Hey guys, I just purchased a 12ft pelican gator boat, and currently dont have a trailer or trailer hitch on my car, so i keep it on top of my fj cruiser. With two people its easy, but with the season winding down i'd really like to go out with it by myself, its probably around 175lbs, anyone have experiance putting it on top of a tall car? Any tips or tricks? Thanks!

Start lifting weights?

Try a pulley system. They make them to lift up a bike, canoe, etc and then you can drive under it in the garage. That doesn't help you at the ramp though.

175 lbs. over your head? Not happening. It's too bulky for the lift assist from Thule. I'd recommend a small kayak for solo trips.

Do what Franco suggested or spend some more money and get a trailer.

Most outdoor stores sell trailer rollers. Modify a wooden ladder type deal with some rollers. Prop it to your car with foam noodle padding and use a trailer winch. Just an idea

This ^^^^

http://www.castlecraft.com/sut-250-s.htm

I've used one for several years - it's just so darn convenient - to load launch and load.

A-Jay

Ouch! $1100 - I can find a sweet kayak for less, and have leftover for a couple combos!

But, if you HAVE to go in a pelican, then that trailer is pretty sweet. Heck, I'd like one to haul three or four kayaks.

Ouch! $1100 - I can find a sweet kayak for less, and have leftover for a couple combos!

But, if you HAVE to go in a pelican, then that trailer is pretty sweet. Heck, I'd like one to haul three or four kayaks.

Yup - it's a little money up front.

But so far it's going on 5 seasons.

I average 150 days on the water a year.

That about $1.50 a Day for a Major convenience.

Additionally, with a little TLC, the unit should last 10 anyway. So now I'm shelling out 3 whole quarters a trip.

Besides I've got No room in the back of my truck for the canoe - it's slam packed with tackle.

A-Jay

Try "harbor freight tools"

They have a few trailers including a small boat trailer for about $350.

Its not galvanized & not sure of the quality. But, have seen them around & most give em' good reviews.

I'd for sure go trailer. I have a 9 foot "watertender" (basically a basstender 9.4 without the swivel seats) and I can just barely put it in the back of my ranchero by myself..... keep in mind, its 100 pounds, Im a decent sized guy, and a 62 ranchero bumper is about 15 inches off the ground.... There's no way I could push it up onto an fj by myself. It is a great boat though, as im sure yours is as well. When i first brought my boat home, first thing my dad said was "i could make you such an awesome little trailer for that thing" hes a welder. After hearing that and looking at little trailers, im sure you either go the harbor freight route or find a little utility trailer on craigslist that would work just fine.