Jump to content

utility trailer for a small boat?


shudgetajob

Recommended Posts

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites


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!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.