Reply With QuoteGreat idea and it works for you. Thanks for sharing your experience
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Utility trailer great for transporting and launching small aluminum boats
I have a long bed Silverado truck that was okay for transporting 10 v bottom and 11' flat bottom boats. In order to start loading both types, I had to get up into the back of the truck, pull the bow up high enough and then pull the boat down flat. Getting off of the truck was risky, jumping down to the ground sliding off the side.
A buddy suggested I look into a utility trailer to transport, launch and load. I got this one from Tractor Supply:
At first I left the steel gate folded down but the boats were unstable in transport. Removing the two bolts was easy and with the gate being removed, allows the boats to stay flat on the treated wood floor. I found it absolutely essential that 3 ratchet straps secure the boat: one at the bow to the handle on the hitch, one across the bow and one across the back of the boat secured to the trailer sides.
The nice thing is that I can leave my 2.5hp gas motor, trolling motor & battery, plus anything else that won't blow away when transporting going 55mph. Most important is how easy it is launching and loading the boat. I just dip the back end of the trailer floor into the water and easily pull the boat bpw all the way for it to be strapped first. Otherwise the combined weight of the motors and battery make the bow jump into the air. No getting into the water and needing boots!
Great for boats under 12', not so good for larger craft unless you go up in trailer size. Hey at $1000 plus registration, a heck of a lot cheaper than a boat trailer! Now if I can only learn how to back the thing without jack knifing in small parking areas.....
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Great idea and it works for you. Thanks for sharing your experience
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From an old $25 boat trailer we copied made this to haul 2 kayaks. Add a pair of T's and haul 4.
Amazon.com : Malone MicroSport Sports Trailer for Kayaks, Canoes and Bikes : Boat Trailers : Sports & Outdoors
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Nice set up
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That would great for my 17' Gruman canoe. As of now I don't have a way to transport it.Originally Posted by canebreaker
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This is what it looks like in case anyone was considering the setup
Note the straps that secure the boat and motor:
There must be forward strap attached to the hitch to prevent the heavy weight of the stern load from raising the bow straight up when unloading into the water or loading on the trailer!
The heavy gas motor will rock on transport putting a strain on the backboard, thus the strap.
(Battery also in the stern.)
Four straps in all.
The tires are rated for speeds up to 60 mph.
Granted, a large boat will get you there faster, but there are limits to where you can go: i.e. in 3 FOW; plus the large profile can spook very shallow fish as it crashes through the weeds. I work the oars to slide quietly into areas and work open water spots slowly.
Last edited by Spoonminnow; 05-14-2023 at 03:33 PM.
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I have a 4X8 trailer with 18" sides, front and double door on rear. Someone trashed a portable carport. I cut the frame to fit the trailer. With cross bars it will haul a lot of camping gear and 5 kayaks. Remove the kayaks, gear, lay a tarp across, front and rear. Add a twin airbed to the floor and I have a mini camper.
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A trailer like that works great. But If you travel very far the roads will beat your rig to death.
At least in the places I venture to.
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I also have the same concern especially riding on the rough backroads to some off road lakes.
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Utility trailer great for transporting and launching small aluminum boats
It's hard on boats and trailers here in SC with our roads having more potholes than smooth pavement. I found an old boat trailer that had a missing tongue and rebuilt it to hold my new Ascend X133 using 3'' thick wall PVC that is fitted to follow the bottom of the kayak. On my other kayak traiter I used the same method and it has worked well to protect the kayak.
You can add a couple of padded runners to your trailer for you boat to ride on and it will save you boat bottom with little cost for you.
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Ascend 133X 13' - MotorGuide Xi3 & Mercury 4
