I have a 12 foot cataraft and Im thinking of getting a trailer to reduce setup and breakdown time on the river. Most of the rivers I fish are 2-5 hours away so I'd have to put in a decent amount of freeway time. Im curious if any of you use a trailer for a cataraft and/or see any issues with driving these distances on the freeway with a trailer? If not, any recommendations of brands and/or sizes of trailers that work well for a 12 foot inflatable?

I trailer my ten foot steelheader guide model. Your right, it is a much less painful trip if you set up at home and then just slide into the water once you get there.. As for the trailer, I personally have a 10x6 flat cedar decked olympic that I simply use cam straps to secure my cat. I bought it in olympia direct from the builder for like 875 bucks they were willing to make deals... The highway is fine as long as you properly secure your cataraft. Its also important to make sure that the manufacturer of your trailer uses the proper bearings that can handle the heat of long road trips...Always ask about the limits of their bearings. Mine came with a 3 yr warranty. Hope this helps some.
Drew

Thanks for the info Drew, I'll be sure to ask about the bearings. I was curious how you would secure the boat/pontoons to the trailer, I guess the cam straps directly to the pontoons is the way to go. I have a 12 foot Steelheader II. I figure a 12 foot flat bottom trailer would be the way to go. It will have to fit into my narrow garage so I'm looking for one as narrow as possible. Maybe 12'X6'.

I also trailer my 10 ft creek company. I custom made bunks carpeted bunks to craddle the pontoons. I also use the camlock straps. Set my trailer up so I could easily remove the bunks when I wanted to use it for hauling other things. I have not used since winter steelhead but am looking for to getting it back in the water again. Here are some pictures.

That's a nice setup! The moped must work well for the shuttle. Thanks for pics FishCatcher!

Amigo,
I bought an old travel trailer, stripped it down to the axels, installed a plywood floor & wind shield. Placed some rollers on the deck for easy loading & unloading. It is 27' long and hauls 2 Cat-a-Rafts end to end and a motorcycle. Putting a raft together to fish & then breaking it down is the pits. You don't need brakes on the trailer, and if you set it up right, you can also haul your motor cycle. Mostly you have to be careful of how you lash down your equiptment on the raft when you travel!! Its amazing how the wind & road vibration will loosen various objects.
Raft-Cat

I have one of those 4x8 kit trailers for my 10ft boat. It has eye bolts between the bunks that I use for strapping the boat down. I run the straps over the boat frame. When I bought my boat I was told that it's best to take it apart for long trips to reduce wear on the tubes from any rubbing that comes with road vibration. I haven't gone anywhere more than 1.5hrs from home and I haven't noticed any wear on the tubes from it.

If you want an awesome raft trailer that also makes a great utility trailer and is perfect for long hauls, go here: http://fishcraft.com/FrmTrailers.html

I have 2 of Skookum's pontoons. I used to put them inside my 13 1/2' Columbian when we would go up to Kamploops for a week long fishing trip. I always took them fully assembled but slightly deflated as the elevation difference was enough to really put a strain on the tubes.

One time on the way home we had to stop twice to refill the tubes due to the difference in pressure from the altitude change. I never had any problems with chafing or wear on the tubes. My biggest problem always came from the altitude change deflating/inflating the tubes.

Also, I always used separate cam lock straps to secure the boats. That way it was easy to pull them out and fish. I also used to put the two of them fully assembled on top of the Grand Cherokee. They were a hassle to tie down but it worked great!

FishCatcher:

You use your trailer/ cat / moped for solo trips? If so, it sounds like you got it all worked out!
I personally on the other hand, have a pickup / cat / and a pissed of fiance! (shuttling me around)

Give me some feedback on a typical day and whatcha do solo wise with your cat /shuttle setup?
I have to bait my fiance a bit to keep her interested...
To appease her while I'm floating I have to fork over antiquing money to keep her busy in nearby towns. This angle has been working but after seeing your setup I just realized it would be cheaper to buy a moped and trailer! Not mentioning easing the pressure on the lil lady.
Like most things in life - it's just takes more money!

FishCacther- you must be locking up the moped at your take-out spot? any issues involved with that?

Lofty

I do solo trips. I have only used it on one of our local rivers. I get out early enough to drop my trailbike at the takeout. I use 2 or 3 coated cables to lock my bike to guardrail or a tree. I started carrying my boat to the launch site piece by piece and putting it together. A little time consuming. I have put together a quick disconnect wheel system so I can assemble it at the trailer and wheelbarrow it to the river. The bike is a Honda trail 90. I have a custom made bracket on the front I bought. It allows me to carry 2 rods. At the take out I cable off my boat. Take all my gear, put it in a pack and tie it off to the rack on the back of a trail bike. I have not had any security problems yet. I did leave my net half way between the launch and takeout once. I did not return for it. I customized my pontoon boat also. Added rod holders, raised swivel seat and a standup platform. I carry a 100qt cooler. Hopefully this helps give you some ideas. If there is anything I missed let me know.

Here is a photo of my boat setup.

FishCatcher-
great info - thanks for your input.
You've got a sweet cataraft set-up !
Think i'll be on the look out for a honda trail 90.