12 Place Canoe Trailer Plans
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Specialty trailer for carrying up to12 full size canoes or kayaks. Designed originally for a Boy Scout Canoe Base, so it includes easy on/off, and options for on-board life jacket and paddle storage.
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$ 29.99 - Complete Plans
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Description
Description
Certainly a specialty trailer, but when you need to haul a lot of canoes . . . This canoe trailer will haul 12 boats, with easy loading, unloading and tie-down. The design is strong for long life, and it is stable to pull well – empty or full. Check out all the unique features. If you need to haul a bunch of canoes, or kayaks, then this is a great trailer to do it with.
These are Do-it-Yourself plans, so build the trailer to meet your specific needs. While it will hold 12 boats, you can also make it for 9, making it easier to load. For an awesome canoe or kayak hauling trailer, start with these plans!
Canoe Trailer Design
Like all our trailers, this one has a design for Strength, on road Stability, and great Function.
For Strength and simplicity, the trailer uses standard steel beams with triangulation for rigidity. It is strong, by design, starting at the frame.
Towing Stability is natural by adhering to design fundamentals. The canoe trailer plans have the right design, with easy to follow instructions.
Function is just part of the plan. It will carry a full load of boats, yet be easy to use. The 4-up canoes use space effectively so the top canoes are not too high. The trailer is long enough for 12 canoes, but is as short as practical for maneuverability.
For Equipment Storage, there are 2 optional cabinets. See the pictures. One opens from the top, the other (at the back) opens with a door. These give easy access to equipment even when canoes are on. Storage boxes fit standard size equipment, but there is room to modify a little to meet other size requirements. Add a latch for security and a tarp for cover, then the trailer serves as an off season storage rack too.
If you need to carry half as many boats, try our 6-place rack for canoes or kayaks.
Specifications
Specifications
12 Place Canoe Trailer Plans
- Single Axle, Leaf Spring Design. Choose Axle Capacity of 5400 lb. or 6000 lb.
- 26′ Overall Trailer Length. (Max width dependent on boats.)
- 12 Canoe/Kayak capacity (each with separate tie points)
- On board storage for PFD’s and paddles.
- Steel, welded construction (main frame and uprights).
- Plans include complete drawings and instructions.
More About The Design Features
More About The Design Features
Plans for this Single Axle Canoe / Kayak Trailer come by special request. The trailer will carry up to 12 canoes or kayaks with a boat length up to 18 feet long. Plans include optional storage space to carry paddles, PFD’s and other things for the trip.
These canoe trailer plans are complete. They include options for customization, a full list of materials, suggested parts and sources, complete illustrated instructions, full detailed drawings, and more. Read about What is in the Plans
Canoe Trailer Plans & Details:
- Trailer length including the tongue is 26 ft. (Does not include boats.)
- Width, including canoes and rack, is approximately 8 ft. 6 inches. (Check local laws for width constraints.)
- Overall trailer height depends on options — up to 8 ft. 6 inches without boats. (Slightly higher with boats on top.) (Note: A step stool may be required to access the top boat.)
- Bed height depends on design options — from 16 inches up. (Standard height is a 20 inches at the hitch.)
- Dimensions will vary slightly with equipment choices and construction options.
- Trailer will carry a maximum of 12 canoes or kayaks, each up to 18 ft length. Boats secure to the racks via straps to tie-down loops welded on the frame. Your choice of straps (rope, bungees, tie-downs, etc.) will effect the security of the boats during transit. Please secure the boats carefully.
- Several options in the plans provide a variety of functions. Some options are mutually exclusive. Not all options are in the pictures here.
- Trailer weight depends on the options chosen, however, if done complete, empty trailer weight is approximately 1500 lbs. A loaded trailer will be much more. Please be sure your tow vehicle can handle these loads.
For more plans info, read about what the plans contain, and why our trailer plans are better.
Construction requires metal working skills like cutting, drilling, set-up and welding.
Max Load Capacity depends on the axle option chosen (4000 or 6000 lbs), and must include the trailer weight.
Maximizing Your Project
Plans from Mechanical Elements are an awesome start to a great project. Here are even more resources!
First: For more info, please read: What's In The Plans? and What Makes Our Trailer Plans Better?
Second: Purchase plans with the "Add to Cart" button, then right after payment, a digital copy is ready to save to your computer. Please see this article for answers about getting the plans.
Third: We have many articles to help with trailer building. Just type a question in the Show Me bar (top of this page), then press "GO". Or, for simple browsing, visit Articles from the Mechanic.
Reminder:
Trailer building requires metal working skill and tools for things like cutting, drilling, and accurate set-up, as well as welding skill. Strength, durability, and enjoyment depend on building the trailer well. Build it well, then Enjoy the Finished Project !!
Notes for Success
* Trailer load capacity depends on all the parts and materials, as well as the craftsmanship in building. All Mechanical Elements trailers are engineered to perform as stated when built as defined with proper care in construction – including parts, material, construction techniques, weld integrity, assembly methods, and finishing. Capacity for this trailer also requires proper choices for parts such as the hitch, axle(s), wheels, tires, safety chain, decking, bolts, pins, etc. Please make sure component load capacities match or exceed the trailer total capacity. Do not exceed manufacturers limits.
For trouble-free trailer life, think care and safety. Please select fastening methods to handle how and where the trailer will operate – including vibration, proper fastener types, bolt grades, torques, and nut types (like lock nuts). Then, be smart about loading the trailer, load distribution, tire pressure, tire condition and the mechanics of towing. We want you safe to enjoy your trailer for a long time ahead. Always use proper safety and securing equipment when loading and towing a trailer.
Thank You — The Mechanical Elements Team
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