The Trailer Sailing Alternative

landy · Guru

RE: The Trailer Sailing Alternative

Rusty W · Veteran Member

Hi Mike, have a look at boatahome .com.au price is not for the faint hearted but appear to be well built and no problem getting into the boat when on the trailer.

Mine should be ready in about 6 weeks. 7.9metres with twin 40's

regards Russell

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Russell
The queastion might seem funny from someone with a 180hp diesel inboard in a Trailer Sailer but why two 40hp outboards on a small light house boat? They will eat heaps more juice than a 9.9 up to 25hp and given the inland waterways only suitability of a house boat of this nature surely the slightly higher planning speeds would only be very infrequently used and perhaps not worth the extra fuel used all the time? No towing Skiers or racing across river mouth bars in a craft of this type. This boat looks a great option for someone wanting a trailable houseboat but most large cruising Trailer Sailers get by with one 9.9HP four stroke whilst 2 would work well on house boats. Only the power sailers which are a yacht/power boat cross over generally go for engines larger than that for high speed motoring antics. The boat looks very suitable for electric engine fitment with lots of roof for solar panels and enough carrying capacity for batteries. The joys of silently sailing could be almost replicated under electric propulsion. Moving around under outboard can be quite noisey.
Anyway hope it works out well for you.
Regards Graeme

Rusty W · Veteran Member

Hi Graeme, I nearly went with only 1 40hp and a bow thruster, but the thruster was quoted at $4500. and was not highly recommended. I was concerned about
wind with such a slab sided boat when getting back on the trailer etc, and I like all the other benefits of 2 motors.

The 40hp is the smallest motor they fit and being 4 stroke should not be very noisy.

regards Russell

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Russell
I would agree that twin outboards are better than one and a bow thruster. Given that 36foot plus catamarans often run with a pair of 9.9hp outboards a pair of forties seems huge for a realitively light trailable houseboat. I just wonder how often you would push a relatively flat bottomed houseboat up on the plane given this hull form that would likely slam in any chop or wave action what so ever. I am sure they have their reasons but would just be interested in knowing what they were. Regards Graeme

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi All I have recently towed an Imexus 28 Power Sailer from Perth to Kangaroo Valley NSW using it as a caravan on the way.
I towed the yacht with a VW Touareg 3l Diesel. We suffered from a very stiff headwind for almost the whole journey and averaged around 15.9 liters per 100klms.
The yacht on trailer weighed around 3 ton.
Can some experienced caravaners let me know you tow vehicle and caravan weight combinations and your achieved fuel consumption so I can gauge the performance of my setup.
On the few occasions when the wind was still or more favourable we seemed to get around 2 liters per kilometer better but unfortunately this was a rare occurrence on the trip.
I generally kept the towing speed to around 90kph and the Touareg towed up hills without effort at these speeds.
Regards Graeme

Gasman · Newbie

I was wondering is there any problem when travelling with a trailer-sailer when hiring campsites, do they object at all, thanks,MJ.Newcastle

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi I have never had any problems whilst obviously being charged the 28 foot van rate for a hook up site. However I have got cheaper rates down the back of the camping area at some parks.

Gasman · Newbie

Ok,thanks,so no problems at caravan parks, thats encouraging.MJ

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi All As my new partner Clare and I are close to starting our lap which will now include a slide on camper over Isuzu NLS AWD as the tow vehicle for my trailable yacht I thought I would add a comment here to bring this thread back to the surface. I was happily planning to just use my yacht as an on land caravan whilst travelling to the next sailing destination but my superb new partner is a dedicated bush walker and wants to do lot of way inland stuff as well now. We now plan to store the yacht at times at some lockup transport yard, farmers behind the shed space or the back of a caravan park ( hopefully for a fairly small fee) and embark on some longer inland expeditions just using just the AWD truck and slide on camper. I am very happy with that being an ex bush walker myself and just loving getting out to really wild and rarely visited places. The use of the trailer sailor was in part to get to some really wild places without a partner having to carry a big load in a backpack but Clare is very competent in this area anyway. ( Undoubtedly more competent than me at present as I slowly recover some of my previous fitness!) Its been fantastic to find a really capable slightly younger lady really interested in adventuring with an older ex outdoors enthusiast.

