how do you get a pontoon off the ground?

rooooney

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Messages
155
I just purchased a pontoon boat (18ft). I am going to pick it up tuesday and it does not come with a trailer. It is currently on blocks. I plan on renting or buying a trailer but what type do I need and how to I get the boat on it? Thanks
 

powderfinger

Cadet
Joined
Sep 22, 2008
Messages
21
Re: how do you get a pontoon off the ground?

A scissor lift trailer can be backed right under the boat and lift he the boat off the ground for towing.
 

rooooney

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Messages
155
Re: how do you get a pontoon off the ground?

is it possible to move a pontoon from blocks to a bunk trailer?
 

izoomie

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 16, 2009
Messages
274
Re: how do you get a pontoon off the ground?

From your subject line I was going to say you're gonna need some wings and a huge jet engine.
 

rooooney

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Messages
155
Re: how do you get a pontoon off the ground?

I may just buy a scissor lift , Im just worried about using one for pulling the boat on long trips.
 

Kitchen363

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Nov 21, 2009
Messages
80
Re: how do you get a pontoon off the ground?

I may just buy a scissor lift , Im just worried about using one for pulling the boat on long trips.

I bought my boat froma guy in Grand Rapids MI, which is about 350 miles, 6-7 hrs away. It pulled great, but my trailer is a tandum axle which helps. Very stable, I was hitting speeds of over 75mph.

Here's what I like about the trailer.
Boat sits lower and creates less drag than other pontoons I've pulled.
You can crank the trailer down to fit your boat into a normal size garage opening. (a must have option for me)
More stable than you would think, under normal driving condtions.
Don't need to back way down the ramp, my tires stay about 3-4 feet from waters edge.:)

Here's my dislikes.
A little bit hard to put the boat back on the trailer, at first till you figure out all the little tricks.
No winch line to pull the boat onto the trailer.
No nice carpet bumper to tell you where to stop. (there are 1" tall metal stops)
No steps on the trailer to climb into the boat. Tube frame is akward to climb with wet feet.
If you need to use a transom saver bar there's nowhere to hook one the trailer.
You motor will need to be trimmed up to haul on the road.
No fenders, so the bottom of you boat could get dirty with mud.

All and all I'm happy with the trailer, it just took a few launches to figure out the correct depth to place the trailer. Hauling long distance is not a issue for me. The reduced wind drag helps a ton! It don't feel like your pulling a parachute:p Only time you really got to take it easy, is off road. Because the boat could get rocking pretty good. Just take it slow and you'll be fine. Plus if your garage is deep enough, just crank it down a little and wheel it inside!!
 
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