Folding Mirage

Colin

Yes you read right, a Mirage OC6 that folds in two! Peter and I hope that this could be one solution to the trailer legality issues facing clubs here in Australia. For more photos and details visit the Outrigger Connection AUS website
http://www.outriggerconnection.com.au
Cheers
Barts

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Submitted by Colin on Tue, 10/27/2009 - 9:18pm

clarkie

It's going to look heaps better with Inland Outriggers written on it Barts.!

#1 Wed, 10/28/2009 - 1:27am

aepling2008

looks heavy

#2 Wed, 10/28/2009 - 5:08am

YankeeHookele

What are the legal issues with regard to trailers in Australia?
If hauling a 45 foot canoe is a problem, how do you race at all?

#3 Wed, 10/28/2009 - 5:58am

fluidpaddler

Interesting concept. Does it work? Is there a gasket at the connection, to make it water tight? What is the finished weight?

#4 Wed, 10/28/2009 - 7:30am

ToKo2

This has been used for years in the Rowing Community. They typically run a gasket at the connection.
Some of the rowing shells are even split in thirds.

#5 Wed, 10/28/2009 - 8:20am

Colin

Hi all and thanks for your comments.
The hull of the folding Mirage weighs 155kg or about 340lb. There is a rubber gasket still to be added, see attached photo, which makes it water proof . We've made quite a few 3 piece Mirages for Hong Kong and Japan because firstly, they don't have a lot of storage space for a 45' canoe and secondly, their roads are so narrow and twisty they can't manoeuvre a full length trailer.
Each state in Australia is seems has different laws regarding trailer specifications. Apparently the trailers are okay if there is nothing on them, it's when they are loaded with canoes that the maximum overhang and length is exceeded. It hasn't been a problem for years but a few cops now know about the outrigger trailers and ambush the convoys of trailers as they head up the coast to the Hamilton Cup each year and pass out tickets. There was also an accident this year on the way to Hammo that saw a trailer roll and destroy 4 or 5 OC6s, there was also the death in Hawaii as well, which has made everyone down here a bit nervous about towing an illegal trailer should anything go wrong. We also think that the authorities might come down on us soon, especially if there are any more accidents. So this is why we came up with the folding Mirage.
Cheers
Barts

#6 Wed, 10/28/2009 - 8:42pm

clarkie

I see you have two more orders, when they start rocking up to races on little trailers you will get alot more.

#7 Thu, 10/29/2009 - 10:02am

anowara

How much does this add to the cost, if any?

#8 Thu, 10/29/2009 - 10:09am

Colin

Hi Anowara, the hinge set up only adds AUD$350 to the cost of our standard 2 piece Mirage. And yes Clarkie hopefully we'll see a lot more little short arse trailers getting around with their folding Mirages!

#9 Thu, 10/29/2009 - 2:14pm

Jibofo

Pretty funny, hinges and all and the weight is 340 lbs, while Hawaii and the rest of the US are still having to deal with the archaic 400 lb minimum weight limit.

#10 Fri, 10/30/2009 - 2:52am

Just Paddle

Neat concept.
As trailers were talked about in this thread here is the one we use that was designed by one of our paddlers. 2 people can load and unload a 6 with a basic dolly if required. try

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-Y5oCb3aFo

or see "lake havasu's outrigger canoe trailer" on you tube...

#11 Fri, 10/30/2009 - 6:19am

clarkie

And the first ever Folding Mirage now has a name.
Dhungla Madha - Murray River Canoe
Pronounced DUN- GALA MUT-TAR
A name chosen for us by our local indigenous community.

#12 Sun, 11/01/2009 - 4:55pm

ninefeet

Looking for this actually...
Shipping costs to France ????

#13 Tue, 11/03/2009 - 9:53pm

Colin

Hi Ninefeet
Send me an email and I'll get some details off you and organise a shipping quote.
[email protected]
cheers
Colin

#14 Wed, 11/04/2009 - 12:33am