Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Loudenslager on November 13, 2014 at 11:11am

Once you get to Idaho drift boat trailers will be available. A flat bed would certainly work - perhaps only after a roller was fitted to the tail end of the bed along with a winch.

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Permalink Reply by Ants Uiga on November 30, 2014 at 7:54pm

If you happen to travel to the Kern River Valley, I can show you a Baker trailer from OR. There are features that make the trailer easier to use, such as the previously mentioned (big) roller as well as smaller rollers and guides. The details make it easier to use.

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Permalink Reply by Richard on January 12, 2015 at 7:35am

I use a flatbed trailer which has an 8 ft. by 4 ft. bed and it works great. The trailer sits higher than a regular boat trailer with 14 inch wheels which reduces gravel throw from truck. Being higher off the ground allows me to get around in tough spots better. I just put a hand crank boat winch on the front  and a slide rail at the back with outside carpet which doubles as a roller and spacer once boat loaded to keep it from moving up and down when transported. I like it so much would never go back to a boat trailer.

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Permalink Reply by Gregg Maddock on January 12, 2015 at 3:09pm

Richard,

Thank for the reply. I knew someone had a flat bed trailer. Do you have a photo by chance?

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on January 13, 2015 at 5:44am

Gregg:  A few years ago I built a Peapod for  one of my sons in MT.  Peapods are double ended designed in the late 1800's.  They were used to row/sail the costal waters of ME.  The boat was 13' long and60" wide.  There are lots of boat trailers around here but none designed for drift boats.  I bought a utility trailer from Tractor Supply  with a bed 8' by5', decked it over with PT 2"x6".  As this boat had a 2" keel from stem to stern 2- 2"x4"s down the center of the bed fitted the keel and were covered in outdoor carpeting.  The local blacksmith cut the rear ramp from 4' high to 2'. Fitted up with a lightweight boat winch, tiedown straps fore and aft  we pulled the rig 3000 miles from ME to MT with no problems whatever.  One rooster in IN disappeared in a cloud of feathers- some still on the rig when we got  to MT.      Some of the advantages as I see it are: lower cost, multiple use- hauling elk, firewood, topsoil etc.  You might need a 10' x5'  and not cut off 2' of the tailgate depending on your boat.       Good Luck  .                                               

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on January 13, 2015 at 2:33pm

Gregg, here's a view of my drift boat trailer. It is also a flatbed. It was built for a pram and was a tad bit short. Last fall I had my neighbor lengthen the tongue about 16 inches. I got the metal for free so that became the additional length. The roads I sometimes travel on are quite rough so the same neighbor has reinforced the winch stand, see the angled brace in the picture. I got the trailer in Vancouver, WA for $300. I sanded it down, primed it with epoxy primer and then sprayed it with gloss black automotive paint. I have since repainted the parts that are subject to gravel spray with black body undercoating, works much better. The deck was a piece of 3/4" plywood. I bought some carpet from Lowe's for $7 a running foot and used spray adhesive to fasten it down.

I rewired it and moved all the wires to run through the frame members or through plastic tubing. If I find some extra money I will add LED lights.

The boat was moving around on the bed of the trailer and it beat up the paint on the sides of the boat. I took a chunk of 4" x4" cedar, cut it in two and fastened a section to the inside of the wheel wells after covering it in the same black carpet. After I lengthened the tongue the boat now slides into place between the 4 x 4's and doesn't move around. In fact I almost have to pull it back some to release it from the connection. Something like OJ and the leather gloves. I could almost get way with not fastening it down!

I have more pictures somewhere, however since you will be in the area soon you can see it in person soon. I would be pleased to keep my eyes open and see what I can find here if that helps.

Rick

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Permalink Reply by Richard on January 14, 2015 at 1:30pm

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