Long Weekend · Guru

Several years ago I recall that a trailer-sailer group were endeavoring to get trailable yachts considered as caravans in order to get caravan rates on the Princess of Tasmania. They sought information from anybody who had/were using their boat as dry land accommodation while driving around Tasmania.

Wonder if they were ever successful?

Murray

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Murray Having just checked The Spirit of Tasmania now treats Yachts as trailers just like Caravans. Having calculated the costs whilst checking for both of us I have decided Clare and I will be taking the Isuzu and Slide on to Tasmania sometime in the next year as its Height is 3.4m and under the max 4.3m, Length is under 6M and Width is under 2.5m but over 2.2m still making the cost reasonably accessible just needing a long forward booking due to limited over 2.1 meter high places whilst taking the trailer sailer or big caravan starts to become really quite expensive as it is charged on length beyond the height and width parameters. Having said that the fares for commercial vehicles were way higher again as this is where my initial inquiries led me. Looks like we can get the Isuzu and Slide on over and back under $400 making a big saving in hire car and accommodation expenses especially given Tasmania's very variable weather patterns and often narrow and twisty roads making the AWD Truck and Slide On a pretty ideal touring combination.

travelyounger · Guru

beiffe wrote:
I have taken a similar path but my "Boat" is a 12mtr by 5mtr houseboat permanently on the River Murray. I bought the boat as I developed a problem where I elected to not drive anymore due to major muscle problems. I did consider a cruiser but the option of bow in mooring and the extra space as well as the fact that most of the cruisers on the Murray are riddled with wet rot, I went for the steel frame and aluminium clad houseboat.
My dream was to steam UP the Murray for approx 3 years and then drift back if my body allowed.
I have set up to be self contained with 2Kw of solar and lithium batteries and all appliances 240v.
I collect rain water into a 200ltr tank on the rear deck and have my herb garden etc on the deck and hanging exterior on the hand rails. These can be easily moved for passing through locks etc.
At the moment I am still getting to grips with the medical problem and have not venture far but feel I can still navigate Ok even though in small steps of about 2 - 3 hours steaming so plenty to move location and then sit for a few days to recover.
Many people move to house boats and live on the Murray but surprised the number not game to release their ropes. No one seems to be prepared to either teach these people to overcome their fear or the purchasers to try themselves. I and a mate have offered to assist some people as well as allow them to join us on our short trips out (about one week at a time) but none have taken up the offer.
All new experiences take a while to become comfortable and even I found that the transition from prawn trawlers to house boat a bit of an experience so can see the hesitation of people with no boat experience.
Any one contemplating a water experience should make them selves aware that they can not just open a door and walk away. You must learn the ways of water tides, winds and currents and learn to read the weather maps and not rely on the tv station announcers. You need to make your own decisions by reading the maps and taking into consideration your vessel and your experience.
Have met a few while travelling that use trailer sailers for accommodation and thought it was a wise option if you have any water love in your blood. Not sure if you dont have the love of the feel and experience of being on the water.
Just as well we are all different.

