HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

[SgtDeadeye]

I just purchased a 1978 27' Bayliner Victoria Cuddy/cabin cruiser and I've been told that it has no trailer. No, it wasn't falsely advertised, I just didn't think it would be this big of a problem to find some way to get it 80 miles from Walled Lake Michigan to Jackson Michigan, but the guy has it up on blocks so I may be able to drive a trailer under it, problem is NO TRAILER..

I've been looking for trailer rental places because there is some work to do on the boat and it's going to be in "dry dock" for at least the winter.

I really can't afford the thousands of dollars they would probably charge to transport the thing.. What I really need is a good solid trailer, but can't afford the thousands of dollars for one of those right now either.. Ideally, I could rent a trailer, get it home, find some way to support it to get it off the trailer and return the trailer until I can scrape up the cash for a decent trailer. However, if I could find a cheap, decent trailer capable of moving this 5000 pound monster I could leave it on there until it was ready to hit the water.

I'm really stuck on what to do and I'm looking for any advice on how I can get this thing to my home.. Does anyone have any suggestions??

Thanks in advance.

Sarge

 

[Bondo]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

I just purchased a 1978 27' Bayliner Victoria Cuddy/cabin cruiser and I've been told that it has no trailer. No, it wasn't falsely advertised, I just didn't think it would be this big of a problem to find some way to get it 80 miles from Walled Lake Michigan to Jackson Michigan, but the guy has it up on blocks so I may be able to drive a trailer under it, problem is NO TRAILER..

I've been looking for trailer rental places because there is some work to do on the boat and it's going to be in "dry dock" for at least the winter.

I really can't afford the thousands of dollars they would probably charge to transport the thing.. What I really need is a good solid trailer, but can't afford the thousands of dollars for one of those right now either.. Ideally, I could rent a trailer, get it home, find some way to support it to get it off the trailer and return the trailer until I can scrape up the cash for a decent trailer. However, if I could find a cheap, decent trailer capable of moving this 5000 pound monster I could leave it on there until it was ready to hit the water.

I'm really stuck on what to do and I'm looking for any advice on how I can get this thing to my home.. Does anyone have any suggestions??

Thanks in advance.

Sarge

Ayuh,... Yer lookin' at Under a grand to have it transported by a boat hauler, or a few thousand to buy a trailer big enough....

I've never seen anybody that rents out boat trailers...

 

[tpenfield]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

It seems that Bond-o and I reply to many of the same threads . . .

Anyway, Is this your first boat? If so, welcome to boat ownership. I am guessing that a 1978 27' Bayliner may require some money along the way. You have stated that you cannot afford to transport it. . . however, transporting may be only the beginning of the money flow.

What is needed is a boat hauler with 'hydraulic trailer'. They lift the boat off the blocks and then transport it to your new location and then set it back down. The cost should be about $10/foot of boat plus about $2-3 per mile . . so maybe about $400 - 500.

Here is a video of how the boat haulers do their thing . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggIHWzB0LPQ

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

I was recently in your situation - Finding a trailer for a 20' boat is easy, All over craigslist but 25' & up is a lot tougher. I did end up finding a very nice trailer after looking a couple weeks and being willing to drive 100 miles to get it. Where are you located?

LK

 

[Bondo]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

It seems that Bond-o and I reply to many of the same threads . . .

Anyway, Is this your first boat? If so, welcome to boat ownership. I am guessing that a 1978 27' Bayliner may require some money along the way. You have stated that you cannot afford to transport it. . . however, transporting may be only the beginning of the money flow.

What is needed is a boat hauler with 'hydraulic trailer'. They lift the boat off the blocks and then transport it to your new location and then set it back down. The cost should be about $10/foot of boat plus about $2-3 per mile . . so maybe about $400 - 500.

Here is a video of how the boat haulers do their thing . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggIHWzB0LPQ

Ayuh,.... 'n at the same time, most mornin's....

 

[Quit It]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

They rent trailers in Florida, but the cost is prohibitive. I'd recommend finding someone at a lake with a similar boat (and trailer) who is friendly

 

[DC20]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

They rent trailers in Florida, but the cost is prohibitive. I'd recommend finding someone at a lake with a similar boat (and trailer) who is friendly

I ran across this website today, looks like $99 a day would work for the OP's boat.
I see trailers for rent on CL as well. But with it up on blocks that's whole other set of problems.
But we still don't know where he lives.

 

[SgtDeadeye]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

Thaks for the reply Allwhite00,
Yeah, that's pretty much what I'm finding too.. I can find a ton of trailers for under 25' but nothing for what I'm looking for. I would be willing to drive if the price was right.. If you don't mind me asking, how long was your boat and what did you end up paying for a trailer?

 

[SgtDeadeye]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

Thanks DC20,
Well I live in a small town called Rives Junction near Jackson, MI. I've been checking CL and Ebay.. Getting it off the blocks really isn't that big of an issue. Heck you can call a wrecker service that can lift at least 2000 lbs, have them lift the front while you back the trailer under it, and just do the same for the back easing it onto the trailer.. I'm really not expecting much trouble there, The big part is finding a trailer, and I doubt I'm going to find a suitable one that I can afford right now.. give me six months and I'm covered, but now is just bad timing.. and if I rent a trailer, what the heck am I going to put it on when I get it home?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

While you are working on finding the trailer, are your other ducks in a row?

Do you have a big enough truck to pull it? A typical soccer mom SUV will not do it!

