Wanting to trailer 14ft inflatable with a car

[JGIII]

I'm looking for a small trailer that I can hitch to my car (no truck sadly) and launch my 14ft Sea Eagle. I've looked at a few of the Harbor Freight trailers and they seem ok but I live with saltwater just to the south of me and some great freshwater lakes north of me. I would love to keep the cost around the $300-$400 range so I'm hoping you guys have some opinions. For the record, I'm just using a 40# trolling motor to move around so I don't think weight is going to be a huge issue.
Thanks,
JG

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Wanting to trailer 14ft inflatable with a car

look local for a boat trailer used. you want something with submersible lights and bearing buddies unless you already have launching wheels... but even then the novelty of that will wear off.

there's more of a vee to the big inflatables than most think.
they're also very wide for most utility trailers. a nice bunk trailer for a 16' bass boat would be the ticket.

a trolling motor?

that's not even safe if a strong wind comes up.

A 14 foot inflatable is a big boat with big tubes that catch a lot of air.

15HP minimum

 

[JGIII]

Re: Wanting to trailer 14ft inflatable with a car

Thanks for the advice. I didn't know how big it was going to be until I saw it in person and your exactly right. It's got huge tubes and it was much bigger than I anticipated. After getting the trailer, I think your dead on about the motor. Thats next on the list.
Cool name btw.

 

[mudslinging79]

Re: Wanting to trailer 14ft inflatable with a car

+1 on the boat trailer, you can find them light enough to move by yourself that wouldnt be too heavy for a car, i would look around for a second vheicle, maybe a small ranger or an s-10 for down the road, as gear tends to gather over time...
for myself i have a bronco 2, and let me tell you with the gas tank, motor, jackets, oars etc for 2 people for a day trip, the cargo area fills up, and thats with the back seats down.

 

[kevinzinck]

Re: Wanting to trailer 14ft inflatable with a car

Here is what I use, I place all my gear in the trailer, If the water is beep enough I unload trailer and back it in, boat comes off no problem, (put roller wheels on the end of the boards to easily pull the boat on and off) If no boat lanch available I have wheeles when needed.This sysem has worked great for me.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Wanting to trailer 14ft inflatable with a car

I don't know what size boat that is kevin, (11 or 12'?)but a 14 foot blow up boat is huge.

with a soft bottom he's never gonna be able to load it on a trailer like that.

that is pretty cool though. looks like the same snowbear trailer I have. (minus the cool mods)

love the side risers and rear doors.

 

[kevinzinck]

Re: Wanting to trailer 14ft inflatable with a car

Hi Howard
It's 12 ft with a solid aluminum floor, I have no problem pulling it on and off, But I do agree a 14 could be a challenge. If no gear of motor it could be done if setup right. Yes it is a snowbear trailer 4x6 but should have bought a 4x8.I did build a cage within the trailer for extra height encased with aluminum and wooden barn doors on back.

 

[JGIII]

Re: Wanting to trailer 14ft inflatable with a car

I looked at a few utility trailers but they don't seem to be something I would feel comfortable with driving the highway towing. Hopefully over the next few days, I'll be able to check out a couple of boat trailers that are listed on Craigslist in the area. I do like that setup though Kevin and I have put some small launching wheels on the back that should help some. For now it's on a Seitech dolly but obviously that's not street legal. Here are a few pics to see how big this thing is.
(for the record, the floorboard in the last one are actually done right now and the SUV isn't mine)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39776503@N03/4704822655

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39776503@N03/4705466442

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39776503@N03/4704822927

 

[kevinzinck]

Re: Wanting to trailer 14ft inflatable with a car

Your going to need a boat Trailer, nice boat lot's of room. Do you live in canada (Ontario). If so CO2 in Oakville has new trailers for 1100.00 sometimes the have used for great prices.