opinions about this loader & carrier boat apparatus

[regio]

First I would like to say hi! to everyone out there, I?ve just registered in this website

I need your expert opinion about this Boat Lifter-Carrier Apparatus we have developed.

It all began when my Father in law retired, for some years he and my Mother in law planned to travel the country towing his 17?long BP Casita, however he also ambitioned to take with him his 14? long utility boat. Needles to say, the only apparent solution was a Double Towing configuration, but he is no fan of towing two trailers, besides the frame of such little trailer may not be strong enough for that use.

A little bit more than a year ago we started building a device capable of lifting his boat from the ground up and place it over his pick up truck, so it could be able to carry the boat while towing a trailer.

This ?prototype? has been in use for several months, I only had to make a few adjustments but overall has served the purpose of clear the back of the truck for towing and keep the bed of the truck clear for additional loads.

Attached is a picture of this device with trailer and all for your judgement.


I will appreciate any commentary, thanks!

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: opinions about this loader & carrier boat apparatus

This looks interesting.

However, if you think you may want to eventually patent this devise, I would suggest that you research the restrictions relating to patentable inventions.

I could be wrong, but I believe that if an apparatus appears in public print (or other pubic format), that the item cannot then be patented.

If I am wrong, I hope someone will correct me. But please verify the requirements before proceeding any further.

If I am wrong, and you can show us more of your product, be sure to bring your "thick skin" because you will be ripped and praised.

Good fortune.

 

[regio]

Re: opinions about this loader & carrier boat apparatus

I would like to thank you for your concern regarding the status of this design;
rest asure is well protected.

I have attached a Brochure to this message, so you can fully understand the advantages of this design. If you have any question please let me know.

Thanks for your time!

 

[jrampey]

Re: opinions about this loader & carrier boat apparatus

Nice idea... I want one for my jetski - solves the problem of boat and/or jetski getting to the lake at the same time! How much?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: opinions about this loader & carrier boat apparatus

That's a pretty cool invention, never seen one that racks above the truck. For jetskis/snowmobiles they make a setup that sits on the bed rails but it keeps you from using most of the bed.

 

[JRJ]

Re: opinions about this loader & carrier boat apparatus

If my quad will fit under the boat, I'd be in 'em

 

[regio]

Re: opinions about this loader & carrier boat apparatus

Nice idea... I want one for my jetski - solves the problem of boat and/or jetski getting to the lake at the same time! How much?

The first step is to check the specs of your pick up truck, jet ski(and or boat) and trailer.

If your truck can carry the combine weight of Jet ski/boat, Trailer, Passangers and cargo; then we can move to the next step.

 

[regio]

Re: opinions about this loader & carrier boat apparatus

If my quad will fit under the boat, I'd be in 'em

There might be enough space for an ATV, it all depends what size of bed, if there is any tool box mounted, overall dimension of the vehicule(quad). But most important of all, the capability of the truck to carry the combine weight of all the vehicules, cargo and passangers.

The truck you see in the pictures features a 8' long bed. I might have dimensions of the space under the rack/boat, but it would take a few hours to obtain that information.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: opinions about this loader & carrier boat apparatus

That's quite an interesting device. I could see the advantages of using it even without another trailer behind you.

By the way, have you done any truck handling testing with the boat, motor, and apparatus up there? I wonder if the ultimate limit wouldn't be dictated by the capacity of the truck to carry the load, but the higher centre of gravity beginning to have adverse effects on handling and stability.

 

[regio]

Re: opinions about this loader & carrier boat apparatus

That's quite an interesting device. I could see the advantages of using it even without another trailer behind you.

By the way, have you done any truck handling testing with the boat, motor, and apparatus up there? I wonder if the ultimate limit wouldn't be dictated by the capacity of the truck to carry the load, but the higher centre of gravity beginning to have adverse effects on handling and stability.

The stability of the truck was one of my first concerns, the total weight of boat and trailer is 480 lbs, that would be your weight over the rack and roof.

Our first trial was with out towing any trailer, we drove up to 80 mph, performed fast change of lanes and took relatively tight curves at estimated speeds of 55-60 mph; It worked very well, the handleling of the truck barely changed. Although I wouldn't recomend doing any agressive driving at high speeds. That's one of the reasons why I am limiting its use to small boats and vehicules, at least with Mid Size Trucks.

On the other hand the additional weight of bed cargo and/or trailer will help lowering the center of gravity.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: opinions about this loader & carrier boat apparatus

I'd be interested in seeing something like that to go over a pickup cap.
All of my trucks have caps, and the idea of carrying a small boat overhead also eliminates the beating many boats get off road on a light trailer. My tinny gets pounded over the 5 mile washboard road into my favorite fishing hole. If it were on the roof, protected by the truck's suspension and shocks vs. the bouncing trailer it would certainly have an easier life. The road into that place has even shook loose trailer tail lights, motors, and busted up coolers.

Not having to drag the trailer in and out of the water and then down the highway also eliminates the risk of water damaged wheel bearings.

The whole idea sort of reminds me of the old wedge back style tow trucks.
Is it based on hydraulics or just mechanical rollers and a cable?

I've got a smaller truck, Ford Ranger, which would handle a 14' boat no problem with a trolling motor on it, (NJ doesn't allow gas motors in non tidal waters). I've hauled 14' boats home before in the bed sticking out the back or laying forward towards the cab. We even rigged a pair of bunks and a winch on a buddies truck to pull his boat up on an angle with the back of each bunk being removable for a Canada trip, to eliminate hauling a trailer. It was only a 12' boat, but we bolted two carpeted 2x2" steel tubes to the roll bar/ light bar in the bed and would drop the tailgate, swing two extensions in place and slide the boat off into the water. The rear of the rack could be lifted up to reduce the overhead clearance for a larger boat. We made a slide in arch that would drop into the rear bed pockets that would hold up the back of the boat so we could haul a quad as well and not hit any low bridges or wires with the boat. We just lifted the boat up by hand and dropped in the support on which the bunks sat. I actually gave some thought to making the rear support part of the rig, having it fold down or flip over but the whole thing was only for a few trips, then he sold the that truck anyhow. The next trip we just put his boat upside down atop of my boat on my trailer.

I also contemplated doing something similar on my full size Dodge van.