If you’re searching for a lowboy trailer to transport a 2001 Carver 350 Mariner, you’re likely looking to haul this spacious, 36-foot flybridge yacht safely and efficiently. The Carver 350 Mariner, a popular motor yacht known for its roomy interior and entertainment-ready design, weighs approximately 19,300 lbs dry and measures 36’7″ in length with a 12’9″ beam. Finding a lowboy trailer to meet these specs requires precision, as the trailer must handle the boat’s size, weight, and unique hull design while adhering to road regulations. As of September 2025, here’s a clear guide to sourcing the right lowboy trailer, navigating costs, and ensuring a secure transport for your Carver 350 Mariner.
Understanding the 2001 Carver 350 Mariner’s Needs
The 2001 Carver 350 Mariner is a fiberglass, planing-hull yacht built for comfort, with a spacious cockpit, large swim platform, and flybridge ideal for cruising or entertaining. Its key specs for trailering include:
- Weight: ~19,300 lbs dry (add ~2,000–3,000 lbs for gear, fuel, and water).
- Length: 36’7″ overall, requiring extra clearance for overhang.
- Beam: 12’9″, demanding a wide-load permit in many regions.
- Draft: 3’1″ (shallow for its class but needs a low deck height for clearance).
- Height: ~12’6″ from keel to flybridge top, necessitating a lowboy’s low profile to avoid bridge restrictions.
A lowboy trailer—known for its low deck height and high payload capacity—is ideal for transporting this vessel, especially for oversized loads requiring stability and compliance with road height limits (typically 13’6″ in the U.S.).
Why a Lowboy Trailer?
Lowboy trailers, often called double-drop trailers, are designed for heavy, tall cargo like boats, offering a deck height below the wheelbase for maximum clearance. For the Carver 350 Mariner, a lowboy ensures:
- Height Management: Keeps the total transport height under legal limits.
- Stability: A low center of gravity prevents tipping during turns or high winds.
- Heavy-Duty Capacity: Supports the yacht’s 20,000+ lbs fully loaded.
- Ease of Loading: Drop ramps or removable goosenecks simplify getting the boat on and off.
Types to consider include fixed gooseneck lowboys (lightweight, longer deck) or removable gooseneck (RGN) lowboys (shorter deck, higher capacity), depending on your towing setup and route needs.
Where to Find a Lowboy Trailer for the Carver 350 Mariner
Sourcing a lowboy trailer for a 2001 Carver 350 Mariner in 2025 involves exploring specialized markets, as standard trailers won’t cut it. Here’s where to look:
Specialty Boat Trailer Retailers
Companies like Loadmaster and Myco Trailers specialize in custom boat trailers. They offer heavy-duty lowboys tailored for yachts like the Carver 350 Mariner, with features like adjustable bunks to fit the hull and galvanized frames for corrosion resistance. Contact dealers directly for quotes, specifying your boat’s dimensions and weight. Expect new trailers to start at $15,000–$25,000 for a custom fit.
Used Trailer Marketplaces
For budget-conscious buyers, used lowboys can be found on platforms like Boat Trader, YachtWorld, or marine-focused forums like CarverYachtOwners.com. A 2023 post on a similar forum listed a used heavy-duty trailer for a comparable yacht at $8,000, though condition varies. Always inspect for rust, axle wear, and load capacity, and verify compatibility with the Carver’s V-drive hull.
Heavy Equipment Retailers
Sites like Machinio or Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel offer lowboy trailers for oversized loads, often used for construction but adaptable for boats. A used 2000s-era lowboy capable of 20,000+ lbs might range from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on axle count (tri-axle recommended) and condition.
Local Marine Classifieds
Check regional listings on sites like Craigslist or The Atlanta Constitution archives (e.g., a 2003 ad listed similar boat trailers around $12,000). Local marinas or boatyards near you may also connect you with owners selling compatible trailers.
Estimated Costs and Considerations
The cost of a lowboy trailer for a 2001 Carver 350 Mariner depends on condition, customization, and features:
- New Custom Lowboy: $15,000–$30,000, including adjustable bunks, hydraulic brakes, and DOT-compliant lighting.
- Used Lowboy: $8,000–$18,000, with older models needing maintenance checks for axles and frame integrity.
- Additional Costs: Factor in $500–$2,000 for permits (wide-load/overheight), $1,000–$3,000 for professional transport if not towing yourself, and $200–$500 for cradle or keel blocks to secure the hull.
Key considerations:
- Towing Vehicle: Requires a heavy-duty truck (e.g., 1-ton dually) with a towing capacity of 25,000+ lbs and a gooseneck hitch.
- Regulations: Wide-load permits are mandatory for a 12’9″ beam; check state DOT rules for route restrictions.
- Storage: Ensure you have space to store a 40’+ trailer when not in use.
- Inspection: For used trailers, hire a marine surveyor to verify structural integrity, as the Carver’s weight demands robust support.
Tips for Securing the Right Trailer
- Verify Specs: Confirm the trailer’s payload exceeds 22,000 lbs and deck length accommodates 38’+ for bow/stern overhang.
- Custom Fit: Opt for adjustable bunks to match the Carver’s modified-vee hull, ensuring even weight distribution.
- Check Forums: Engage with CarverYachtOwners.com or similar communities; members often share leads on trailers or warn of pitfalls (e.g., a 2023 post flagged a seller with mismatched specs).
- Avoid Scams: Stick to reputable sellers; beware of deals under $5,000, as they’re often too good to be true for heavy-duty lowboys.
- Test Load: Before purchase, simulate loading with a similar-sized vessel to confirm stability and clearance.
The Bigger Picture in 2025
The demand for lowboy trailers for yachts like the Carver 350 Mariner is rising, as boating surges in popularity (a 2024 report noted a 12% increase in yacht sales). Supply chain constraints have tightened used trailer availability, pushing prices up 10–15% since 2023. Still, diligent searching—especially in coastal hubs like Florida or California—yields viable options. User stories highlight success: One owner moved their 2001 Carver 350 across states with a custom Myco lowboy, praising its stability on winding routes.
Conclusion: Hauling Your Carver with Confidence
Finding a lowboy trailer for a 2001 Carver 350 Mariner in September 2025 is a quest for precision and patience. With costs ranging from $8,000 (used) to $30,000 (new), the right trailer ensures your yacht travels safely, whether to a new marina or a storage yard. Check specialty retailers, marine forums, and local listings, prioritize specs that match the Carver’s heft, and always inspect before buying. Your 350 Mariner deserves a ride as smooth as its cruises—start your search, secure the trailer, and hit the road with confidence.
