

Thanks.

[Beam's Reach]

The pipes make it easier to see your trailer when you're backing down the ramp empty. Plus I drop the stem of a solar light in each one to light the boat when it's in the driveway.

[parrothead]

I've seen the rubber caps in various sizes at my local True Value hardware store.... got some there for the tops rear of the stanchions - originally just on the port side as a landing pad for the helm seat, now on both sides as that's where the folded bimini rests.

The PVC pipes are essential on a steep ramp {ours are 5' tall}, as the metal goal posts end up submerged. If you install a PVC pipe that just fits over the metal post, and then slide a slightly-shorter/larger-diameter PVC pipe over that one - with a PVC cap glued on the top - you will have a guide post that will spin when rubbed against... very helpful if your hull is Blue! Be sure to drill a small hole in the cap, else the outer pipe will retain air and will shoot upward as you back down the ramp.

[Catigale]

Be sure to drill a small hole in the cap, else the outer pipe will retain air and will shoot upward as you back down the ramp.

...or dont, and attach them to the trailer with Spectra line...

Presto - self adjusting trailer goal posts - automatically adjust for ramp depth..

Available on the new Green hull Macgregor 26P 2007 sailboat.....(rest of post suppressed by Legal)

[Gemini]

I can't stop saying how awesome this board is. I thank you all so much for your wonderful advice. That will be helpful.

[Catigale]

My Lowes and Home Depot carry them too ...in several colours!!

[Frank C]

You're using different Lowe's & Home Depot than the ones near me.
They carry the same stuff, but it's in several colors ... ???





(Picking pockets is SO rewarding!)

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Gemini....In my case, I like PVC pipe, with a glued air tight cap on top. I used schedule 40, 1-1/4 inch diameter, 3-1/2 ft. lengths. They fit snug. They also keep water out of the uprights on the mac trailer, and the "white" pvc pipes are easier to see. Ive had no problems with them.
Ive also attached reflective tapes on these uprights for added trailering safety at night.

[Divecoz]

I like that reflector tape Idea and its cost very little to do and I like that a lot I'll be off to Menards to get some Monday

[Gemini]

Gemini....In my case, I like PVC pipe, with a glued air tight cap on top. I used schedule 40, 1-1/4 inch diameter, 3-1/2 ft. lengths. They fit snug. They also keep water out of the uprights on the mac trailer, and the "white" pvc pipes are easier to see. Ive had no problems with them.
Ive also attached reflective tapes on these uprights for added trailering safety at night.

Do they float up?

I went to home depot, great place for supplies. I got the caps for the V-Guide, plus the PVC, I went about two feet higher than the goal post and put caps on top.

Do I have to worry about them floating and coming off? I don't think I have to worry because I'd be seriously drowning the car to go that deep.

I assume there is no issues driving down the road with them, that they'll stay on the goal posts.

Again, thanks to all for the great feedback.

[Night Sailor]

Back in '97 when I got my boat I cut PVC about two feet longer than the goal posts and capped them. I cut the bottoms of the PVC pipes at a 45 degree angle so they always orient themselves the same way if lifted up and twisted from the boat rubbing them as it goes by. I applied red reflective tape to them facing the rear. Easy to see at night on the road or from on the boat. They have never floated up while submerged, probably because I also have holes for 1/4" guidel lines from front to rear on each side, and those holes allow air to escape.

[ALX357]

PVC pipes (2 layers) over goal-posts, with T-fittings at top, smaller daimeter PVC pipes from goal-post tops forward to ladder of trailer, over the whiskers, with tensioned rope inside, from ladder thru whiskers, thru PVC pipes and back to a hole in cap at the T-fitting rear. IF the explanation is confusing, maybe the photos are clear.






It works... keeps the boat contained even if a cross wind pushes it around, and has enough give / resilience to rebound the boat back into line. Joints in the middle are covered with Walgreens car dept. seat belt velcro-closed shoulder pad wraps. Also keeps the pipes from slapping the hull when on the road. Smaller ropes at front tie off the open T-fittings around the whiskers.

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

Interesting solution. That would be the proper way to singlehandedly drive the boat onto the trailer. I drive on now myself, but it is highly dependent on my wife catching the bow as it comes in and as you note, cross winds are a bit difficult. One of my goalposts recently broke off in such a situation (was rusted through) and I had to have it welded back.

[aya16]

ouch I can just see those pvc pipes bouncing up and down going down the road rubbing against the Mac. Not the goal post but the full pvc frame. does it?

[Catigale]

You could easily just dress the chafe points with some old dock line to prevent scuffing..I like that dockbox on the trailer idea - any comments on that , source for the box??