I've been thinking about a possible career change lately, breaking away from the family business.

As a crane operator I unload quite a few trailers loaded with boats, most of the trucks and trailers are specifically designed for it. My thoughts are to build a tractor with a folding crane(knuckle boom) behind the sleeper and a flat deck behind that, with a ~40' tagalong. With the crane I would be able to unload anywhere any time without waiting for a rental crane to show up, maybe even charge the customer for unloading.

I'm just wondering from experienced boat haulers what kind of rates are you getting, is this a feasible idea?

 

I guess not.