Forum Discussion

Dirtpig's avatar
Dirtpig
Explorer
Jun 22, 2016

Tow your Travel Trailer and take your boat

Last year i moved from a truck camper to a trailer. I had to figure out how to take a boat with me as i almost always go camping at lakes and i like to explore and go fishing. I downsized my boat, but still needed a way of transporting it. This is my idea i came up with. I made this boat loader using some purchased retail items and customized it to load & unload my boat without any help from friends or wife. I filmed the loading and unloading process, let me know what you think!
Link is for my youtube video. Home made boat loader

Cost me about $500

So far i have used it about 10 times, and i am going to add one thing to it. Some plates on the outside of the rollers that will come up higher then the roller so there is no way the boat can slide off the side when loading/unloading.
  • seaeagle2's avatar
    seaeagle2
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2016
    I threatened my wife that after I retire, I'm going to head to Port Hardy and follow the fish south. It looks like you've got a set up to do that on the Inside for sure...
  • pira114's avatar
    pira114
    Explorer II
    Jun 22, 2016
    Dirtpig wrote:
    pira114 wrote:
    Quick question.

    The video suggests you off load directly into the water on the launch. Are you then facing directly into the water? It would seem so. I'm assuming two things. Your motor is lightweight and you'd need to get a bit wet. Just curious.

    But awesome idea and execution. I have a buddy with a very similar boat and problem. I'll forward this to him.


    Yes I offload directly into the water, i back the truck up to the shore of the lake and offload the boat into about 3 inches of water. The bow then faces out into the lake. At that point i unhook the back rope connections and then spin the boat around and unhook the bow connection. I would either wear boots if cold out or sandals in summer weather.

    The engine i use is a 9.9 HP yamaha 4stroke ands its the most basic model available weighing about 89lbs. I just take it out of the back of the truck bed and stick it on the boat.


    Awesome. I assumed a small motor, but was curious.
  • Dirtpig's avatar
    Dirtpig
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2016
    mdprowash wrote:
    Looks good... but this is not a new idea....


    You are right, there are many commercially available products that do the same thing better. The cost of them is $2500-$3000. Which is why i wanted to make my own and go cheap lol
  • Dirtpig's avatar
    Dirtpig
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2016
    pira114 wrote:
    Quick question.

    The video suggests you off load directly into the water on the launch. Are you then facing directly into the water? It would seem so. I'm assuming two things. Your motor is lightweight and you'd need to get a bit wet. Just curious.

    But awesome idea and execution. I have a buddy with a very similar boat and problem. I'll forward this to him.


    Yes I offload directly into the water, i back the truck up to the shore of the lake and offload the boat into about 3 inches of water. The bow then faces out into the lake. At that point i unhook the back rope connections and then spin the boat around and unhook the bow connection. I would either wear boots if cold out or sandals in summer weather.

    The engine i use is a 9.9 HP yamaha 4stroke ands its the most basic model available weighing about 89lbs. I just take it out of the back of the truck bed and stick it on the boat.

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