Community Forums

Tilzbow · 06-25-2017, 06:31 PM

I'll soon be buying a 37' to 40' class A diesel motorhome and would like to be able to tow and launch my 20' deep V aluminum boat. I know the weight won't be a problem but I'm looking for input on launching and taking the boat out of the water with a motorhome.

89sandman · 06-25-2017, 06:43 PM

We used to do our 20 foot ski boat with a 37 foot gasser. Backing up on tight ramps was a major pain and I've hauled trailers all my life, but still very doable. There were a couple of ramps I wouldn't do because of how steep they were. With a pusher I think the biggest concern would be how deep you have to get the motor in to launch and where the air intake is.

mwwade · 06-25-2017, 09:16 PM

Just a idea, I have seen different vehicles with a hitch installed on the front bumper. You could push the boat down the ramp, and pull it out in reverse. This would keep your drive tires out of the water, as well as your engine. One could make an extension for the tongue of the trailer to help get the boat further in the water.

Dutch Star Don · 06-25-2017, 10:32 PM

We launched our 22 SeaRay Bowrider with our 36 DP for several years. I found that it was not a big deal. The motor home never went into the water or even got the tires wet.

chboone · 06-27-2017, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwwade

Just a idea, I have seen different vehicles with a hitch installed on the front bumper. You could push the boat down the ramp, and pull it out in reverse. This would keep your drive tires out of the water, as well as your engine. One could make an extension for the tongue of the trailer to help get the boat further in the water.

Could put the Generator under water with a DP.

avid_dk · 06-27-2017, 07:43 PM

There are hitch extensions for launching boats. I have seen pictures and even seen youtube videos of them. The downside to using a motorhome to launch a boat is huge. My plan has always been to show up at places that have tractor launch, gantry launch, etc. The places were I would put in a boat on the Oregon coast make the description steep, inadequate.

Still thinking about a boat.

ptw · 06-27-2017, 08:26 PM

In the late 90's we were in the Adirondacks and we came upon this person in the attached picture that needed some help. I was driving my first motorhome, a 1989 Winnebago Chieftain. Maybe the lake was a little shallow but the person driving the (Brave?) drove off the end of the pavement launching his boat and couldn't get out. We pulled him out with our motorhome using a boat rope that my wife had for a dog leash.

Paul

Loggenrock · 06-27-2017, 09:18 PM

ptw's picture says it all! I'd also worry about getting high-centered on the break at the top of the ramp, since a MoHo wheelbase is so long. Best answer I ever saw to this question was a fellow who towed his boat with the MoHo, but carried a couple cases of beer in the basement. Would look around the CG for a guy with a pickup truck - would swap a case of beer for launching for him! Simple and effective! ST

vsheetz · 06-27-2017, 09:40 PM

Yup, find somebody to launch it for you would be my plan. I think typically pretty easy to do.

Tilzbow · 06-27-2017, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Yup, find somebody to launch it for you would be my plan. I think typically pretty easy to do.

This has been one of the thoughts running through my head! Also, thanks for the input so far.

Nearly 40 years ago I saw a motorhome pulling a boat out of the ocean on a somewhat steep ramp in Gold Beach Oregon. The coach broke something (tranny or drive train) and slid backwards into the water while the boat floated off the trailer. We left a while later after the two truck arrived. This is the memory that sticks in my mind when I think of launching my boat.

billdreamlv · 06-27-2017, 10:44 PM

We disconnected the 20' and rolled the trailer and the boat to the lake, manually. The aluminum boat didn't weigh much so it didn't take much effort. The tongue had a wheel on it as well so it just rolled along.

airboatusa · 06-28-2017, 03:37 AM

One slippery ramp and you have a floating "for a few minutes" barge. I found there is always someone for five dollars that will do out for you, if not for free. Not worth the chance. Go watch the YouTube's of regular vehicles sliding in the water. Blessings in your day, Gary