Do I need a trailer?

[KJM]

I'm thinking I'm going to buy a 12ft aluminum boat and small motor this spring, second hand. Most don't come with trailer, and I'm wondering if I need one. Seems I could put a boat that size in the back of my pickup by myself, maybe with the help of a winch attached to the back rack in the truck and a ramp from the tailgate?

 

[JASinIL2006]

How often and how far will you be traveling with the boat in the truck?

It probably could be done, but it sounds like it could be a pain to launch and retrieve.

If you take the motor off the back, I would think the boat would ride better and be less likely to take a bend from hanging over the tailgate.

 

[dingbat]

Depends on the weight of the boat.

I hulled a 12' Montgomery Ward Sea King aluminum boat with a Johnson 5 hp around in the back of a pickup with a 8' bed for years.

No problem getting the #120 hull in and out of the truck by myself.

 

[Chris1956]

Actually, I think it depends on how often you want to use the boat. It will be a minor PIA to load into the truck bed, tie it down, drive to the lake, unload it. Now fish all day and then load it back into the truck bed, tie her down and drive. Also, after you get home, untie and unload it....

 

[Sprig]

It’s awkward to pick up and handle and it’s heavy. 100 to 120lbs may not seem like that much but it is when you’re dealing with an awkward object like a boat. Also take into your age, size and physical fitness. When I was 30 id toss it into my truck no sweat. Now a days my back would protest. I’d get the boat and try it and see how it goes. Then if it’s a struggle , get a trailer.

 

[aspeck]

 

[cyclops222]

You can use a cheap over the road utility trailer. Some are highway rated. It is lower and you can drive your boat right on to it. A couple of Ratchet Straps. Some cheap used synthetic carpet. Done

 

[Mc Tool]

Im just in the process of buying a Bris 3.8m inflatable and have decided to go for the trailer It doesnt have to be heavy duty at all . Can leave the motor on ,boat is lower and easier to launch ( I have above knee amputation so this is important to me ..... even tho my prosthetic is called a "C leg " it dont like water .... smoke come out of it last time ).
Id go for the trailer

 

[KJM]

How often and how far will you be traveling with the boat in the truck?

It probably could be done, but it sounds like it could be a pain to launch and retrieve.

If you take the motor off the back, I would think the boat would ride better and be less likely to take a bend from hanging over the tailgate.

Yeah, I would definitely be taking the motor off when transporting.

 

[KJM]

It’s awkward to pick up and handle and it’s heavy. 100 to 120lbs may not seem like that much but it is when you’re dealing with an awkward object like a boat. Also take into your age, size and physical fitness. When I was 30 id toss it into my truck no sweat. Now a days my back would protest. I’d get the boat and try it and see how it goes. Then if it’s a struggle , get a trailer.

Thats likely what I will do.

 

[Grub54891]

I used to throw mine on the roof of the car on a rack, But the trailer I aquired was a game changer! No more getting set up and retrieving.

 

[Lou C]

That’s hilarious
Wonder what the gear oil in his diff looks like!

 

[icyb]

I made these back in 1981 and still use the boat. Flat bottom 10 foot nice and light. During the winter I roll it under my Formula F3.

 

[dwco5051]

I had a 11 or 12 foot Monkey Ward Sea King jon boat and a 3.5 air cooled Sears motor or an electric that I hauled around on roof racks on my '61 Olds for years in the late 60's and '70's. Fished big lakes and a lot of smaller electric only lakes with it. I was in my late 20's til early 30's then and in a little better shape then today but I know I could still do it now. Was divorced and newly married then and supporting two families so that was my only choice to keep fishing.

 

[MRS]

Trailers make life so much easier.

 

[four winns 214]

Back in the ’70s, a 12’ aluminum boat was considered a “car topper” and that’s exactly how I carried my 12’ Sears jon boat on my ’68 Javelin. Still have the 12’ jon boat. Wish I still had the ‘68 Javelin.

 

[redneck joe]

You can use a cheap over the road utility trailer. Some are highway rated. It is lower and you can drive your boat right on to it. A couple of Ratchet Straps. Some cheap used synthetic carpet. Done

If you are young and poor, no trailer needed. My age, and have money go buy a small utility trailer off facebook as they are everywhere. As they say, 'no regerts'

If you get a flat bottom jon a few 2x4's wand some bunk slicks. Even if a v hull can still fashion up a type of bunk situation. And imo i would take a flat utility over a boat trailer in this situation.

 

[Lou C]

CE Smith sells a nice put-it-together yourself galvanized trailer for small boats, if I wanted one for my 10' Walker Bay that's what I'd buy, because the only thing that lasts here is galvanized....

 

[Scott Danforth]

That’s hilarious
Wonder what the gear oil in his diff looks like!

coffee unless he extended the breather tube to the firewall

 

[cyclops222]

All you salt water guys.
Take a tough old rag / towel . Rub some front wheel bearing grease on it.
Wipe ALL metal and painted surfaces. It works.
ANY tube openings WILL cause even Galvanised tubes to start rusting where holes were made in the tubing. UNLESS !!! the Galvanizing was done....AFTER ALL HOLES were made first.
VERY VERY RARE.