Ways to transport hull of catamaran

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by mariobrothers88, Jun 2, 2021.

  1. mariobrothers88
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    mariobrothers88 Senior Member

    Hi guys, I've completed one hull of a 34' catamaran and I was wondering what are some good ways to transport it.

    I was thinking of making a strong frame using dimensional lumber and towing it with a metal utility trailer and a pickup truck. Do you guys think there would be any issues with that?

    I can also buy a shipping container and ship it in that, but that would be more expensive.
     
  2. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    Depends what there you want to take it, I guess.
     
  3. waikikin
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    waikikin Senior Member

    Build a nice flat top trailer. Later when you have the other hull and connective structure you can tow it down to the water.
    Jeff.
     
  4. bajansailor
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    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    I presume that this is the Woods Flica cat that you have mentioned previously?

    How far do you have to transport the hull?
    I presume that you are taking it to a boatyard now?
     
  5. mariobrothers88
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    mariobrothers88 Senior Member

    Yes
    About 60 miles
    Yes
     
  6. mariobrothers88
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    mariobrothers88 Senior Member

    Thanks for the advice! How would you recommend building the flat top trailer? Should I built it out of lumber on top of a steel utility trailer? Or should it be all metal? Thanks for your help I really appreciate it!!!
     
  7. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    You need to make some cradles.
    77ADA1B4-2A8D-4D4F-A105-5A1960646B9F.jpeg
     
  8. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    I think I'd get some quotes from transport businesses first.
     
  9. mariobrothers88
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    mariobrothers88 Senior Member

    Thanks Fallguy for the pic! Do you think a wooden cradle would be too weak? Should I go with metal?
     
  10. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    Trouble with wood.

    WARNING

    end grains holds zilch, zippo, nada, nichts, nothing no metal 8" long will hold in end grains


    Metal is best with a wood layer around it. Carpet for some variation. Please note, I mocked these up in wood first.
     
  11. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    even the marine hauler I hired wanted cradles for custom shaped hulls...just find some old steel somewhere, fab it with bolts and get it welded after fab work...wear a face shield!

    places like Florida maybe, but middle of Mexico? Not sure.
     
  12. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    It doesn't hurt to enquire, there are specialist boat transport firms, and some of the prices I have heard quoted seemed attractive. Not where you are of course, but just about everything here is dearer, anyway, it would be worth asking I think.
     
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  13. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    mebbe, but only use a boat hauler...none of the rest of them will treat your work like a treasure chest
     
  14. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    I was told a bloke was quoted $4k-ish to get a 20' boat transported from Far North Queensland to the mid-Western Australian coast, that is a hell of a trip. A gift at that price. Get some quotes from a boat transport specialist
     
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  15. comfisherman
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    comfisherman Senior Member

    Guess it all really depends on what you have acess to. 34 feet takes a decent length trailer to haul. Not likely to be tough on weight and size. (You're in so cal, the weekends are full of yahoos with mega toyhaulers stuffed with all kinds of weight). But a 34 foot flat deck is still kinda an oddball to have just lying around. Half a car is just a narrow mono hull, I've no knowledge of how many 34 foot mono trailers are around but one would be easily adapted with bunks.

    If you are rocking a 91 ford ranger and a harbor freight folding trailer.... maybe not so much. If you have a diesel or suitable vehicle and a decent length flat bed, bunks are pretty easy to make usually use a metal and dimensional lumber hybrid Fit to the hull. Normally fast cheap and easy.... its 50% these days.
     
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