Great idea does anyone out there own a caravan house boat on a trailer

cheers

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi travelyounger. Sad to hear medical problems are slowing you up. Yes I agree so many people lack a sense of adventure or a willingness to try something new. I looked hard at one time at trailable houseboats but the joy of drifting under sail , getting out to the islands and ultimately exploring the Kimberleys has kept me with trailer sailers despite some comfort compromises involved with these. My Imexus 28 does have just standing headroom for 6 foot 2 me in one spot in-front of the kitchen and beds for 5 and enclosed toilet shower but not for showering properly for someone my size. My new partner Clare and I are considering the full length of the Murray in my yacht as our first really big post retirement adventure. My mast is set up to lower and raise by one person close to the helm and my diesel inboard engine has an 120 amp alternator and 140 litre diesel tank giving us hot water, lots of range under engine when without wind and a surplus of electricity with which I can also run my torqeedo secondary outboard for whisper quiet engine travelling a lot of the windless time. It is close to maximum trailable size but with bbq in the back, big ****pit with table and seating for 5/6 around a comfortable table inside it should suffice. A queen sized bed and generous v berth means the odd guest or two can also be accommodated for brief periods. The ****pit area is also covered by a bimini to provide shade and a Dodger for wind and spray protection when on the move or at anchor or mooring/tree. Of course being Trailable upwind sailing to the next destination can be done at 100kph behind our vehicle opening virtually any inshore or inland boating destination. Whilst my partner is new to boating ( but loves it) I have over 50 years sailing experience so no problems there. Friends of mine however started with no sailing experience in their fifties and would now be amongst the most experience trailer sailers in the world I feel nearly 30 years later so a late start at sailing and boating certainly isnt impossible.
Re your site name I couldnt agree more but my second retirement 18 years after my first attempt sees me now in my sixties. First was somewhat disturbed by a very late only child post early retirement in my mid forties 18 years ago.
Time to embark again on retirement now but may have missed sharing this with some friends now with one in his eighties and finally slowing up. Best wishes and hope your medical issues resolve well enough so you can do some more adventures. Regards Graeme and Clare.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

www.aussietraders.com.au/For-Sale/OKA-4X4-MULTI-CAB-TRUCK-POPTOP-HOUSEBOAT_Victoria_cannons-creek_81896.html
SOLD.
Cheers,
Peter

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Peter Yes an interesting package and reasonably priced. I have reviewed those campercraft previously but preferred other brands if I had decided to go in that direction. The trailable houseboat option whilst perhaps slightly more comfortable as an on land and on water caravan lacks the adventure possibilities offered by a trailable yacht which has a much larger choice of destinations and more skill and challenge involved in getting there. Kind of like the differences between driving a mountain road in a bus or in a sports car I feel. I will admit with the view of living on the road/water for very extended periods I have now purchased the Isuzu NLS and slide on camper to provide a slightly more comfortable retreat from the cramped interior of my yacht on occasions and to allow exploring inland and non trailer suitable wilderness destinations but the package you have highlighted has similar limitations to my original intention of just towing my yacht behind a capable 4x4 suv. My friends use their Court 750 trailable yacht for very extended touring around Australia which has included months at sea in the Kimberleys which is far outside the scope of the campercraft as are the other inshore islands and island groups all around Australia. Whilst obviously it would perhaps be suitable for my proposed length of the Murray trip you would have to put up with the constant noise of the outboards which disturbs the tranquility achieved under sail. There is also something special about for some of your travels using natures assistance in place of burning fossil fuels.

PS I forgot to note re the campercraft that I really prefer to be able to quickly boil the kettle, grab lunch, shelter from the elements, access all my gear, clothes whilst in transit so long ago I decided the types of craft and vans that need unfolding or constructing to get to anything just were not my preferred option.

-- Edited by Trailer Sailer on Sunday 31st of January 2021 07:14:32 AM

Buzz Lightbulb · Guru

Hi Graeme,

I loved sailing. I had a little fibreglass O'Day sailing dinghy (like below). Sadly, my wife didn't like the boat tilting over under sail but I loved the feel of using the wind to travel.

I was fortunate to have sailed on a 12 metre yacht skippered by John Bertrand, on the Sydney Harbour to watch the 2000 Olympic races and then participate in the regatta. The difference between a dingy and a proper yacht was exhilarating.

I'd never thought of a trailer sailer to replace a caravan. Now I'm interested. It'll probably be a long time in the future though.

