How and where to find a decent used steel craddle

[Troy Baker]

I kind of thinking about upgrading from my Catalina 22 to a bigger boat, there are some cheap ones out there ( ebay, goodoldboat.com ect) but none have trailers. I have 20 ft flatbed trailer double axel and think that I could transport a larger boat if its on a steel craddle so I'm seeking out ideas/areas to look for a used craddle capable of up to a 30 ft fixed keel. Stands wont work we get to much wind in the winter and I couldn't transport the way I'm thinking. Any ideas?? Being affordable is the key, or if some one has plans please send an e-mail address maybe I could build one.thanks,Troy Baker

 

[Bayard Gross]

Craddles are usually custom fits

Generally, a boat craddle is custom fitted to a particular boat. So I guess you will need to see what craddles are available for the particular boat that you are seeking.Further, I assume you will be either lifting the boat onto the craddle with a crain or have possibly found a deep water ramp. I don't think a travel all (I think that's what they are called) will necessarily span your trailer's width easily.I think possibly what you are looking for one of those steel craddles that are actually four to six stands welded together onto a rectangular frame. You might try a boat dealer or a boat yard to see if they have something kicking around that they may wish to sell cheaply.In fact, if you were to purchase your new boat through a dealer, you could specify that you needed a craddle for it, thereby getting both the items you need in one simple process.