:Inexpensive trailers are available from Harbor
: Freight Tools for about $200 delivered.

If shipping costs work out right then Northern Tools (www.northerntool.com) may have a better deal.

You'll want the 4x8 model which folds up, which is $180.
That URL is:

http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=465468&prmenbr=6970

I do not have this model, but I have a similar one that I bought at the local Menards hardware store.

The tongue on that trailer releases, allowing the trailer bed to tip, whci cna be handy in some cases. Judging from the picture that tongue is about 4 to 5 feet long.

The only alteraton you would need to make is that you would want to replace that part with an 8 foot long (or slightly longer) piece so your boat can be better balanced on the trailer.

You have a 14 foot boat going on an eight foot trailer, so mathematically it will average 3 feet overhanging on each end. With no alterations you can just slide the boat forward, and the bow should be just a bit behind the trailer coupler. However, you want about 10 percent of the total weight to be on the trailer hitch, so that means you have to hike the boat a bit further forward. With the center of gravity being a bit behind the midpoint in length, you would probably want to put the boat on your trailer with it overhanging the back by 18 inches to 2 feet, and extending forward of the trailer bed by 3 to 3 1/2 feet. For that you'll want the longer tongue.

A rack make of plywood and 2x10s, covered with some carpet scraps, should serve to support the hull adequately and securely. You can bolt this right to the frame using holes that are already drilled in the frame.

The trailer is great for hauling several boats at one time. Since the boats travel upright you can store your gear inside them. Put small items in a wooden box or cover the boat with a tarp to keep things from blowing out. Oars can get a special "rack" or mounting on the trailer frame, or you can just shove them inside the boat. The inside of the boat is also a good place to put your cooler, thus freeing up trunk space.

Small trailers like this typically "use" a 1 to 4 miles-per-gallon premium. That means that if your car normally gets 28 mpg, then with a trailer you'll probably get about 24 to 27 mpg.

You can usually carry several boats at one time on a trailer, which means that shuttles can be easier, too. Pile two or three boats on the trailer and load the car with 4 to 6 boaters.

Trailers are of great use for other reasons, too: hauling lumber and plywood from the store, firewood, gardening materials (like dirt and gravel), garage sale items, furniture, moving kids to school, or from one apartment to another, etc.

I happen to enjoy my trailer. At the moment I have a 10' x 8' part for a skateboard half-pipe on it, and my son is delighted.

Hope this helps.

PGJ