Trailering a 3 ton boat without an engine tomorrow

itsaboat · #1 (**permalink**) 12-18-2011

Alright S'netters, in the 6 months that I have been following on here I have learned that you are a resourceful bunch. I would like your thoughts on this.

We bought our first sailboat, a 27 Pearson (you can read more about this in my previous posts) and we are moving it ~100 miles from one lake to another in the Natural State closer to our house. The caveat is that the Volvo diesel does not start, for now. I decided to address this after it is in the slip in our home waters.

I contracted my home marina owner for transport. They will be handling unstepping and stepping the mast and land transport, so that is all in place. The problem is getting the boat from the slip to the trailer. The marina has a "push boat" that can push or pull it along to the trailer if the guy that runs it is around tomorrow. However, I am concerned that the "push boat" could damage the boat in some way. I have not seen it so I don't know if it has bumpers or what the set-up is.

We also have access to a 4 HP outboard that we were thinking of attaching to the swim ladder since the boat does not have a mount. I have some 1X4's with screws and rope to lash the motor to the ladder.

Which would be the better option?

Squidd · #2 (**permalink**) 12-18-2011

The 4 hp probably has enough "torque" to move your 3 ton boat...but that's probably enough torque to rip the ladder right off the back of the boat as well...

I'd chance it with the "push boat" and a couple extra hands on deck with gaff poles to keep everything in line and minimize damage...

TQA · #3 (**permalink**) 12-18-2011

Do a hip tow with the 4 hp on a dink. Easy just remember that your stopping power is poor.

CalebD · #4 (**permalink**) 12-18-2011

I second the hip-tow idea.
I'm sure you have fenders that came with your boat. If not find or buy a few more to use.
I wouldn't recommend putting a 4hp motor on a swim ladder.
Oars or paddles would work too if it is not windy.

itsaboat · #5 (**permalink**) 12-18-2011

Thanks for the hip tow idea. Yes, there are plenty of fenders with the boat.

And Squidd, thanks for the input, but do you think an 85 lb motor could generate enough torque to damage a swim ladder? I hope I don't have to try it and let you know.

PaulfromNWOnt · #6 (**permalink**) 12-18-2011

You might be able to scull it along with an oar. I understand that the Pardey's use this method.

SloopJonB · #7 (**permalink**) 12-18-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulfromNWOnt

You might be able to scull it along with an oar. I understand that the Pardey's use this method.

Yeah, but they have about an 18' oar.

Rig a fender board if you are using the push boat. Putting an outboard on a swim ladder sounds VERY iffy to me.

bljones · #8 (**permalink**) 12-18-2011

Look at your swimladder.
Now, look at an outboard mount.
now, look at your swimladder.
NOW, look at an outboard mount.
Sadly, your swimladder is NOT an outboard mount. Unlike an outboard mount, your swimladder is thinwall tubing and 1x3 teak treads,held on at two or four points with #8 screws whjich may or may not have backing plates, not the burliness of gusseted plate and 1" ply, oak, or composite installed with honest-to-neptune bolts and backing plates. Then youv'e got the added complication of trying to start and run that motor and steer the (new to you) boat.

Hip tow it.

I'm on a horse.

travlineasy · #9 (**permalink**) 12-18-2011

Most of the marinas in my part of the world use a pushboat that consists of a small barge powered by a 50 to 60-HP outboard. The barges are usually surrounded with bumpers, and the front of the barge usually has a Vee so the boats can be pushed bow first, or pulled bow first if necessary. The barges are very efficient and do an excellent job of controlling the boat at all times.

Good Luck,

Gary

itsaboat · #10 (**permalink**) 12-18-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by bljones

Look at your swimladder.
Now, look at an outboard mount.
now, look at your swimladder.
NOW, look at an outboard mount.
Sadly, your swimladder is NOT an outboard mount. Unlike an outboard mount, your swimladder is thinwall tubing and 1x3 teak treads,held on at two or four points with #8 screws whjich may or may not have backing plates, not the burliness of gusseted plate and 1" ply, oak, or composite installed with honest-to-neptune bolts and backing plates. Then youv'e got the added complication of trying to start and run that motor and steer the (new to you) boat.

Hip tow it.

I'm on a horse.

LMAO, BL!

Okay, no swimladder outboard action. We'll try try the hip tow.

I knew what the fenders were for, but now I know the reason the PO left the 18' oars.

I'm on a boat (and wearing Old Spice).