Storage Cradle

[Supra_Comp]

I have another thread going but Ill pose a new question here...

Has anyone ever made a cradle for your boat for storage instead of the trailer? In my area, garage space is limited. I have a 2 car but its only about 21' deep, not long enough for the trailer.

The other issue was that even if I put a swivel on the tongue, the trailer is too wide since I have two doors.

My idea was to build it out of big 6" x 6" timbers and put it on casters. He runners would be carpeted, simulating a trailer bunk. Is it dangerous to do this?

[LKG-Supra]

I would think moving it from the trailer to the cradle would be a bit of effort, especially with all the hardware on the bottom of these boats. Myself...I'd look into one of those portable carports on a good paved slab and invest in a good cover. If that's not option you always have inside storage that can be rented.

[haugy]

Dangerous? Nope, not at all. That's how they move them around in the factories when being built, and sometimes how they show them at tradeshows when space is limited.

You could easily build one that would hold a boat, just make sure you do use some cross bracing. I was going to build one myself to have on the ready if I acquired a project boat.

Just make sure your support beams and cross beams are solid, and I would use through bolts, not nails so you can put a washer on each side to prevent pulling through.

If you have a gantry crane or forklift it can be rather easy moving them from one to the other. Otherwise you'll need about 3 engine hoists rated to 2 tons each, and a couple of friends to help.

[Supra_Comp]

Dangerous? Nope, not at all. That's how they move them around in the factories when being built, and sometimes how they show them at tradeshows when space is limited.

You could easily build one that would hold a boat, just make sure you do use some cross bracing. I was going to build one myself to have on the ready if I acquired a project boat.

Just make sure your support beams and cross beams are solid, and I would use through bolts, not nails so you can put a washer on each side to prevent pulling through.

If you have a gantry crane or forklift it can be rather easy moving them from one to the other. Otherwise you'll need about 3 engine hoists rated to 2 tons each, and a couple of friends to help.

The through bolts are a definite must for sure. I was thinking about how they support the boats at shows, can't remember if they are on casters or not.

The only thing I have access to is my engine hoist, almost wonder if I could do this in stages? Or even thinking of some dollies like this. I can fab them in my metal shop at work.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p31/cebbbb/P9210001.jpg

[haugy]

Yeah I would definitely go with the more portable multiple cradles versus one big one. That allows you to use your hoists. But you have to remember, you'll be sliding the boat off the trailer. You really need to support both ends when doing it or it will drop or drag real bad. But having multiple cradles will allow you flexibility and also easy storage when not in use.

[jeff_in_ny]

While mine is a different brand, you can see what I used below. I've also seen others buy the wheeled car dolly (http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-1500-lb-capacity-vehicle-wheel-dollies-60343.html) from Harbor Freight and block it up with 4x4s. Either way, make sure you use steel wheels.

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/a517/jtfila/1984%20Ski%20Nautique/BoatDolly_zps8a60cee1.png (http://s1281.photobucket.com/user/jtfila/media/1984%20Ski%20Nautique/BoatDolly_zps8a60cee1.png.html)