December 2004
Southampton-based Boat Loads Ltd is operating a new mini tractor unit and trailer combination which can transport motor cruisers and yachts weighing up to five tonnes, and still be driven on a B+E licence.
The vehicle comprises an Iveco Daily 40C15 chassis crew cab plated at 3,500kg and operating with a 36ft long twin-axle trailer manufactured by RM Trailers.
Offering an unrivalled gross train weight of 8,700 kg, the Daily Artic is used across the UK and on the Continent and carries an impressive specification which includes an air-suspended driver’s seat, heated windscreen, electric windows, electric mirrors, driver’s airbag, front fog lights, cruise control and central locking with alarm. It is also equipped with a cross axle differential lock, side-exiting exhaust and 2.3m long mirror arms.
The crew cab has also been converted into a sleeper unit and fitted with a night heater, making it ideally suited for long journeys to Spain.
Nigel Kiltz, Managing Director of Boat Loads Ltd, explains: “The new Daily Artic and trailer have been tailored specifically to transport boats weighing up to five tonnes and around 35ft in length.
“Traditionally, customers wanting to transport a boat longer than 27ft had to rely on operators running full size tractor units with low loaders, which made even small journeys prohibitively expensive. The size of the Daily helps keep our running costs down, whilst its excellent manoeuvrability affords us better access in restricted locations,” he adds.
The Iveco Daily Artic and RM Trailers combination can also handle lighter boats up to 45ft in length, such as older Thames Launches which overall weight is kept below five tonnes thanks to their thin plywood construction. It can also be used to transport individual masts up to 80 ft in length.
The Daily Artic will be in regular operation and is expected to make approximately 30 individual boat movements per month. Supplied by Hendy Truck, the local Iveco distributor, it will cover around 50,000 miles a year and remain on the fleet for at least three years.
Release date: 7 December 2004