Mozzi puts sting in boat carrier market

A Victorian builder has re-invented the roof-top boat carrier, launching a unique new design that aims to make life easier for people who want to take a tinnie on their next trip and have it easily unloaded or loaded in a matter of minutes.

Two years in development, the Mozzi Boat Loader is made of aluminium with removable wheels, so the boat and trailer travel right-side-up on top of a vehicle with all the fishing gear inside.

Inventor Rod Cameron, who developed the concept using his son's Meccano set, says the all-in-one Mozzi has a few advantages over most other roof-top carriers, which generally position the boat upside-down and require a separate trailer when unloaded.

“There are a couple of problems with (positioning the boat upside down),” he says. “One is that aerodynamically it’s not very good; the wind comes off the windscreen straight up under the boat, and the boat acts as an umbrella or parachute.”

Carrying the boat right-side-up also means gear such as fishing rods and lifejackets, or even the outboard motor, can be carried inside the boat, depending on the roof load capacity of the vehicle.

Having a boat and trailer that simply slides off the back of the vehicle via an electric winch system also speeds things up at the boat ramp, he says, with a set-up time of less than three minutes.

“Basically, they can say I’m going fishing for an hour, rather than taking an hour to set up to go fishing."

The trailer is registrable but a lack of suspension means towing speeds are limited to 40km/h. The high quality roof-rack is also usable when not carrying a boat.

Two different versions of the Mozzi boat loader are available, for utes and SUVs. The ute version has a stronger steel roof rack, to cope with heavier loads, as opposed to the SUV’s lighter aluminium version.

The package also includes an aluminum boat trailer, two telescopic aluminum loaders, XT25 Warn winch with remote control, and tow ball bracket.

Pricing starts at $6500 for the SUV version, and all up the roof rack and boat trailer weighs 67kg including wheels.

Options include the choice of four BlueFin Trekker tinnies, ranging in size from 2.95m to 3.75m, which add around $1500-$2000 to the price. Custom-designed canvas boat covers are also available.

Finished in durable powdercoat, the Mozzi is manufactured locally at metal fabrication specialists Riva Fab in Echuca, Victoria, and comes with a 12 month warranty.

“We’ve built it so it’s tough, durable and going to last,” he says.

The unique design is fully patented and Cameron is so confident of it being a hit, especially with grey nomads, that he sold his house and invested “a lot of money” in the business. He also plans to have a crack at the lucrative US market in the near future.

The Mozzi Boat Loader will be on display at this week’s Bendigo Leisurefest RV and boat show, or visit the Mozzi website for further details.