T&T: Trailable trawler

[LRZeitlin at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/3/07 12:00:49 AM, Gypsy writes:


> My wife and I plan to retire on a smaller boat, and live aboard for as 
> long
> as we are able.
> Besides for economical reasons , we also want to stay trailerable .
> After the loop, we can take our home on land as well, and explore more 
> places that aren't accessible by a waterway.
>
>

The requirements for livability and trailability are mutually antagonistic.
Under normal circumstances, the size of biggest trailable boat is determined
by
highway regulations. I don't have the exact dfimensions at hand but the
maximum beam will be about 8', length, about 30 ft, and air clearance on the
trailer less than 14'. Using a large SUV or pickup truck, the total weight
shgould
be under 8000 lb. If the boat is configured normally, you will have about 200
sq. ft. of living space. This might be OK for a very close couple for a period
of several months but is probably too small for extended periods. Most couples
I know who cruise on small boats, say under 30', usually have shore side
accomodations which they can live in when tired of tightness.

As a test, try to live in only the bedroom and the bathroom of your present
house for the next six months. Consider a livaboard trailable trawler only if
you pass the test without personally injuring each other.

Incidentally, Nimble makes a trailable trawler which you might consider.

Larry Z


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