How to get boat launched daily when Travel Trailer camping?

[SoCalPescador]

I live in SoCal USA.

Would like to take along my Zodiac 3.5M with HD alu floors. Total weight is approx. 68KG (150#). Boat and floors need to be assembled on a flat surface.

This boat be taken with us when camping in our travel trailer. It will be stored (folded) in truck bed during travel.

Need to figure out a way to get boat from campsite to launch area. Most campsites are approx. 1 mile from launch ramp.

I can build a small break down trailer but boat set up is too heavy to lift onto trailer. I've heard of some chaps who trailer down to ramp, albeit slowly, using boat's launch wheels. I'm hesitant of this. Seems like an accident waiting to happen. If boat fell to ground, it would destroy PVC/Hypalon.

I can set up/tear down each time but it would be a royal PITA to do this twice daily for the 4-5 days we camp....especially when ambient temps are 90-105!!

Thoughts?
Alternatives way to get boat to launch?

Thanks!

 

[FunInDuhSun]

The most simple solution is to acquire a set of dingy launching wheels. Here’s a link for some: https://thesandshore.com/best-transom-launching-wheels/
I know they used to sell some that clamp to the transom. With the 1 mile distance you would have to be creative, maybe running a line from the bow to your truck bed, or maybe a piece of wood that slips over the hitch and is attached tt the Zodiac with bungees to the oar locks.

​

 

[SoCalPescador]

Not sure how safe towing would be, even short distances at slow speeds, using dinghy launch wheels........???

 

[GA_Boater]

After you check-in, drive to the ramp area and unload the Zodiac. Leave it there with a watcher.

Or drop the trailer at the campsite, then drive to the ramp and unload the boat.

 

[SoCalPescador]

For clarification.......Towing a travel trailer. Boat and motor are stored in bed of truck upon arrival at campgrounds.

I know I can set up boat, floor, motor in launch ramp parking lot.....just looking for ways/ideas so as NOT to do it EVERYDAY during our 4-5 days of camping.

 

[GA_Boater]

Are any campsites on the lake shore?

 

[Sea Rider]

Some issues :

68 KG is not that heavy, that 350 should have 4 side carrying handles, right ? how many grown up souls will be on board. Which type of vehicle will be used to transport the Sib to the camp site ? Boring Assembling/Disassembling takes quite some time, will need an electric 12 V air pump to fully inflate the Sib once lying on flat ground.

Happy Boating​

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Not sure how safe towing would be, even short distances at slow speeds, using dinghy launch wheels........???

I used to do a similar trek, not a mile but about half a mile, with a sea kayak using pneumatic tires bungeed underneath. I did this on a public road but it was in a neighborhood with almost no traffic. I transported it a 5 mph or less. Initially I tried towing with a line but it worked better with a solid (1x wood) connection between the hitch and bow.

 

[Scott Danforth]

• drive to camp site. Check in
• disconnect trailer and level it
• inflate boat
• pick up boat and turn sideways on truck bed. and strap to bed. its only #150. can do it by yourself, or if you have someone with you.
• drive down road with boat strapped sideways. get to water, toss it in and strap on the motor.

OR

• drive to camp site. Check in
• disconnect trailer and level it
• inflate boat
• pick up boat and put in on an angle in the truck bed. and strap down
• drive to water and toss it in.

No different than when I used to drag an intex inflatable with a trolling motor along

 

[Sea Rider]

To the OP, it it possible to drive the vehicle next to the launch ramp ? assume the launch ramp has a parking lot next to it where you can leave the vehicle ?

Happy Boating​

 

[Sea Rider]

To the OP, is it possible to drive the vehicle next to the launch ramp ? assume the launch ramp has a parking lot next to it where you can leave the vehicle ?​

If so, install a wooden roof rack, as seen in pic, slide the inflated Sib from behind or sideways, strap the bow to the front bumper, the transom to the rear bumper, add a middle strap if you want and voila, can keep the Sib inflated on the roof as long as you want, this nice transport method will save buying a trailer. Other alternative, same as above but upside down with inflated keel...

Happy Boating​

 

[racerone]

Make a rig using some bicycle wheels.----They carry a lot of weight.----Often available free at the landfill.----Hunters use them to carry game out of the woods don't they.----Find a sample using google.----One on sale for $252.99.----Will give you the idea.

 

[bwkre]

Make a rig using some bicycle wheels.----They carry a lot of weight.----Often available free at the landfill.----

I had a 16' aluminum canoe, made a collapsing trailer with conduit and 16" bike wheels. Towed it from the campsite to the launch or beach with my mountain bike! Disconnected and launched it just like a boat, then collapsed the trailer and put it in the front of the canoe for counter weight. Did the job, lots of looks and comments. Coulda used trailer brakes though.

Sold the canoe & trailer, bought a 14' boat. Built an aluminum frame self loader to hoist it on top of my full size chevy van. Got the idea online, allowed me to load and unload myself, and pull my tent trailer at the same time.

Where there's a will, there's a way. You just need to experiment and find a suitable solution.

 

[Papa-t]

I camp next to the sound at the coast. I know that’s not always available. Some good suggestions above. I like the break down trailer idea. Before I purchased my inflatable I had an ocean Kayak. With assistance from a friend we made a custom roof rack that extended to the front of my truck. I could raise the kayak at the front and lock it on. Then pickup the rear and the kayak rack swiveled around so I could walk it to the side and place on top of the truck.

 

[roscoe]

Probably a bit of overkill for your needs, but a fine looking system from our friends down under.

 

[Papa-t]

Now thats pretty cool.

 

[Sea Rider]

Now thats pretty cool.

But too darn costly for such a light inflatable boat, a surf rack, an horizontal wooden frame on the roof, with inflatable lying on top with small towing wheels attached on the transom if you like is all what you need, simple, effective and extremely cheap.

Happy Boating​

 

[aspeck]

Probably a bit of overkill for your needs, but a fine looking system from our friends down under.

That is an awesome system! OVerkill for OP, but So cool!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Y'all are not redneck enough and it shows

 

[KD4UPL]

I don't understand why the boat can't be simply carried from the campsite to the lake in the back of the truck.
Assemble at campsite, lift it into the truck, haul to launch ramp, lift it out of truck to the water.
What's the problem?