Both of these boats are over the legal width limit of 8' 6". Has anyone been stopped for towing one of these boats without a permit? I am considering buying one of these and I will be trailering from Hagerstown to Kent Island, Ocean City, Delmarva and maybe the CBBT. What are your thoughts on doing this without the overwidth permit. The dealers "suggest" that I won't have any issues as long as I don't drive like an idiot. Thanks.
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Trailering Sailfish and Gulfstream
- Thread starter whalerron
- Start date
I trailered my Gulfstream all over from Md to NY and Md to Key West. I got the permits for the long hauls but was never stopped or checked. I very frequently trailered from Annapolis area to Ocean City (over the rt 50 bridge), all over southern Md and never had a problem.
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As far as the Sailfish; its a much bigger boat. I'll be getting the permits. One word of caution, know your bridges and tunnels, some have increased restrictions.
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As far as the Sailfish; its a much bigger boat. I'll be getting the permits. One word of caution, know your bridges and tunnels, some have increased restrictions.
gerrys
Well-Known Member
There's a lot more enforcement activity lately. But that's only one aspect. Consider your liability. What happens if you're towing illegally and some joker cuts you off, hits you or causes some other calamity. You're the one holding the bag. I realized some time ago that, even though my tow vehicle was technically rated to tow 12,000 pounds, I only had it registered for 5,900. I got that changed real quick.
Going local, I wouldn't worry about it but any longer distance, get a permit. Some states are getting picky (NC) and may bust your stones. Don't trust the dealer, they just want to sell the boat and it's not their rears in the sling if something happens.
jehines3
Well-Known Member
My Marlin is 10'4", it has a trailer, and has been down the road. I won't do it again. At 14' with radar (13'3" without) it is just too much. The sailfish is better and doesn't look as out of place. That said I need new tires for the rig now and getting due for bearing repack. I'd go smaller if my goal is to trailer. My 21' seaswirl was plenty running down the road on a regular basis, I think 23-25' is the best overall trailer size. jh
gw204
Well-Known Member
FYI - You can get aluminum trailers with an 80" wide frame instead of the standard 72". The boat won't overhang that wider trailer as much (if any) so it's less noticeable on the highway.
From the rear, my boat doesn't appear to be any wider than my trailer.
From the rear, my boat doesn't appear to be any wider than my trailer.
tuxedospike
Well-Known Member
Trailering Larger G/W's in Florida
I don't know if Florida's DOT is getting picky or not since I didn't buy a trailer for the Marlin but I've trailered a Hydra Sports that is a Gulfstream Clone for a great many years and one thing I know does excite the local Law down here is when they see large boats that are not wearing stern tie-downs. They will write you a large ticket for that....doesn't count that the boat weighs a lot, they want the trailer under it if it goes airbourne!
I don't know if Florida's DOT is getting picky or not since I didn't buy a trailer for the Marlin but I've trailered a Hydra Sports that is a Gulfstream Clone for a great many years and one thing I know does excite the local Law down here is when they see large boats that are not wearing stern tie-downs. They will write you a large ticket for that....doesn't count that the boat weighs a lot, they want the trailer under it if it goes airbourne!
CJBROWN
GreatGrady Captain
gerrys said:>snip
Consider your liability. What happens if you're towing illegally and some joker cuts you off, hits you or causes some other calamity. You're the one holding the bag.
>snip
X2
This would be the main reason that I would get a permit for an over-sized load. You should also check with your insurance company or an attorney. They could deny coverage because of your illegal act, which could result in a lengthy court case to get them to pay on a claim. I don't think any of us would want to risk that.
A Caltrans permit here is about $90 a year, and there are no travel restrictions if you're under ten and a half feet wide. It's really pretty painless.
When I was looking hard at the bigger boats for trailering (over 10K lbs), these were the most notable suggestions I heard:
Electric over hydraulic brakes
Brakes on all wheels
triple axle with 16.5" truck-style tires
Aluminum trailer to save on weight
Replace hitch on truck with something rated for that much weight
Diesel towing power, 1-ton suggested
Four wheel drive if ramp launching
Allow lots of braking and manuevering room, and plan to take your time
Avoid heavy traffic times and urban areas
Risky
I can tell you as a former MD Trooper it's just not worth it. You could do it and the average road Trooper or police officer would never mess with you. If a DOT guy stops you , those guys know all the rules and will make your day terrible. Besides the liability issue you face if something goes wrong is huge. And thats a bit of a haul from out west to O.C. Best of luck.
I can tell you as a former MD Trooper it's just not worth it. You could do it and the average road Trooper or police officer would never mess with you. If a DOT guy stops you , those guys know all the rules and will make your day terrible. Besides the liability issue you face if something goes wrong is huge. And thats a bit of a haul from out west to O.C. Best of luck.
