Motorized Dolly?

[jayhanig]

I find myself with a need for a motorized dolly to allow me to maneuver my 17' Bowrider in my marl/gravel driveway. I find that I'm no longer man enough to push the boat up the slightest of grades (courtesy of an artificial hip). Backing the trailer with my pickup truck isn't a good solution either as I'm always pleasantly surprised when I don't damage my boat due to my poor backing skills. I want to be able to maneuver the boat into some tight spots where accidentally rubbing it against any structure is not an option.

So I thought of a dolly. I have a trailer dolly which is adequate for me to maneuver my empty utility trailer around the yard and driveway. Once again I run out of juice when I try to use it on my boat trailer.

So I'm back to a motorized dolly. Does anybody know where I can get one or can you suggest some other alternative? I am open to ideas.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Motorized Dolly?

modify a motorized pallet jack? But then you have a big piece of expensive equipment to buy and store.

You have a small boat; put a hitch on a smaller vehicle just for driveway use. I think pick-ups are hard to back, esp a full size.

Some people like a hitch ball on the front bumper for manuevering, too.

Or practice a lot, and put guides down on the surface to help. I like a mark on the ground by my driver's door that lets me know when I am in place; it's easier to watch than one at the rear of the boat since you don't have depth perception deception.

Your challenge is that you are moving on a rough soft surface, so your dolly will require large wheels.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Motorized Dolly?

http://www.powercaster.com/
http://www.powermoverinc.net/htmls/pmaccarts.html
http://www.trailertugpro.com/trailers.html

or build your own
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRAI...70712670549QQptZMotorsQ5fManualsQ5fLiterature

I would consider the front hitch ball. They really do work great.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Motorized Dolly?

or can you suggest some other alternative?

Ayuh,... Got a Garden Tractor,..??

If so, put a hitch on it...
Put it on the front for the Best manuverability, 'n vision...

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Motorized Dolly?

I agree with Bond-o I bet a garden tractor or an ATV would handle your boat Jay

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Motorized Dolly?

Can you say redneck. I just can't beleive this one. LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3AM88sfDuc

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Motorized Dolly?

Can you say redneck. I just can't beleive this one. LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3AM88sfDuc

ROFLMAO This guy is my HERO!!

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Motorized Dolly?

Don't know if really any easier but my dad put a hitch on the front of his truck and uses that to get the boat in tight spots. He claims it works (but that means nothing as I've seen some of his inventions).

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Motorized Dolly?

Lion Hunter you need to move into the new millennium in redneck engineering! we no longer call them inventions, they are now innovations!

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Motorized Dolly?

I've also heard tha redneck is no longer PC. We prefer Appalachian Americans.

 

[FlyGuy65]

Re: Motorized Dolly?

Similar situation (well, except for the hip part). I mounted a winch in the back of the garage. Back the boat about a third of the way in, and then attach the winch to the trailer, detach the tow vehicle, and winch it the rest of the way. Not perfect, but I can stow the boat solo. Only cost was the electric winch (already had a car battery charger).

Good luck!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Motorized Dolly?

Ayuh,... Got a Garden Tractor,..??

If so, put a hitch on it...
Put it on the front for the Best manuverability, 'n vision...

I agree 100% plus you could always drive it to the store to fetch your beer!!!

 

[lrice01]

Re: Motorized Dolly?

I have a Powercaster and I love it! I back my 17ft Tracker into a very narrow area between my house and fence and I do it with ease. The Powercaster website also has a classified section. You might find one there. They are not cheap, but you won't regret the purchase! Best of luck!.......Lee