Cartopping the Trilars

Trilars Trailer

One of the original reasons for bulding Trilars was that the boat could be car topped and not need a trailer, at least right away. Yes I was able to do so.  On my Pacifica with the standard factory roof rack and a pair of Thule stackers somewhat offset to one side I was able to put the main hull right side up on one side and the two amas one on top of the other on the other side of the stackers.




The mast with sail furled around (minus battens of course) sits inside the U-shaped stackers.  The rest of the parts go inside the car.  While this setup works, in rain the main hull would fill with water and that could be a problem.

I also have a Kia minivan with Yakima racks and stackers which are much wider.  I think the hull could then be placed upside down an the amas side by side.  Probably a better roof top solution.

The Harbor Freight 8' x 4' utility trailer. Regular price is $329, I got it on sale for $279, plus had a 20% off coupon, so it was worth a shot.
Basically comes in two boxes with lots of parts and instructions, but the parts are not labled, although the instructions say they are, took about 4 hours to assemble.  It also folds for storage with a set of casters to move it on.  It's about 11' long in total.  Also comes with brake and running lights, wiring and harness. 

The Trilars loaded up on the trailer.  It's a breeze to lift the hull up on the trailer as compared to the roof rack.  Also much easier to strap down. Main hull on the bottom, with akas, leeboard, rudder steerig stick, cushions and other gear inside.  The floats (amas) stacked side by side on top of the hull, and the mast with sail furled on top.

Looks like a 18" extension would make a better balance for the main hull to slide about a foot forward.  That said this arrangement worked fine.

Since the resovior is only 5 mins away I did a test with the boat assembled, it worked okay, but I'm afraid the stress on the stress on the floats may be too much to travel very far without supports under them.  This set up would save lots of time at launch.