shudgetajob Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 I bought a Swifty 12 row/sail boat w/o a trailer. Boat is 12ft and weighs 115lb and has a flat bottom. The previous owner got it to the lake on a little flat bed utility trailer. He always had enough help around to muscle the boat on and off the trailer. For a variety of reasons, I'd also like to pick up a utility trailer rather than a boat trailer, but I may be launching by myself. What can be done to a flat utility trailer to make launching solo a breeze rather than a nightmare? Add a winch? Use a tongue extender? Much appreciate any comments. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norman Colter Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Mike, I don't think I'd be concerned with making any adjustments to the trailer. I'd get some sort of dolly to help move the boat. FWIW Norm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottWidmier Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 I used a harbor freight folding trailer for a long while with a flat-bottomed and then V bottomed boat. Loved the combination with the ability to use the flatbed to transport other stuff besides the boat. For the flat bottomed boat I backed the trailer into the water and slid it on and off of the treated plywood floor of the trailer. Never had a problem. For the V bottom, I made bunks with wedges to hold them at the right angle and had dowels on the bottom of the blocks that slipped into holes I drilled in the bed of the trailer. Again, I just backed her up to the water. At home, I bought a lift system by Harken which I used to raise the boat off of the trailer and store it against the ceiling of the garage. Then, I could fold the trailer up and put it against the wall and actually park a car in the garage. What a concept! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shudgetajob Posted July 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Thanks guys. I think I'm going to get a utility trailer rather than a boat trailer so I can use the trailer for other purposes. ;D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewisboats Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Put some holes in the bed to hold bunks with pegs on them...this will lessen the friction and allow you to simply slide the boat on and off. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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