: About that pickup: Might be the wrong vehicle for transport. They
: are higher than cars, and by the time you add a rack over the
: cab, and a rack of similar height over the bed, it gets to be
: pretty high to lift the boat. Sure, you can prop up one end,
: climb in the back and lift it from there, but it is more work.

: Consider getting a 4x8 utility trailer kit. It will take about 6 to
: 8 hours to bolt it together and probably another 6 to 8 hours to
: fabricate racks for it so it can carry several boats. Add on
: some boxes for gear and PFDs, and you are ready to roll. Almost
: any car with a trailer hitch can pull one of these small
: trailers. They are lower to the ground so kids (of any age) an
: load and unload their own boats. And with a bit of care and an
: occasional grease job on the bearings, they'll outlast several
: vehicles. Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, menards, and several
: others sell these kits. Something with a 900 pound capacity
: (enough for 10 boats!) sells for $250 to $400. With bigger
: wheels and bearings these can carry up to 1250 pounds and would
: sell for about $75 more. Look for sales or special offers on
: free shipping and you'll save more. The Haul Master trailer,
: product #42709 at Harbor Freight is pictured below. Photo from
: their web site. They normally sell it for $299, but I see it is
: on sale right now for $279. It is frequently on sale, and if you
: get on Harbor Freight's mailing list (sign up online) you'll
: occasionally get coupons good for up to 40% off of 1 regularly
: priced item in the store. That's when I go shopping for the
: expensive items!

: I make 2' high sides from particleboard (well painted!) and the
: floor is 3/4 plywood. That encloses the trailer so I can carry
: concrete sacks, lumber, motorcycles, etc. All of this can be
: easily and quickly removed if you want to mount a boat rack
: directly to the bare frame.

: Check with your state about a license plate for the trailer.
: Usually all you need is the receipt when you apply for a title
: to the homebuilt trailer.

: If you don't want to assemble a trailer yourself, Lowes and Home
: Depot usually have preassembled ones on the back edge of their
: parking lots.

: If you have a shortbed pickup, you'll appreciate the ability to
: carry full 4x8 sheets of plywood. If you have a motorcycle
: you'll REALLY appreciate how much easier it is to load a trailer
: than a pick up!

: Just a thought fo ryou.

: PGJ

A pickup is awfully handy though, wish I could afford to own one, but the gas mileage isn't wonderful so anymore I just use my utility trailer towed on the SUV. I miss having a truck though.

Bill H.