Are you allowed to put it in the yard?
Many communities will only allow it if it is out of sight of the street. Read: Fenced in back yard.
And even then it must be titled, registered and fully Operational.

Are you real friendly with the neighbors? Have you warned them it is coming?
A 27 foot boat up on blocks in the driveway may be the straw that breaks the neighborhood peace.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

My boat is a 97 250 Sundancer - Total weight with the trailer is right around 7,600 lbs - bought my 2001 Shoreland'r galvanized roller - Like new radial tires, Brakes on both axles (6 lug), Fenders still shiny, All rollers in great shape (stored inside most of it's life)Every light workes, 2 5/16" ball - nice trailer. Guy wanted $2,600 - I gave him 2k cash - Cash works well. The kicker is it was only 2.7 miles from the boat I ended up buying. It took 2 weeks of HARD looking to come up with this but it worked out great in the end. You will find one, Lots out there but it seems as if there are not alot advertised.

LK

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

Did a quick check on clist - these are fairly close to walled lake - Get calling, They are out there.

LK


http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/3273500395.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/3277107426.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/3232513933.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/3276590152.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/3275845615.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/boa/3274720516.html

this one looks really nice http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/3273211816.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/3254530155.html

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

talk to a trailer dealer who has used trailers and see if you can buy one and then sell it back to him after the trip if it's still in good condition, for some fraction of what you paid for it. It's a way to rent it that protects both of you.

 

[SgtDeadeye]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

While you are working on finding the trailer, are your other ducks in a row?

Do you have a big enough truck to pull it? A typical soccer mom SUV will not do it!

Are you allowed to put it in the yard?
Many communities will only allow it if it is out of sight of the street. Read: Fenced in back yard.
And even then it must be titled, registered and fully Operational.

Are you real friendly with the neighbors? Have you warned them it is coming?
A 27 foot boat up on blocks in the driveway may be the straw that breaks the neighborhood peace.

one of the many cool things about this forum is questions like these from people who have experience the new boat euphoria and understand that sometimes you get so caught up in that, you don't think about a few other things..

To answer the questions though.. Based on the weight alone, anything that supports a class 3 hitch would pull it, that being said, I don't think it's a good idea for your standard half ton to pull this thing. You want at least a 250 or a 2500 series.. And yes, I think I might have that part covered.

I am out in the sticks and I'm friendly with all of my neighboors, in fact, the neighbor with the best view of my house comes over quite often to help me work on the boats. I've checked the township ordinances and based upon where it is going to sit, most people will never see it. We are country folk out here and we live and let live.

And, last but not least, I have a good friend nearby that has offered me his pole barn if I need it for storage so if someone does take issue with it, I can always move it there..

Thanks for the reply and making sure I've covered my bases..

Sarge

 

[SgtDeadeye]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

Man Alwhite00, that's awesome.. the one that you mentioned looked nice I actually did come across before but I was concerned that it was too shallow for the hull. Your link had some different pictures of it, but I still have those concerns.. I mean I'm worried about this thing tipping right over if I go around a corner.. but I guess most of the weight is resting on the trailer.. it doesn't have a flybridge so not a lot of weight on top.. I would go for that trailer if you think it would hold that victoria.. Perhaps I should have included the link to the boat so you can get an idea of what I'm trying to pull huh?? Hindsight is always 20/20 isn't it.. But check out the link if you would and see if that one you like would be okay for this boat. .

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978...r-Boat-Michigan-/360485952846?forcev4exp=true

Thaks again for the reply and the links.. Awesome finds!

Sarge

 

[SgtDeadeye]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

Home Cookin' that is an awesome idea and something I would have never thought of. It certainly makes a lot of sense and hey if you return the trailer just like you bought it and they get a few dollars out of the deal, why wouldn't they want to do that?

Nice!

Sarge

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

I am not sure what trailer would work with that boat, All depends on the weight of that boat and the capacity of the trailer - Most of the trailers are adjustable.

You got that boat for $31.00? What are your plans with it?

BTW I know where there is an older 25' or so sea ray hardtop that is in pretty decent hape with a trailer for around $2,500 if you are interested. Not sure what you want to end up with, Just throwing it out there.

LK

 

[SgtDeadeye]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

Alwhite00,
My plans are to restore it I think. I took a look at it last night, they just restored all the floring in the boat, all of the mechanics are good according to the seller except for a starter which he already purchased and is throwing in with the boat so I'm good there. Basically all I have to do is tune up the engine and rebuild the cabin which is nice because I can lay it out however I want.

Yes, BoatangelMinistries.com has a store on ebay. This is the second boat I have purchased from them and I have been very pleased.

Alwhite, I have a 17 kodiak silverline, a 14 ft starcraft duo and now this monster. If I brought home another boat, my girlfriend might have a serious problem with that. But.. I do appreciate the offer.. With all of these boats, maybe I should petition one of the networks to start a "Flip this Boat" show.. I got a season of material already with these 3 all needing some form of repair.

I think this bayliner is the one I want. Something I can cruise around the great lakes with, but I still need to keep a little fishing boat around that I can throw in one of Michigan's many lakes. .

Thanks for the reply!

Sarge

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: HELP! No trailer for recently purchased boat

Sarge:

Amazing how many people asked where you are. I know right where you are. Until about 9 years ago I lived in Jackson or at least Jackson county. The only question I have, is "Where in the world are you going to float that boat in Rives Junction (or anywhere in Jackson county)? Sorry I can help you with a trailer, but good luck. You know you will need that trailer in a few months anyway.

TerryMSU