Not getting too much help here. Enclosed trailers are up to 8.5' (102"). Yes, I was planning on disassembling the boats to get in the trailer. Do you all realize that the f18 is 8.5 ft wide! Been looking on CL, finding 24' trailers from $4000 to $7000, used, and in good condition. What I'm looking for is some help with how people are securing the boats in the trailer. I know there are ones out there, seen them, but at the time did not consider, so would like to see/hear what people are doing.
Thanks.
E-Tracking. Mount three levels of strips horizontally on each side. They make
sockets that go into the E-Track that you can put a 4x4 in making a horizontal beam from side to side on the trailer. The ones in the link from McMaster are for a 2x4, but I know I've seen them for 4x4 lumber as well. Just space the brackets out so they line up with the beam sockets, and set the hulls upside down on the lumber and strap/tie them down. You'll have to likely clump same brands together so the beam socket spacing is all the same.
You should be able to get three levels in there. Depends on the size of the sidewall on the trailer, most are about 72" though. It'll be snug.
Beware of trailers. There is a lot of cheap, horrible, shitty trailers out there. Featherlite is a good brand, as is Sundowner. Like any tool, spending less gets you nowhere most of the time. You also need a decent tow rig if you're looking at a 24' trailer. I wouldn't do it with anything less than a 3/4 ton. Even then I'd add the stabilizer/weight distribution bars. 24' is a big butt trailer for a bumper tow. It's not so much the weight that kills you, it's the windage pushing you around in a nasty crosswind.
As for beams, and the rest of the crap, I'd probably pad and strap the beams vertically to the wall, wrap each in a moving blanket and stretch wrap it. A ladder rack would work fine for masts on the roof. Cat-Trax are always the biggest hassle though, dis-assembling them blows. The rest packs pretty easily.
