Transporting Raft from Campsite to Launch Ramp?

[Baja_Man]

Hello all--

I have a bumper pull toy hauler and a topper on my truck. I love fishing and wish I could take my fishing boat with me! Since I am unable and prefer not to tow doubles, I am considering carrying along an inflatable raft with small outboard for fishing and pleasure.

Considering a 12' Saturn fishing model with alum floor. I'll also carry a small outboard 2-4hp. Raft weight with floor is about 175#.

Once at campsite and I rig the boat, I need a way to get it to and from the launch ramp daily, as I do not want to deflate/inflate it each day. I'd like to set up and inflate day 1, and deflate and put away when we leave.

So, how can I safely get it to ramp and back to campsite daily?

I believe campsites to launch ramps, at most places where there is water (lakes/rivers), is about one mile or less.

Options I thought of....

1. Small portable trolley/dolly/trailer that is lightweight, portable, foldable and can be used to trailer it down to water/ramp.

2. Getting raft up onto my topper....but weight and my age make it prohibitive.

3. Adding wheels to raft for launching are great for walking raft into water, but I don't believe they are suitable for trailering to launch ramp

4.?????????

[ZINGERLITE]

alot of jet ski guys build carts out of pvc pipe. light weight and easy to transport.

[schlep1967]

I guess the big question here is, is this just for within the campground or will you need to travel public roads to the boat ramp? If within the campground you may be able to get away with one or two of the kayak dollies or even a hand/refrigerator truck with the bottom platform removed. the heavier hand trucks normally come with better rubber wheels that disperse the load. Slide one under the boat and run straps around it. Walk the boat to the water.
If you have to leave the campground onto public roads, start looking for a Harbor Freight Trailer that is legal for road use.

[Son_of_Norway]

Back when I was young and strong I used to take people on whitewater raft trips. I had a 12' bucket boat and a 16' self-bailer that I transported on a trailer. I got the boats to the water by giving out a shout. In no time I would have all the hands I needed. Everyone helped each other at the launch sites. 175 lbs. should be no problem even for a long carry.

[mobeewan]

Light boat and raft dollies

[Grit_dog]

One of them Horrible Freight 4x8 folding trailers would do the trick. Store it in your toyhauler.

[PartyOf_Five]

175# and 12' are still pretty small. Could you use a yard wagon like this with sides that drop down?
https://www.menards.com/main/outdoors/gardening/garden-landscaping-tools/wheelbarrows-carts/yardworks-reg-900-lb-steel-utility-cart/yrd900/p-1470102316729-c-13262.htm

[Lakeland_Bob]

Have you considered one of these, http://www.4boysmfg.com/? If you already have the boat it would save money from buying another.

[wanderingaimles]

Could something like this be modofied to pull to a ramp? Jet ski dolly

Check the different types of dollies on the web, some get pricey but some seem pretty reasonable.