Moving a boat in someones driveway

[BugzyCan]

I have seen a few boats for free recently, sitting in someones back yard usually, on supports, no trailer.

I expect someone would need a crane to lift it. Are there special people you call to do this kind of thing? Is it a marina thing, or more likely a private flat deck with crane attached?

Is there some way to get it onto a trailer without a crane?

OK next question.. I understand a boat with a long keel is not easy to put into the water from a trailer, most likely need to lift it into the water, again at a marina, but would it work if the sailboat had a shoal keel? I assume a shoal keel is inferior to a long keel in rough water?

[Kxt]

I have moved a 38ft sailboat from someone's back yard. There are shipping companies that specialize in this. They have hydraulic boat trailers that are designed to carry boats and can be loaded from stands without a crane bearring being able to back up to the boat. If you seriously need a boat moved Google and start calling companies. I had to go thru like 6 different guys before finding one with a long enough trailer for my mast. Talk with the shipper, you want someone that you can talk with and won't get upset. I got lucky and found a good guy who was very professional and treated my shitty boat far better than I would have. If you need a crane to load the boat it starts to get expensive. You can also try uship. I got a shipper thru the site but he was unequipped to handle my size boat even though I listed all the specs very clearly. So you never know what you may get there.

As for launching, hydraulic boat trailers generally can't be submerged in to salt water (least most owners wouldn't want to risk their experience sive trailers). I would recommend finding a marina. Most should have experience unloading a boat on a trailer and can launch far more safely then hiring some random crane guy.

Keel depth and shape probably affects being able to point up wind more than the boats sea worthiness in rough seas. Like all things sailing it's a trade off. Have a relative who has. 7'+ draft . Great for racing but he can't go into many areas in the Bahamas or Florida. I would suggest always reading as much about a boat you are interested in, there is far more to performance and sea worthiness then pure keel depth. Search the forum and web to learn about the different keel types, advantages and disadvantages. Then you can decide for your self what is important. Any more questions let me know

[Snore]

When I was in my 30’s, I worked part time on Long Island, NY hauling boats for the season. Marinas used to have specialized trailers that wnd under the boats. You jacked the bow onto a trolley that ran down the center of the trailer, and then back the trailer up, the bow rode on the trolley until you got to the stern jack stands and then we used hydraulic jacks to lift the boat and transfer it to the trailer.

So yes, contact a local marina and they can likely do it- no crane required.

[EngNate]

Phone All Tow 604-946-7899

[TrentePieds]

Since you are in Vancouver, B.C. google Cardinal Boat Movers. They are located close to Shelter Island. There are several other boat hauling specialists as well. All of them use hydraulic lift trailers. Depending on displacement and draft, a hauled boat MAY be launchable on a ramp, else the hauler will go to a yard with a Travelift.

TP

[crazyoldboatguy]

I launch my 28’ loa, long keel (draws 4’) Pearson Triton off a trailer.

[roverhi]

Long keels are horizontal. Deep keels are vertical.

[crazyoldboatguy]

I should have used the proper terms. My boat is a full, not long, keel. I may have contributed to confusion.

Nonetheless, my boat draws 4’ and is launched from a trailer.

[KP44]

There is a reason these "backyard boats" are free. It takes money to move them.
And usually to a work yard to make them seaworthy before they need to be moved again to the water.

[CarinaPDX]

When Carina left her birthplace the hauler backed his trailer under the cradle, after blocking it up high enough. And the bow was supported on a rolling plate as the truck backed up. It worked well. There are many different designs for such trailers so the details vary but most boat hauling specialists will have a solution that doesn't require a crane to load. The limitation is having to line the truck/trailer up with the boat; otherwise a crane might be needed. If required, cranes can be hired to do the job - they just need spreaders and slings - the cost is the main consideration. Also, heavier boats may need cranes that are too heavy for some streets. The best thing to do is make a call to your nearest hauler and get their take.


Greg

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by BugzyCan

I have seen a few boats for free recently, sitting in someones back yard usually, on supports, no trailer.

I expect someone would need a crane to lift it. Are there special people you call to do this kind of thing? Is it a marina thing, or more likely a private flat deck with crane attached?

Welcome to the forum.


As posted upthread, yes, there are hydraulic trailers that are used for moving boats that are on a cradle or other supports. The marina where I keep my boat has one that they use for moving and launching larger boats. For smaller ones they just use a forklift.


Size does matter, for a 20' daysailer you can get away with all kinds of shortcuts, most 30-45' cruising boats can be moved with a hydraulic trailer, larger boats and catamarans pose difficulties.

Is there some way to get it onto a trailer without a crane?

It depends on the size of the boat, how good the access is, whether the ground is firm enough to provide good support, and how much fiddling you're willing to tolerate. Smaller boats can be jacked and have a trailer backed underneath piecemeal if the trailer has rollers and a winch.

OK next question.. I understand a boat with a long keel is not easy to put into the water from a trailer, most likely need to lift it into the water, again at a marina, but would it work if the sailboat had a shoal keel?

It depends on the type of trailer, the availability of a good ramp, availability of a suitable tow vehicle, and skills.


My 25' boat draws 30" with the board up. I have a good trailer (with a long tongue extension) and a 3/4 ton 4wd pickup, and launch and retrieve it singlehanded without much trouble. I need a deep ramp.



My boat has a centerboard, and with the board down it draws six feet.

I assume a shoal keel is inferior to a long keel in rough water?

There are various shoal keel designs, and their drawbacks vary. In general the performance in rough water is similar. As examples:
- Centerboard designs, like on my boat, are maintenance intensive and are extremely susceptible to damage in the event of an unexpected grounding with the board down.
- Most designs compromise sailing performance to some degree
- Cost may also be a factor
- A few designs, notably winged keels, are difficult to free after a grounding because they dig into the seabed

[Mithril Bham]

My boat is 42,000 lbs and draws 7.5 ft. It is moved by a hydraulic trailer.

[jtp7571]

I do this when I want to put on or take off my 26' Horizon (Payne) form it's trailer..

I take a 6"X6"X12' and put it across and under the bow resting each end on stacks of 6"X6"X18" set up 2 in one direction and 2 in the opposite direction creating box type shape with them until you are at the height to clear the trailer with the stanchions lowered. It should be high enough to clear the trailer after it is lowered back down. For the aft end I stack 6 by's up behind the back of the trailer supporting the stern, when the boat and trailer are lifted. That will allow you to lower the trailer down from the, now supported boat, and then you should be able to move the trailer out or in.
I hope my 1st post is clear and understandable.


P.S. you can use 4X4 to stabilize the boat on each side under the hull/cabin joint lip, keeping them out at an angle to not interfere with the wheel fenders.

[Shrew]

Hydraulic trailer to and from the backyard. Crane or travel lift between trailer and water.