Pontoon Boat Trailer- Whacky Idea?

[Banjoman]

I'd like to have a trailerable houseboat, but understand loading back on the traier is a major hassle. Why do I need a trailer? Could the wheels be mounted to the frame and lowered into position for transport? Also, could a pontoon boat with a 5th wheel tounge be hooked up to a pick-up from the boat ramp? All of this would have to be custom built, with modular pontoons with space left for the tires but I think it might work. Advice for experienced boaters appreciated.

 

[neumanns]

Re: Pontoon Boat Trailer- Whacky Idea?

There are several older model pontoons that had an axel that was lowered for transport via a cantalever and spring system. The trailer tounge was attached by a system of braces that lowered the axel and i believe the spring was there to give the system some cusion when the tounge flexed. I would think there would be some serious weight limitations on the systems i have seen.<br /><br />On another note why would trailering seem so unfeasiable i do it regularily with my toon and have no problems, and about the only diffrence i see would be is weight.

 

[DJ]

Re: Pontoon Boat Trailer- Whacky Idea?

Banjoman,<br /><br />Most boats, if not all, are at the mercy of the trailer as they ride while on the road.<br /><br />They are not, specifically, designed to handle the road stresses.<br /><br />Trailers are designed to distribute the weight of the hull(s). <br /><br />If it, were as simple as that, we would not have a trailer industry.

 

[Link]

Re: Pontoon Boat Trailer- Whacky Idea?

Banjoman:<br />I have seen several would be boat designers that tried that idea and none ever really took off in our area. One that was built was a 19 foot cuddy cabin V hull that tounge and wheels retracted into the hull of the boat! I think the guy still has it. He went for a Pat. and tried to sell it to a few local boat builders to make it. If money is no problem you can have most anything made. To be a little more practical, pick the house boat you like, and it doesn't make a difference what type of hull. Pontoon, V, flat or tri-hull. If it doesn't have one, buy or have made a trailer that makes it self centering and equip with an electric winch! You will mabe spend five minutes loading it. About the same launching. <br />Two of my friends have been using their boats for dual purposes for years. One is a 26ft sail boat and the other is a 28ft house boat. They just bolted trailer jacks under the frame of the trailers.. three for the sail boat and four for the house boat. Went KOA Camping on a trip down to Oregon once with one of them.. no water around so we pulled into a KOA camp ground.. heh we met more people that weekend that just wanted to look inside the boat! <br />Not just a thought: As I've said in another post, my next boat will be a house boat of some kind.. and we will land dock it when we have too! I have pictures in my mind of a four point buck on the swim platform <br /><br />Link

 

[blifsey]

Re: Pontoon Boat Trailer- Whacky Idea?

Here's a 1962 version of a houseboat/RV where the wheels stayed on the boat.<br /> http://www.houseboatingworld.com/articles/hancock.htm

 

[RustyShackleford]

Re: Pontoon Boat Trailer- Whacky Idea?

I am just thinking of an amphibious houseboat now.

Oh dang, I just resurrected a really old post. That's what I get for clicking the topics at the bottom.

Mods, feel free to delete my post!