ISUZU NPS 4X4 Truck Custom Boat Loader : Built for Catching Fish

Andrew and Briohny owners of Accelerate who have spent the last 20months travelling Australia in their Isuzu NPS 4x4 Truck, explain how they take their SeaJay 3.7m Nomad High Side Boat off the top of their Isuzu NPS 4x4 Truck.

Breaking Down Our Boat Loader Setup

Starting with the Winch

First, we back off the winch, which holds the boat securely on the truck while we travel. We have a Runva EWT4500 12V with Synthetic Rope.  The Runva has held up great for us. As we have two The Bush Company Roof-Top Tents on the truck, we also have ladders from Bush Company that we use all the time to get up and down off the truck. We've just added a couple of extra bolts onto the tents that allow us to open the canopy doors while the ladders are attached. This helps with quick access to our storage and tools, which has come in handy more times than I can count.

Unhooking and Unstrapping the Boat

The next step is to remove all straps and the boat cover. Each strap is attached to the canopy or support beams for stability, but it ensures everything stays in place on bumpy roads. Over time, a few parts have gotten a little rusty from saltwater exposure, but they still do the job. Once we take off the straps, we carefully winch the boat back, allowing us to attach the wheels and stability bars

Building the Trailer (a.k.a. Wheels)

Inside the boat, we store the two wheels that have solid steel axles. They’re heavier than they need to be, but they give us peace of mind knowing they can withstand rough terrain when towing the boat. We bolt these into place on the trailer then attach the stability arms.

Securing with Stabilizer Arms

To ensure the boat doesn't just fall off the roof we have had these stabilizer arms fabricated. they attach onto the hitch of the truck and then onto the trailer chassis. They are extendable so we have some pins that lock them in place when not in use so there is no pinch point. Once the stabilizer arms are attached to the truck and trailer it's time to lower the boat down.

Hitch for Caravan and Boat

Finally on our Shocker hitch we swap the D045 pin over to 50mm ball to allow us to tow the boat trailer. 

FAQs: Answering Your Questions about Our Custom Boat Loader

How do you get the boat down?
We use a front-mounted winch to lift the boat off and carefully guide it down with stabilizer arms and custom supports. Usually, I joke that I just “lift it down,” but as you saw, there’s quite a bit of strategy to it.

What’s the total height with the boat on?
With the boat loaded, we’re about 3.65 meters tall, but we allow a little wiggle room and say it’s 3.7. 

What model and size is your boat?
It’s a Sea Jay Nomad 3.7 high side, chosen for stability on open water and enough space for the whole family.

What motor are you running?
Currently, it’s an older Yamaha 20-horsepower two-stroke. It’s been reliable for the most part, though we might upgrade it soon.

Who designed and built the boat loader?
Our custom setup was designed and built by Luke at Penny Industries. It was a rush job that came together just before our departure, but it’s been solid and reliable.

What kind of boat cover do you use?
We’ve gone through a few covers, but the Anaconda brand has held up best. 

Why is your crocodile logo upside down?
The setup changed halfway through the trip! Originally, the boat was upside down with a foldable trailer inside the canopy. We found it more practical to load it right side up, so we made the switch.

Do you actually use the boat, and is it worth it?
Absolutely. Our family’s best memories are on the water, and the boat lets us see parts of the landscape we’d otherwise miss. Fishing, wildlife spotting, and exploring hidden beaches have made it more than worth the investment.

What fish have you caught recently?

You name it, we've caught it. Whaoo, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Spanish... we go snorkelling, whale watching and have lots of adventures in it.

Would you choose a bigger boat if you could do it again?
Possibly. In hindsight, a slightly bigger boat would have been nice. But we’re happy with the setup we have, and it’s been perfect for our needs.

Any tips for convincing your partner to bring a boat along?
Briony’s tip: get a boat big enough for the whole family so your partner can enjoy some peace!

Final Thoughts

This boat loader has been with us through thick and thin, across beaches, rough tracks, and rivers. While we’ve learned a lot along the way, the memories we’ve made have been worth every modification and adjustment. Our journey may be over for now, but this setup will be ready when the road calls again.

Check out the full video walkthrough to see it all in action, and let us know if you have any more questions! Happy touring!