Many people purchase boats out of state and need to move them home. Some cruise the Great Lakes during the summer and in Florida during the winter, while others just do not have time to cruise from one destination to another.
There are two types, Hydraulic and marine highway trailers. Hydraulic trailers self unload, so boats can beplaced anywhere, including backyards. One drawback of hydraulic trailers is that they sit about 16 inches higher than a highway trailer, so they may present routing issues depending on power lines and bridges. We drive Waltron trombone marine trailers that offer air ride, extend up to 62 feet long and give us the ability to transport large wing-keel boats safely. Our hydraulic trailers are from Brownell.
They detach from a semi-truck and retrieve a boat by backing down the ramp into the water via remote control. After the trailer is submerged under the boat, we lift eh boat up via air pressure on the keel and then winch the trailer back up to the semi. When we arrive at our destination, the trailer is lowered by air pressure onto blocks and boat stands. No lifts or other vehicles are needed.
These trailers require a marina with lifting capabilities to set the boat on the trailer. They accommodate power boats as well as large wing-keel sailboats that are transported five inches above the road.
Differences include the number of tires on each axle. In our opinion, each axle should have four tires as opposed to two for a smooth, safe ride. There are different types of pressure used to lift a boat. Many manufacturers state that 70 percent of a boat’s body weight needs to be on the keel. Some trailers use keel pressure to lift the boat, while others use pad pressure. It should be noted that a lack of keel pressure can cause oil canning or hull twist. The more expensive trailers that use keel pressure cost around $150K, while the less expensive trailers cost about $60K. We only use hydraulic trailers with keel pressure.
A boat that’s more than 13 feet, six inches high and eight feet, six inches wide is considered oversized and requires special routing and permits. The larger the load, the more costly it is to move due to restrictions and regulations. Great Lakes Boat Transport includes all permit charges in our quotes.
Ask if the quote includes all necessary oversized-load permits or any fuel surcharges that may be applicable. Make sure the trailer has hydraulic pads. If not, a bunkering fee of $250 may be charged.
