Roof top boat - are these too big ?

Hi there,
I have seen a 3.7 loaded up onto GQ roof without any problems, The GQ in question also modified his spare wheel carrier to hold the 20 HP outboard. It was a very impressive setup and a 1 man load / unload.

I am sorry i didnt check it out more intensly then as i also now have a 3.7 with a 15 HP outboard and would love to set it up the same way he had his.

I've got a 3.7m Quintrex Dart and 15hp Yamaha (for sale if you want to buy it??) and used to carry it on the roof of my old 75 Series Cruiser without any problems. It was a pain in sphincter getting it on and off and I was going to make up a nifty little system to do it on my own but someone stole my cruiser before I could get it done.

Its still a fairly big boat to have sitting up there and if it wasn't for the fact that I used to do heaps more offshore fishing than river fishing, I'd have gone for a flat bottom boat (V-nose punt)

Another bit of advice - if you plan on using the boat near home - buy a trailer. I initially didn't buy a trailer but after 3 months of putting it on/off the roof every time I wanted to duck out for a quick fish (I lived in Townsville) I spent the extra coin and bought one. The main hassle is having to completly empty and repack the boat every time.

I think go the 3.7 if you are going to fish in estuary wind chop or croc country . Otherwise go for the smaller model . Do not choose the boat on how easy or hard it is to put up on the racks ( unless someone advises the 3.7 is too heavy for the roof ).The winch should sove that problem - there is a great winch made up in Qld that seems to be the ducks guts .

I have a 3.7 and a 15 Merc - a great combo .

Hi obone,

Exactly what I have. Qunnie Dart 3.7, Rhino boat loader (best thing since sliced bread), 15hp Honda w/electric start. Mine is on Landcruiser 80. Went to Karumba last year and fished for barra up the Norman River and out around the point. Very happy with the boat, loader and engine. I think for an all rounder you are better off with the V hull over the pointy punts. The flat bottom might be a bit more stable but not as good if there is any chop about.

Check out the rig and our Karumba trip.

Karumba Trip 2005

Merv

I carry a Stessell 3.8mtr heavy duty edge V on a rack on top of the Navara, load and unload by hand no problem but i do agree you need a portable trailer if you are stopping in a spot for some time. I built my own portable trailer on 8inch wheels that breaks down and fits on the back bumper of my van, total weight is about 60Kg and is licenced.
Nav.

Gday Jeff,,Sorry I dont have any photos of the trailer and I dont have a digital camera but if you can give me your E mail address I can make a sketch of it for you with measurements etc. I built the trailer myself as I have all the gear to do that sort of thing. I live in WA so am not sure of what your licence regs are but I rang our dep of transport and spoke to their engineer and he advised me as to what size materials dimentions etc. When it was built I had to get a chassis number from them and a weighbridge cert, get it inspected,a bit of stuffing around but got through it in the end. You mentioned a figure of $1000 to buy one, if you can buy one for that price buy it because it cost me around $900 for all the gear to make it including getting the weigh bridge cert ID plate made up etc.I dont know what price you can get portables over there for but here they are around the $1500 to $1800 mark. Anyway you can Email me at boothie8@bigpond.com and i can give you any more details.
Regards Nav.

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Bill

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