Boat hauling and selection

[Coolbreeze196]

Ok, looking for some boaters input and advise...

My popup has a boat rack so hauling a 14-16' boat is possible but what happens when you get to your campsite and have to get the boat to the lake 1/4 mile away? Have to load it onto your truck I suppose, if it's equipped with a rack of some type.

I wanted to get away from taking 2 vehicles to the lake but unless I get a very small boat 2 people can manhandle I dont see anyway around taking 2 vehicles and a boat trailer on one of them.

Anyone have experience with this and could recommend a good quality 16' boat for smaller lakes?

Not sure this is in the right forum but here it is for your thoughts and input.

[flyfisherman]

I have a light weight canoe-boat that I carry on the little Starcraft using those foam blocks. Can also use the blocks for mounting on the roof of most vehicles, plus I just usually slide the boat in the back of the pick'em-up for lauching nearby from where I camp. I have the Radisson 12' Transom model and for me it's just perfect because of the weight factor ... I can easily handle it plus tote it a ways on my back to get back to some pond, river, little lake. Been all over who-knows-where with it, this site will give you an idea:

http://www.oakorchardcanoe.com/radisson.php

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the transom models.  Weight is a big factor when mounting on the popup, the loading and unloading and just plain having to move it around. Like everything else ... a compromise.




Fly

[wavery]

Boy......when you say, "Boat" that could mean many-many different types of boats.

We have a kayak. It can easily be carried by 2 people for a short distance. If I wanted to take it 1/4 mile, I would use a dolly of some sort.

Now, if you are thinking of something like a 14' aluminum row boat, you may want to consider mounting wheels on the transom (back) of the boat, facing up. That makes your boat self contained dolly with these:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/33358/0/0/wheels/All_2/mode%20matchallpartial/45/0

[TXpopper]

How about fold up wheels.....
Eide wheels

or to tow after you get there.
Eide tow bar

[Coolbreeze196]

Hmm good ideas all..

To be more specific I want to buy a 16' Aluminum fishing boat with a 10 HP motor and electric trolling motor. There are a lot out there and was wondering if I could get some recommendations on what brand is high quality and reliable.

I want to be able to trailer it to the lake from my campsite after the Pop up is in place and the trailer needs a winch for ez launching and removal from the water.

Incredibly, someone told me there are folding trailers that can be placed in a truck bed or on top of the camper. I'll research those more but still looking for some feedback on a good 16' aluminum fishing boat manufacturer, thanks guys!

 :-()  :usflag:

[wavery]

Hmm good ideas all..

To be more specific I want to buy a 16' Aluminum fishing boat with a 10 HP motor and electric trolling motor. There are a lot out there and was wondering if I could get some recommendations on what brand is high quality and reliable.

I want to be able to trailer it to the lake from my campsite after the Pop up is in place and the trailer needs a winch for ez launching and removal from the water.

Incredibly, someone told me there are folding trailers that can be placed in a truck bed or on top of the camper. I'll research those more but still looking for some feedback on a good 16' aluminum fishing boat manufacturer, thanks guys!

 :-()  :usflag:

I spent 14 years living on my yacht and during those years, I always used a "Dinghy" for shore transportation and fishing. I never stayed at a dock in a marina.

I have used every type of small boat that you can imagine, from inflatables to aluminum boats (up to 14'). The best boat that I ever had was a twin hull Livingston. It is a fairly heavy (100-200#), fiberglass boat but it is remarkably stable, roomy and will handle any water conditions.

http://www.livingstonboats.com/boats.asp

I have owned the 7.5' - 10' and 12' models over the years. When I lived in Hawaii, I took the 12' model from Oahu to Molokai in 1 hour with a 25HP Suzuki OB.

I think that you would find that a 10' Livingston would be lighter than a 14' aluminum boat, a LOT more stable a have as much room for fishing gear and passengers. A 12' Livingston is a very large boat that you can put a center counsel and carry a lot of people and gear.

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

http://www.porta-bote.com/

[Tim5055]

To be more specific I want to buy a 16' Aluminum fishing boat with a 10 HP motor and electric trolling motor. There are a lot out there and was wondering if I could get some recommendations on what brand is high quality and reliable.

If you are talking about carrying this on the roof rack of your pop up, please remember that all manufacturers have a weight limit of what you can carry up there - check your owners manual or call the amnufacturer.

IIRC the Fleetwood/Coleman limit is 300 pounds when the top is down, 150 pounds when raised.  If you have A/C on the roof that is already the best part of your first 100 pounds.