Cartopper Dinghy Advice Required

Submitted: Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 00:43

ThreadID: 16385 Views:19178 Replies:9 FollowUps:0

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Alan Atchison

Hi

I would be very grateful for any advice that can be provided to help me decide on a car topper dinghy setup, including the racks.

It is all on order but this is what is coming so far:

- 2004 Nissan Patrol 3.0l Turbo Diesel
- Wandering Star Wanderer Camper Trailer (will have gas strut boat holder fitted - boat capacity on trailer is 80kg and 12ft.

Plan to buy a cartopper aluminium dinghy that I will carry on top of the trailer until we get to camping site - then use roof of car to get boat to and from water.

4 people - 2 adults, 2 kids (5 and 7 - but growing fast!!)

The rack I am looking at at the moment is a Jaram Highlander - standard 4wd tray setup - with a simple outrigger accessory add-on for the extra width of boat plus
a roller on the back to help get the boat on and off. I don't want to get anything much fancier than this - the simpler the better (and already spent enough $$ - would rather spend extra on vehicle etc).

Boat I am looking at at the moment is a Quintrex 370 - approx 11 1/2 ft and 77kg - but marketed as a car topper - and fits camper trailer capacity.

Highlander Rack is sold through ARB - rack is only rated to 60kg - and whilst it can be adjusted for little extra cost - both Jaram and ARB are concerned about carrying this much weight on top of a 4wd.

I don't intend to take the kids out in rough or poor conditions - so it will be fishing in rivers, estuaries, bays in the ocean where conditions are fair (in WA (for the moment) - so Albany, Kalbarri, Coral Bay, Esperence - if conditions are good)

My questions are: (just seeking thoughts):

- Is 12ft suitable for what I plan - ie should it be smaller or larger.
- are there any other dinghies I should consider.
- Is a boat like this considered a hazard on top of a 4wd - seems like if it is marketed as a cartopper, it must have been thought of before. I understand that the centre of gravity will be higher.
- given that we are not planning to travel in the boat any large distance - what size motor do you think is appropriate (speed is not an issue - other than if it were safer to get out of change of conditions). I am trying to restrict any unnecessary weight or bulk in the trailer storage.
- Can anyone suggest any other simple rack setups that would suit my needs - or have a Jaram and can provide feedback.
- Any other guidance appreciated.

Thanks - hope this makes sense.

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Reply By: Member - Brett H (QLD) - Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 08:00

Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 08:00

I looked at the Quintrex range but at the time the cartoppers had handles at the front and rear which would impede loading (when upside down) The gunwall (sp) depth was also a little less that I wanted. I looked and looked and found a boat calld Horizon, made on gold coast. The 3.66 V nose punt has only 2 thwarts and a hughe are in between for esky etc etc anf the sides are just over 550 mm high. From memory the boat was around the 80 kg mark. I bought some wheels that fit to the boat so that I can travel to the ramp when the tinny is off the camper. Theyare road registered.

Pics here

Boat wheels and holiday pics

Hope this helps

AnswerID: 76974

Reply By: bob - Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 13:24

Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 13:24

Allan,
Have been looking at a similar set up myself. Some points I'e noted:
There are not many manufactures with boats under 3.7m that are rated for 4 persons.
A motor 5HP or under will not require either registration or require the user to have a licence (NSW). However don' expect to go anywhere in a hurry and with 4 persons it would limit the boat to small rivers and creeks.(Ever been on a large river when the wind has come up and its a 1/2 hr run home?)
For what its worth I believe Stessl make the best small tinny (3.4 edge tracker light, not the extra light) but the asking price in NSW is $1800.00 which would buy most of the other brands with 3 to 4 hundred left over.
Prefernce of motor motor is 15hp as most boats have a reccomended power of 9.9hp and there is little or no difference in weight or price between 9.9 or 15hp.
When I get the boat I'm making a fold over rack to go on the camper trailer.
For the larger bays I think 12' would be the minimum you would want.
Regards

Bob Akers

AnswerID: 77011

Reply By: Member - George (WA) - Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 13:26

Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 13:26

Hi Alan,
Your whole set up sound good to me
I carry a dingy, same as you prpose, on top of my car with a 'wind on' type set up made by 'Rhino'
You propose to have a roller set up on the rear of your roof rack.
That is going to be hard work getting your dingy up and down and you will need at least 2 or 3 people to help you, soon takes the fun out of it
I can load and unload my dingy from the roof rack by myself, it saves a lot of back breaking work.
just something to consider
I always think, if it gets to hard you won't use it

Cheers

Member
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AnswerID: 77013

Reply By: Member - Jimbo (VIC) - Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 13:30

Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 13:30

Alan,

The "Porta Bote" might be woth a look. Fold up boat. Totally different concept with the same outcome.

I've neber used one, but it's worth some thought.

Cheers,

AnswerID: 77014

Reply By: Members - Greg & Gail - Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 13:33

Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 13:33

Anything lager than 15hp is to heavy
Anything smaller than 15hp is underpowered and Dangerous in fast tidal areas
I have a Quintrex 370 car topper V nose punt and they will only carry 2 adults and there gear
Any more weight and they will Dangerous in anything but smooth water.

AnswerID: 77016

Reply By: Member - glenno (QLD) - Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 18:02

Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 18:02

My father just bought a 3.3 mtr aluminium punt from Abalone alloy boats in browns plains for about $1070 . Weight approx 53 kgs . (3.6mts is too big & 3.0mts is too small ) . Honda 10 hp 4 stroke with electric start is about $3400 .

AnswerID: 77038

Reply By: Bob H - Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 23:39

Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 23:39

another option is the folding boat trailers. these are light and could be stored on a frame like a motor bike rack, on the back of the camper and set up in the normal position with the boat on it for when you are in camp. the best of both worlds.

Bob

AnswerID: 77078

Reply By: Member- Rox (WA) - Monday, Sep 20, 2004 at 23:40

Monday, Sep 20, 2004 at 23:40

I am just building a boat trailer fold up & will get it regestered if you want pic's I'll tack em tommorow

AnswerID: 77195

Reply By: Alan Atchison - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 08:07

Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 08:07

Thanks for all the feedback - very helpful. At the moment, I am tending towards a collapsible trailer instead of putting the boat it on the rack. Any more feedback, photos, other ideas etc VERY welcome.

Thanks again.

AnswerID: 77219