I need to transport a 1974 Hunter 25' on a flatbed trailer approx. 300 miles? Can the weight of the boat sit on the keel and be supported from tipping with jack stands or Do you think a couple of cradles made from heavy timber will work? Any info will be helpfull, Thanks
- Status
NO and no and no
William-- I am NOT a boat mover but my answer to all three of your suggestions is NO. Can the weight of the boat sit on the keel while moving? --no. I am quite sure road travel will push the boat down on the keel and crack the bottom. The boat has to be supported all over; neither the keel nor the hull should bear more than its fair share of weight. Can the boat be supported on a trailer from tipping with jack stands? --no. Those things are not made for supporting a boat on a moving trailer. Think of the first right turn-- someone behind this boat is going to be smashing into it in a traffic lane sooner or later. Will a cradle made from heavy timber will work? --I would not count on it. We used to transport 29,000-lb Cherubini 44s on timber cradles-- only about 8 miles, mostly in a straight line, at 35 MPH, from the factory to the yard. But it was scary the whole while. It is not (and was not then) a good idea for anything other than a desperate attempt (and make sure your insurance-- including liability-- is paid up!). I'm sorry I don't have better news. I have the same model of boat, William, and apparently like you I had no cradle nor trailer when I bought it. It sat 50 miles away for two seasons getting little done on it and when I got the chance to move it to the Cherubini yard I paid a guy $240 to do it. He used a real boat-moving trailer with hydraulic lifts that could pick up the boat from about 6 inches off the ground. It was a bargain rate but you can find similar deals in your area. These guys are professionals and know best how to move boats; but most of the ones I know have an honest work ethic and respect most that you want it done right. They will not rip you off! --but you won't get something for nothing either. In the meanwhile let's both look into buying or making welded-steel trailers or cradles!
If worse comes to worst EMail me and say where you need to go and from where, and I will ask about who knows what in your region. Some of the guys I know might get up that far-- they travel all over. Good luck. J Cherubini II email: cherubiniyachts@aol.com * * *
William-- I am NOT a boat mover but my answer to all three of your suggestions is NO. Can the weight of the boat sit on the keel while moving? --no. I am quite sure road travel will push the boat down on the keel and crack the bottom. The boat has to be supported all over; neither the keel nor the hull should bear more than its fair share of weight. Can the boat be supported on a trailer from tipping with jack stands? --no. Those things are not made for supporting a boat on a moving trailer. Think of the first right turn-- someone behind this boat is going to be smashing into it in a traffic lane sooner or later. Will a cradle made from heavy timber will work? --I would not count on it. We used to transport 29,000-lb Cherubini 44s on timber cradles-- only about 8 miles, mostly in a straight line, at 35 MPH, from the factory to the yard. But it was scary the whole while. It is not (and was not then) a good idea for anything other than a desperate attempt (and make sure your insurance-- including liability-- is paid up!). I'm sorry I don't have better news. I have the same model of boat, William, and apparently like you I had no cradle nor trailer when I bought it. It sat 50 miles away for two seasons getting little done on it and when I got the chance to move it to the Cherubini yard I paid a guy $240 to do it. He used a real boat-moving trailer with hydraulic lifts that could pick up the boat from about 6 inches off the ground. It was a bargain rate but you can find similar deals in your area. These guys are professionals and know best how to move boats; but most of the ones I know have an honest work ethic and respect most that you want it done right. They will not rip you off! --but you won't get something for nothing either. In the meanwhile let's both look into buying or making welded-steel trailers or cradles!
If worse comes to worst EMail me and say where you need to go and from where, and I will ask about who knows what in your region. Some of the guys I know might get up that far-- they travel all over. Good luck. J Cherubini II email: cherubiniyachts@aol.com * * *- Status