Specifications

just being introduced that are reported to be waterproof, but at this time, Clipper has not had an
opportunity to test some of their reported claims.
Tires should always be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. It is a good idea to
carry a spare wheel and jack that fits the trailer. Many of today’s auto jacks are totally useless under
a trailer. Your trailer comes equipped with grease fittings. These should be filled just to the point
where grease begins to ooze out of the seams of the bearing housing. These should be checked
periodically because if allowed to become empty, water will get into the bearing housing, damaging
your wheel bearings. When traveling any distance, it is recommended that you wait 20 to 30 minutes
before launching, so the bearings have a chance to cool gradually before being plunged into cold
water. Usually you can be rigging and getting your boat ready while you are waiting for the bearings
to cool.
Rust should not be allowed to accumulate. Remove rust and repaint with a good anti-rust paint,
such as Rustoleum. Rollers should roll freely, and should not have checks, breaks or flat spots.
The cable attached to the retrieving winch located at the front of the trailer was not designed to
move the boat on the trailer while it is out of the water. If you attempt to move the boat forward on
the trailer after you have pulled the trailer out of the water, you will probably break the cable. Be
sure the boat is all the way forward on the trailer and the cable secured and tightened before pulling
the trailer out of the water.
Before moving on the highway, check the following:
1. Be sure the boat is centered on the trailer. When hauling your Clipper out of the water, have
someone sit in the cockpit and hold onto one of the side guides. They will be able to adjust the dis-
tance between the hull and the side guide by pushing or pulling, while the boat is moving up the
ramp. When at the top of the ramp, check and see how you did.
2. Lower the keel into the notched support provided for it on the trailer and should not be supported
by the keel cable-so be sure you have done this!
3. Check the retrieving winch to see that the forward cable is tight and the winch is properly secured.
This should be done before hauling out of the water, or you may find your boat sitting on the ramp
15 feet behind the trailer!
4. Check all gear aboard to see that it is properly secured and won’t fall or roll around and break or
damage the boat. Also distribute any heavy gear aboard so the load is balanced for easier trailering.
5. Be sure the mast and rigging are properly tied down. Collect all shrouds and rigging and stow
carefully. They should be tied to the mast so they won’t end up dragging in the street. Also, if the
shrouds and rigging are allowed to rub on the fiberglass while trailering, they will mar the finish.
TOWING VEHICLE: Most vehicles are limited in towing capacity. If you are driving a normal sized
passenger vehicle, you should have very little trouble in handling any of the Clippers up to 26 feet.
However, if you notice the back end of your vehicle is squatting down, then we would recommend
the addition of a towing package (a class three hitch with sway bars), available through most auto
dealers. This will help distribute the tongue load into the center of your car rather than on the rear
end. Another thing that you may try checking before doing this is how much gear is stored in the
trunk of the car. The forward stand on the trailer can be moved back five or six inches as long as
the trailer doesn’t begin to sway under tow.
Tie down lines or straps, for peace of mind, can be secured to the cockpit winches and run directly down
to the trailer. These will keep the boat from moving around on the trailer when going over bumps.