modifying a boat cradle to a trailer

dlochner · Dec 19, 2019

Maybe. Depends on the cradle and boat. The easiest way is to get a small flat bed that is load rated for the weight of the boat and cradle. Then attach the cradle to the bed. A larger lawn tractor trailer might work. Alternatively look for a used sailboat trailer and modify it to fit your boat.

How big is the boat? How much does it weigh? There will be limits for highway transit.

Of course you could wait until spring and go up the Rideau.

David in Sandusky · Dec 19, 2019

I once saw such a trailer for a Cherubini h27 (7,000 pounds) in Cleveland. Although it worked in the marina yard, I would not have pulled it on the road, since lateral stability looked questionable. Mounting the cradle on a flatbed meant the boat stood on the full height of its keel. Most trailerable boats have a retractable keel to avoid this issue. And trailer bunk design holds the hull lower than possible on a flat bed. If you go ahead, I’d get some engineering help to ensure a safety margin for the forces involved at anticipated road speeds.

Scott B · Dec 19, 2019

How many transport comapies did you call. I would think you might get someone cheaper than that if they can do at thier liesure over the winter? I would think the cost of refitting a cradle to make it into a trailer and road worthy would be more than transport. You might try the Trent Severn Facebook group for transport companies.

DougM · Dec 19, 2019

You could look around for a set of wheels and frame used by manufacturers to deliver mobile homes. Find a short one, determine the balance point for the boat and cradle, and weld the cradle to the frame.

You would need to be concerned about overall height of the boat on the trailer for bridge clearances and also potential over height and over width permit requirements in your province. I don’t believe weight is an issue and you could probably tow with a heavy duty pickup truck.

The easiest way to load the boat and unload is probably a crane and slings or a suitable travel lift. If one is not available at either end of the trip, then you are going to have to get creative. At your destination you have the choice of cutting the welds and removing the cradle from the trailer frame or keeping the whole assembly as a trailer.

Its a challenge, but can be done. Safety is important more so than cost.

rgranger · Dec 19, 2019

Grampions are beastly and bullet proof. Nice find

dlochner · Dec 19, 2019

rgranger said:
Grampions are beastly and bullet proof. Nice find

They have a reputation for sailing well too. Especially down wind.

jon hansen · Dec 19, 2019

at my boatyard last summer, there is a 2 year old Hanse 40 something sailboat in it's factory supplied cradle inside a storage building. the crew needed to move the vessel to retrieve another boat. while moving the vessel in the same careful way they always do, the cradle failed. yep, welds failed, steel ripped, boat fell 12 feet to the concrete, ugly. the boat was damaged badly. no one was hurt.
be careful using a cradle on a flatbed going down the highway, just saying

Hunter216 · Dec 19, 2019

I mounted the cradle for a C&C 24 on a dual axle power boat trailer. Lighter boat than the Grampian. The boat was moved from Niagara on the Lake where I bought it to Kingston via a transport on the cradle.
I just moved the boat around on secondary roads to minimize storage costs etc.
The person who bought the boat moved it to Ottawa on the trailer but as far as I know stayed off 400 series highways so it’s possible but the general consensus is be careful!!
Trip up the Rideau would be relatively inexpensive and an adventure if timing permits.

Hunter216 · Dec 19, 2019

fred1diver said:
MMMmmm I wonder how long it would take to come down by motor all the way down the rideau.
anyways, there is too much work to do to the boat before I get her in the water.

I guess it depends somewhat on your approach to the endeavour.

Rideau Canal - Rideau Trip Planner

Hunter216 · Dec 20, 2019

I’m guessing lock fees and gas would be less than $2K

Does the boat have an outboard or the internal gas motor?

The cradle would likely transport on a utility trailer, depends of course on dimensions and whether it folds etc.

TomY · Dec 20, 2019

fred1diver said:
ok good to know, I'll look into a flatbed, I can rent one for a good price, but I'm not sure on how to load it on the trailer and unload it

These guys were experts. The trailer and cradle were too rickety to go down the road. That was all blocked solid to the good trailer and well strapped down.

Once the old trailer was jacked up, the cribbing removed, we backed another vehicle up the trailers ramps.

Dropped the ball and drove it off. 100 feet at walking speed is as far as I would trust this trailer (homebuilt of 2 Studebaker axles in the 70's), to go.

Hunter216 · Dec 20, 2019

fred1diver said:
the boat has a 5hp propane engine.
unfortunately the cradle doesn't fold, I know it's 73 inches wide but I don't know the length

Ontario load limits info

Ministry of Transportation

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www.mto.gov.on.ca

Indysailor · Dec 21, 2019

My cradle sits on a flatbed, gooseneck trailer. With a few modifications, it's relatively easy to launch with.