dinghy on my roof

[Dale R. Hamilton]

I just bought an old 38' 5th wheel travel trailer- the kind where the forward section of the roof stands a couple feet proud of the rear section. I have renewed the interior and have added a large gen set making it a stand alone. Wife and I are eager to try it out this fall.

I'm not the type to tow it somewhere and then sit in a lawn chair and drink, So, I thought if I could only take a rowing boat along- I'd have something to do- Then I see in the WEST catalogue, an 8' injection molded plastic rowing dingy that weighs only 71 pounds- carries 450 pounds, can sail or row or motor. Called a Walker Bay 8. Damn I near had an epiphany when I realized I could haul this on my trailer roof on the aft section protected by the raised forward section. At 71 pounds, I could hoist it aloft if I has a few tubular rollers positioned on the side and roof section. So, anybody see anything wrong with these scheme? anybody got any experience with this plastic dingy?

[htom]

Either the Black Fly 8 or the Westport Dinghy 8 from Platt Monfort at Geodesic Airolite would be under 40 pounds, and wooden framed.

http://www.geodesicairoliteboats.com/boats/blackfly8.html

http://www.geodesicairoliteboats.com/boats/westportdinghy8.html

[Donn]

.

[Pete Dorr]

Have not rowed one but have moved them around and they are light and the plastic construction would make it durable.

I believe there are several sizes - get the biggest one that will fit.

If it does not row well try adding some removable ballast.

[JimConlin]

There are lots of boats which could fit up there-
A canoe or three
A sunfish
A pulling boat.

Lots of 'em!