Different trestle designs
 
This article shows four different trestle designs:
 
1. The Reid Marine fixed trestle in 50mm by 100mm section galvanised mild steel (as opposed to their dismantle-able galvanised design in angle iron).
2. A dismantle-able design using 50mm by 50mm and 75mm by 75mm mild steel angle iron sections bolted together. This fits inside a VW Golf.
3. A dismantle-able design using 40mm by 80mm rectangular section mild steel welded into components that are bolted together. This breaks down into slightly shorter sections than the design using angle iron.
4. A dismantle-able design using circular wooden formers to turn the Hawk over and make working on the underside easier.
 
 
 
1. The Reid Marine fixed galvanised design
Pros
No work required to get up and running
Good price, approx £600, for a fully galvanised trestle
Solid, will last for years
 
Cons
Big pieces to store or transport
Supports and cross bracing restrict access to the hull
 
 
 
 
 
2. The dismantle-able angle iron design
Pros
Cheapest to fabricate, est. £150 - 200
Cut to size in your own workshop using a hacksaw and drill the holes for bolting together
Fits inside a car and flat packs for storage
Good access to the hull
 
Cons
Disconcerting when it wobbles a bit
Cross bracing restricts access
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. The dismantle-able rectangular section welded design
Pros
Nearly as cheap as the angle iron design
Feels solid
Removable chocking wedges allow good access to the hull
Fits inside a smaller car than the angle iron design
 
Cons
Would have been nice to galvanise it
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. The circular wooden design (see photo section for a full set  --> CLICK HERE)
 
Pros
Fabricate in easily worked wood
Work on the underside of the hull in a much easier position
Excellent access to the entire hull underside
 
Cons
Need a flat solid area to use the bobbin
 
 
 
 
Comparison of trestle designs
Monday, 24 March 2008