Keeping a Mini Cooper on my catamaran

A 16 meter by 6 meter power catamaran for traveling inland waterways would be very nice if a small car could be carried and off-loaded in a variety of situations. Any ideas or experiences on how to accomplish this? Maybe there are even lighter vehicles that could be used. The key is a practical method of loading and offloading the vehicle as well as stowing it aboard.

 

Jonathan,

Just stick a handle on top of the mini and hand-carry it.

Yoke.

 

Why didn't I think of that?

 

I hear Folding Bycicles work really well... on a 16 Meter you could probably even use one that doesn't fold. Seriously, I'm not familiar with the weight a cat of this size could handle. What's going to happen to the trim and PPI? Not to mention the insurance ramifications of storing your car on a boat?

 

Well let's assume

• the car weighs a ton or less.
• it will on the aft deck.
• it will have greater bouyancy aft to compensate for the weight.
• it will have sufficient ballast balance for reasonable CG
• it will have weather protection and be firmly secured to the deck
• It will probably not have water damage insurance.

 

Two thoughts: First, a short flip-up ramp that doubles as part of the coaming. Second, trucks (lorries) often have a longer plank that slides underneath the bed (deck). The flip-up can span the step between deck and plank.

 

Why dont you start with a motor-scooter first? Not a 50cc nifty-shifty one (although they may be easiest and cheapest to register) but a good 150 or 200cc. Honda or Vespa. There are some funky hondas being sold now. Put a back-rack on to hold the groceries.

also - the Smart is much smaller than the mini and the Smart has amazing room inside.

I would try a scooter first.

 

i've been doodling for transport. inland freightships often have a crane and car on deck but it aint so easy doing that on a pleasure boat. there is a need for transport once in a new marina though. i had a small scooter like the one above till the law was chanced and only type aproved are legal now

 

Maybe get yourself one of these:

 

Yipster,

How can I found out what kind of vehicles are approved in the EU for transport on pleasure vessels?

 

I like the idea of sliding lightweight (aluminum/composite?) ramps underneath the deck. If they slide out and then pivot on the boat end, they could accomodate various height differentials between boat and shore/pier. This would also allow for variable length ramps which could possibly be telescoping. Perhaps they could be pulled out of their storage by an electric winch thru a pulley on shore. Although it would really be convenient if they extended out at the push of a button , with controllable angle of elevation. That might be accomplished by a set of rollers under the ramps which could hydraulically or manually be adjusted for height. Then you could back into the pier and with a one man operation prepare the ramps for offloading the vehicle.

 

what European inland waterways are you targeting with a 16 by 6 m cat...?

Gerd

 

beats me, another new law? i meant legal roadworthy for insurance etc. DMV in holland is called RDW but if that is EU law? my 1 pers lightweight fold up was fast and handy, could carry a krate full of groceries between the legs, its not the small car you want though...

 

If you want to carry anything from a motor bike to a 3/4 ton truck check this out.
http://www.billmunsonboats.com/

 

Hey if this little boat can carry a 3 ton SUV, my 50 foot catamaran should be able to handle a Mini or a Smart car. Thanks for the encouragement Thunderhead.