"Courtney Thomas" wrote in message
...

I'd like to build a steel cradle that could be adjusted for different
sizes [up to 50' and say, 30,000#] to transport boats on a flat bed
truck, obviously in the least expensive, safe manner.

Detachment from the flatbed, being disassemblable into man-size
maneuverable components, and being capable of being "sledded" across the
ground with a boat in-cradle; would also be desirable.


Your upper size range is going to make this difficult-too nearly impossible.
Once you get the boat and cradle on a low-boy trailer, the overall height
will be more than the 14' limit of most highways.

A boat hauler trailer is designed to get the bottom of the keel down low and
normally only hads a foot to 18 inches to the overall height.. They use have
a special drop axle design and the keel rests well below the wheel center.
With a cradle you boat keel would be several feet off the road bed.

What your considering might work for a boat in the 30 ft range without
much cabin truck. In this case you could load the boat on a regular boat
trailer that could then be loaded onto a flat bed (wheels removed if more
clearance is required).


--
My opinion and experience. FWIW

Steve
s/v Good Intentions