You mention enough 'headroom'. I'm 190cm tall. Would I comfortably fit into a trailer sailer?

97 o_day_day-sailer_1_fibreglass_yacht_sail_boat_19701383.jpg

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Buzz Most trailable yachts dont have full headroom for the likes of you and I (I am 188cms tall) but more importantly many older ones (70s and 80s ) of which most second hand ones are also have 180cm bed lengths which I find a problem. Standing inside whilst nice isnt entirely critical as most have some form of hatch over the stairs you can still stand in and obviously up on the back deck the sky is the limit. Others have mini pop tops like some campers and caravans though this isnt an ideal solution on yachts in my view. I would say however happy wife happy life so if the partner doesnt take to water like a duck ( thankfully my new partner Clare did) then living on a small boat could be hell!
I recommend what I did with Clare ( she had never set foot on a yacht or even a boat before) which was hire the smallest possible yacht ( around 30-33 feet) up in the Whitsundays for 7-10 days and see how you both go living on that. The biggest trailable yacht will be smaller again so if it doesnt work out on the small keel boat give trailer sailing a miss.
My daughters mother and I lapped Australia ( by car with yacht behind) in a tiny 6 meter catamaran Jarcat 6 and that definitely didnt have standing headroom but did have a 7 foot long of narrow double bed , a sit at kitchen and sink arrangement, a curtained off toilet and two extra coffin like berths under the seats in which we stored truck loads of gear and slept a friend for a week during the big trip.
My current yacht is like the Queen Mary by comparison as it is planned to do much more than the one to two week expeditions the Jarcats are capable of. My much older friends often spent up to 6 months living travelling and sailing their Court 750 trailable yacht and have done so for over 25 years now. Happy to answer any questions as I have been sailing for over 50 years now on mainly trailable yachts and using them as a camping, sailing and expedition platform on and off for about 30 years.

-- Edited by Trailer Sailer on Sunday 31st of January 2021 06:44:01 PM

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Just an update to an older thread. I have now retired with my partner Clare and we are currently on our 8th day of a 6-8 week sail up the Murray from our new home in Wellington East SA in our 28 foot trailer sailer. We are sailing in company with friends from WA in their Court 750. As previously highlighted there are many advantages to grey nomading by Trailer Sailer. We have experienced 8 spectacular free campsites all offering different views and aspects. All of course generally as good or far better than the absolute best waterfront caravan spot be it in a park or free. About half the time we have had cheap an noise free motive power provided by the wind. We have a toilet shower compartment and standing headroom at the stove and sink for me at just under 6 foot 2. A queen length generous double bed and separate lounge dining seating for 6 both tucked up inside and an alfresco dining lounge in the ****pit. You really feel in touch with the world driving quietly under sail especially but even with the gentle hum of the outboard. We have general provisions on board for the proposed 6-8 weeks and have yet to top up with fresh food but will do so several times at riverside towns. Still had a dinner out whilst overnighting at the wharf in Mannum. 2 nights ago our friends treated us to a full roast lamb dinner with all the trimmings cooked mainly in their kettle bbq mounted on the back of their yacht. A couple on nights before that we did a steak dinner for four on our battery powered induction cooktop which is a departure from the usual meths or gas yacht stoves. Yesterday we did an extensive evening exploratory walk for about 6 klms return on a river island spotting a spoonbill amongst the regular wide variety of bird life. Our friends yacht set up for this style of grey nomad life would cost about $20,000 to replace and our flash larger almost new one about $100,000 being quite equivalent to similar age condition caravans. Just an interesting alternative to caravans and motorhomes.

Mike Harding · Guru

Give me a wave as you sail past, camped on the Victorian bank near Wentworth.

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Could be sometime before we make it that far up as at Swan Reach at present.

Buzz Lightbulb · Guru

It sounds wonderful Graeme. Good luck to you for your watery adventures.

