sailboat camper?

[Doublacola]

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I recently bought a 1977 Montego 20' sailboat that has a small cabin that sleeps 4. I am thinking about cutting it off behind the cabin, closing the end, mounting it on a small trailer and using it as a camper. Has this been done before? Any problems trying to do this? It has a swing keel that can be removed. We searched the forum and came up empty.
I never intended to try sailing it.

[48Rob]

Sounds like a fun project.

More pictures please!

Rob

[Doublacola]

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Here's a couple more pictures. I would put the boat on a smaller trailer. Sometimes you can find these real cheap and even free.

[rebapuck]

I think it would work. Should be water tight already.

Will we have to call you Captain?

[Corwin C]

My Grandfather used to have neighbors who were well off (had their choice of toys) and he would often watch their place and care for their horses when they travelled.

I was there when they stopped by to let him know that they were on their way to Death Valley ... towing a big Bayliner. He must have noticed my confused expression because he laughed and told me that it was way nicer to travel with than his fifth-wheel. Who knows, maybe he had something there and this is the way of the future.

[Wobbly Wheels]

Sounds like an interesting project.
I think I would want to cut the bottom off around the chines - the bilge would be a big waste of space and it would fit better on a trailer deck that way.
Would you leave the bridgedeck and some of the cockpit as a "back porch" or carry the cabin bulkhead straight down ?

[Mook62]

Back when I was working to figure out how to build a trailer, I had a Chariot Fiberglass enclosed and it was AWESOME! Strong, light, weather tight. Although it could be a bit of a bear to work on as far as modifications go.

Anyway. I was researching and going through some stuff and came up on this: http://www.boardlady.com/trailer.htm

The lady's name is Eva Holman, she is quite well known in sailboat and sail and kite boarding circles. The link shows a trailer that she built from scraps of other projects she had laying around.

It's strong, light, easy to tow and cheap.....

I am still kicking around the idea of doing something like this.

[Vedette]

I don't know much about fiberglass boats......but to me it looks "Heavy"
But that is what everyone said when I built Miss Piggy out of "Cars".......and it is far from heavy!
Merry Christmas
Brian & Sandi

[Doublacola]

Sorry for the delay in posting but I sold the sailboat to another person who wanted it for a different project. But I never gave up the idea of making a camper out of one. Recently I was given another one for free! So the project is back on again. The boat looks terrible but I can see the diamond in the rough.Will post more pictures as I make progress and please keep the suggestions coming.

RT

[Vedette]

Well probably already comes on a trailer???

when you think outside of the box....anything can happen.
So just do it.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Gold5one]

Folks have taken sailboats and turned them into 5mph houseboats, but I would never have thought of using one for a camper. Fiberglass is heavy and some boats have lead shot molded into the bottom of the hull for stability= more weight.

[Doublacola]

It didn't come with a trailer but I happened to have one, so lucky there. Yes I know these boats can be heavy and lucky this one has been stripped. It was a swinging keel type with a 600 lb.keel that is gone. The trailer will have to be modified so the boat will sit lower making it easier to get in and out of. And I am going to cut this in half. For some reason I can't post pictures, Says files are too large. We'll keep trying.

RT

[rowerwet]

http://www.picresize.com run them through this site or do it the way I do, load them into a Facebook album then Download them from fd. They come out ready for tnttt gallery upload.

[capnTelescope]

Has this been done before?

It sure hasn't been done often. You get to be a pioneer. How fun!

It should be good in the rain.
You could leave some of the rear deck for a back porch. Add a nautical looking ladder to come aboard on.

Do it!

[Doublacola]

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Before I can get started I've got to wait until it gets a little cooler here. Its 95+ degree's every day recently. I visualize the final product as a cross between a teardrop and a very small travel trailer.( Very aerodynamic ) Will possibly have a pop top for more head room. Minimal features. Not so sure about cutting off the bottom, I'm challenged as a carpenter. As a wise man once said " we'll see"
Thanks Rowerwet