Boat moving help?

[Craig Aho]

I have been worrying about my boat where it is currently located and being constructed and decided It is time to try to move it to another location at my home. I am only talking about 100 feet but with loose dirt and obstacles. I would like to move it before it gets any heavier and taller with the cabin structure. I have laid in bed trying to figure out a CHEAP and easy way to accomplish this with out buying a trailer and with out damage to my baby. I know a trailer would be the best way to go but money is real tight and If I could just move it to my carport I could later put it on a trailer etc. I had originally wanted to build in the carport but wouldn't have been able to turn the hull there. Any suggestions? Thanks guys again for your help.

Craig

[Craig Aho]

Here is a photo taken of the area I have to navigate.

[Bill CNC]

Craig,

It looks like your trying to move a boat that is still on building jig and it's not had any plywood laid down yet. Is this correct?

Bill

[mrintense]

Craig,

What are you eventual plans for the trailer? Are you going to buy new, make your own, or refurbish an older one. If the last choice, then an old one would most likely suffice to move that short distance. Then, you'll have the trailer you need when you get to point of refurbishing.

[shep]

Greetings Craig. I moved from TX to CA when boat was still on building form. I just had ensure every thing was level again which didn't take too much time. I did not bolt down to the floor though as it was pretty heavy at that point. Seems like you should be able to move and set back up pretty easily.

[Craig Aho]

Thanks Guys, the boat is actually much further along than the picture which was just for a reference of my yards obstacles. I have it propped up on short home made stands and blocking under the keel. I agree that a boat trailer is the way to go since I need one anyway, but money is an issue at this time. But I am looking for one and figure if the right used one comes along I will try to purchase it. I hope I can just jack up the bow and start moving the trailer under the boat. Lots of new challenges.

Craig

[thudpucker]

I wish I was there to see what can be done.
We recieved a big printing press from Germany, that was on two LARGE Oak 16"X16"X20' Chunks of wood. Of course we had to ship them back to Germany.

In your case, you might be able to find something still in the round, and fashion Axles under it near the center of weight.
A couple guys with Chains, 4X4's and some Etc, and you can get all that done in two evenings.

Another thought would be what we called " Cherry Pickers" and a few guys to help keep the swinging boat from killing something expensive.

[Winger Ed.]

The most economical way I can think of is to get enough cheap 2x4s to put under your form.
Run them stem to stern, nailing each frame leg to them. Each 2x4 will need to be under at least 2 form legs.
If the ground is really rough, lay down more 2x4s on the ground as tracks.
Put 2 sections of plastic PVC pipe- 2" should work- under your frame & boat.
You'll actually need 3 or 4 pieces of pipe to do the 'leap frog' sort of thing.
Roll it along like they did the big blocks used to build the Pyramids.
Pushing it by hand, you'll see anything bad happening well before it damages your boat.
Turns aren't a big deal, the PVC is slick enough for the boards to slide side to side on it.

If the hull is already righted and off the building frame, putting cheap plywood under it,
padding it accordingly, put the pipes under the plywood, and rolling it that way might work well also.

We move multi-ton safes sort of like that.
If one is to tall to go through a doorway on our moving equipment, we put 3/4" solid steel round stock under it.
I don't know how heavy your boat is, but one person can push along a 4-5,000 pound safe that way on a concrete floor.
To move one across the ground, or carpet, we'll often lay down sheets of plywood.
If your ground is soft or uneven, that might be necessary for your move also.

With a little pondering and head scratching to think it through---- it should be do-able.

[Craig Aho]

Interesting Ideas to consider. Thanks to all.

Craig

[Bill Edmundson]

Craig

Down here a Buddy with a 4x4 with a big wench on the front might be a big help

Bill

[rbrandenstein]

I'm not sure how big or heavy your boat is, but could you just get some friends, neighbors and relatives to pick it up and move it. That might be easier and cheaper than anything else. A case a beer and you're good to go.
I had 20 guys and it was like nothing to move mine out and flip it.