KevinJ · Senior Member

Trailer Sailer wrote:
Hi All, further to my opening post. Trailer Sailers can start small with the original NZ designed Hartley 16 being a light and easily handled mostly day boat but with enough room for two to sleep under cover and with a boom tent live for short periods on board. These generally cost under $5,000. Next jump up whilst still very light to tow are yachts like the Catamaran Jarcat 6 pictured below. These are still exceptionally light to tow at under 1350kg on Trailer with camping gear on board and with a double berth and two under seat coffin berths have enough room to overnight a family with two children or a fair amount of gear for two on a multi day or even week trip. They are also pretty cheap to buy and equip at well under $20,000 and some much cheaper again. In this same price range are many quality mid sized fibreglass single hull yachts of generally elevated vintage. Many of these larger yachts fall into the over 2 tonne on trailer weight range requiring electro Hydralic Brakes. Most of these yachts are 2.4-2.5 metres wide and given a suitably capable towing vehicle these can be transported/trailed like a large caravan. The range here is huge whilst most of the yachts themselves are fairly old in both design and sometimes condition. Finally there are a range of large newer yachts which tend to cost $30-90,000 unless purchasing New where they are even more expensive. Opinions in the yachting community about the merits of various designs are often more strongly held I feel than in the caravanning/motorhome community and often based on sailing performance or offshore capability which have much less relevance for semi live on board Grey Nomading. The hardest trick I have found is to find a partner who likes messing around in boats and can tollerate being in a small space surrounded by water where escaping from each other is more challanging than disappearing off for a walk or similar.

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I used to sail a Hartley 16 in Year 12 at High School for sport.

We still have the boat in my fathers shed on his property but it hasn't been sailed in decades.

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

The Hartley 16s are a great little boat as an onwater tent alternative but as a recent retiree I have moved up to the luxury caravan alternative with the Imexus 28 now!

KevinJ · Senior Member

Yes, in later years I sailed and raced a Farr 1104 (36 feet) including doing 3 Pit****er (Pitt Water) to Coffs Harbour yacht races. Much more comfy.

-- Edited by KevinJ on Sunday 3rd of July 2022 10:30:10 AM

PeterInSa · Guru

Graeme, Do you have ebikes/Solar Chargers, on your Trailer Sailer to do some Land Based exploration?

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Peter. Yes both our yacht and slide on camper have solar panels and both are about to get more in conjunction with the new portable Ecoflow Delta Max battery/charger/inverter unit I have just installed on the yacht and have an ideal spot for in the slide on. Re bikes, the marine environment and bikes probably especially for ebikes is a bit hostile, so no. We do have 18 speed hybrid commuter/off-road bikes we carry on our slide on camper even when towing the Imexus however. Not yet needing e-power on the bikes yet but some time in the future probably. My partner Clare is adapting to these new fangled multi speed bikes ( gre up riding 1 speed bikes) whilst I was a cycle touring leader many years ago and had one of the first 21 speed Shimano XT chain sets on a custom built touring bike on which I covered over 100,000ks. Always been a gear freak.

-- Edited by Trailer Sailer on Sunday 3rd of July 2022 03:17:54 PM

Trailer Sailer · Senior Member

Hi Kevin Our Imexus 28 isnt as big as that but it does do 50knots upwind on the trailer and go way inland or long distances to unique sailing destinations that are either totally in unreachable by fixed keelers (dams and rivers) or just too bloody long and painful to easily reach by water. ( Whitsundays or Kimberleys from SA)

KevinJ · Senior Member

I'm envious of what you have. It looks like a great setup. I miss the sailing. Its just so refreshing a pastime that many don't get the opportunity to try.

86GTS · Guru

I'd rather have a top of the line Whittley Cruiser, I wouldn't have to wait for the wind to blow.
Total luxury & just turn the ignition key.
On its trailer, an absolutely great home away from home.

-- Edited by 86GTS on Sunday 3rd of July 2022 05:48:11 PM