I though I would post about my recent experiences attempting to trailer my Nonsuch 26, in the hopes it might save some grief for someone.
Firstly, my boat weighed about 10,000 lbs. on the crane with minimal fuel and no boom. With the boom and mast and cradle I estimated it would be about a 11,000 lb load.
So I bought a heavy duty equipment hauling trailer with 3 - 6500 lb axles. Since the trailer weighed about 4000 lbs , my total load would be 15,000 lbs, well within the 20,000 lb capacity of the trailer.
However, typical of this type of trailer, it was equipped with bias ply tires. I was assured by some that they would be okay if the speed was kept low. Others expressed concern that they would not be adequate for a long haul (1700 kms). I decided to give it a try with new tires and spares, proper inflation, etc. Even going 90 kph, the tires got very hot and one blew 30 kms into the trip! That was it for me. I stored it for the winter, and will hire a professional hauler in the spring.
So, what I took away from this, is that these boats are big enough they can’t be easily trailered with less than professional equipment. If you do attempt it, make sure your trailer is equipped with radial tires of adequate weight range. You will also need a one ton dually diesel. 3/4 tons won’t do it.
Finally, if it is on a cradle on your trailer, you might risk hull damage with load movement and jarring. Proper boat hauling trailers have air ride suspension for a reason.
These are things I learned from my own experience and research, and talking to a lot of experienced haulers.
Sorry it didn’t work out, Ken, but I’m very glad it didn’t turn out worse. After your first sentence I was afraid it was going to have fallen off the trailer or something.
Was trailering something that you planned to do regularly, or just this once?
Hey Bob, the blue painted frame is the cradle. Unfortunately, I did move 1700 kms away to Southwest Ontario but the boat is still in New Brunswick. It’s okay, I wasn’t going to work on it in the winter anyway. We will be reunited next spring!
Brian, it was just going to be a one time, one way trip. I just wanted to save money with moving it. Thanks for your comment!
I think you’re right, Thor. I’ve been in touch with a few and they seem the most professional and they go to the Maritimes quite often. Only problem with them, is they don’t use a hydraulic trailer, so you have to crane the boat on and off.
US Boat Haulers trucked my boat from Alameda to San Diego in early 2023. Loaded during a wind storm and hauled during a blizzard. Stressful to me, but not to them. I was totally satisfied. And I got his contact from my best friend who has hired them multiple times. I think Chris is the owner, but he also hires or brokers haulers to do the hauling when he cannot. And he serves the entire country. I would imagine that he can get you the exact kind of trailer needed.