A
Anonymous
Guest
CJBROWN
GreatGrady Captain
Was surfing THT and found this thread about this subject, worth the read if you're towing heavy:
http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/thre ... 14&start=1
I don't think you need to subscribe to view it, but in case, and to highlight the best post out of the thread:
Kerno writes...
Unfortunately, I am back to work on the boat project today, so I don't have time for a complete response - which I will post later.
I've made the cross country trip three times with large boats. One was Stamas 29 with a 10'6" beam, next was a 9'6" wide Jupiter 31 and the last trip was the 10 foot wide Venture. I carry flags and banners and if I were going through a state that has a stupid attitude, I'd be sure to have a permit. I do have a California annual permit.
The key to successful towing is good brakes - no compromises allowed here: Kodiak discs and a Brake-Rite electric over hydraulic actuator. Next, the trailer has to be rigid enough for the load. I want the trailer frame to stop about at the back of the boat - no stopping the frame forward and then supporting the boat on cantilevered wood Magic Tilt style. For that matter, NO Magic Tilts, please.
You will hit potholes and edges where the road surface is lower than the bridge edges, so remember that the first tires on the trailer get to take the abuse of bouncing the boat up over the edge. You'll be running at least "E" rated 16 inch tires on the trailer and a spare is mandatory.
The real question will always be: What attracts the Highway Patrol/DOT attention? The other question is: What do they want to see so they just keep driving?
I'll get into what I think about that this evening........................
-----
Kern O.
Kerno's Next post. The guy has real hands-on experience and what he says makes more sense than anyone esle on that thread:
OK, here's my take. You are looking at towing a 36 footer. 36 feet of boat just looks big behind almost anything except a Frieghtliner. Please see the first picture below. No, it is not an S-10, it is a 250. Yes, you are over width. Yes, you are required to have permits. But will you ever be asked for them? I have never been. I've been stopped for having a GPS unit sitting on the dash, but the width issue has never come up. I think it is primarily because some boats don't look as wide as they are. I'd never be brave enough to tow with side guides on the trailer. The rub rail is usually the widest point and it is well above most traffic, except for the trucks.
I've found that if you are a private person, there simply does not seem to be much enforcement. That obviously varies from state to state and from what has been posted, North Carolina does not want me to spend any money in their state because they are being stupid. I'd simply drive around it. Most states restrict overwide towing to daylight hours and require flashing lights for movement after dark. I've driven quite a bit both at night and in the early morning, but I have found it a lot easier to find a place to stay and to park in motel lots when it is still light. But I still carry the flags and banners required for daylight movement. I carry a sign for the front of the tow vehicle, a sign for the back of the trailer and red or orange flags to mark the width of the load. I made some simple brackets that bolt on the tow hooks and let me mount a cross bar on the front of the truck. That cross bar has both the yellow and black sign and two sockets for flags. The rear sign is vinyl laminated on an aluminum sheet that fits on the prop shafts. Lastly, I screwed two pipe caps to the trailer frame to support the flags. I use 1/2 PVC pipe for the flags so they will break if hit. But they need to have wood dowels in them or they'll break at the threads from the wind load and vibration.
There are permit agencies that will provide you with the permits for the states you'll be going through. You can also get most of them on line. So, for the first trip, buy the permits and give it a try. You'll quickly find out if anyone cares. I have never, not ever, stopped into a scale with a boat trailer. I think your home state is the one that will give you the most trouble - if anyone does. That is because you are licensed there and easy to ticket. If you are out of state, you are probably just going to be warned if you are on your way out of state. Again, your results may vary, but I feel that if you have the flags and banners and can put them on quickly and be on your way, you are less of a problem.
Local agencies may be worse, so, In those states where you'll be off the main highways, permits may be wise. Twenty bucks a year in Florida? So buy the permit.
Next subject - braking. The one time I have seen again and again is an officer looking over the hitch/chain/electrical setup as he passes. If it looks right, he goes on. If it does not, you stop. The same is true for lights. they all must work properly. Some states require brakes on all axles, Florida being one of them. I had two axles out of three with brakes and no problem. But please don't even consider moving the boat without a Brake Rite or better (if there is one) system. It simply makes it so easy and works so well.
Tires: People cuss Carlisles, but I have had no problem with them even at 117 degrees in Arizona. I carry the proper jack and tools for tire changing and bearing swapping. An infrared thermometer is essential to keep tabs on bearing temperature. Also, if the trailer is new, before you leave the yard, loosen every lug nut half a turn and re-tighten them. I've had some that I could not get loose. That's better done at the boat yard than at the side of the road. Next, drive it about 2 miles and check the bearing temps. If none are significantly higher than others (over 20 degrees), drive anothe 10 to 15 miles and find a nice quiet place to check them again. This time, be prepared to adjust any that are high. You'll need a jack, tools to get the bearing cap off, needle nose pliers and not be in a hurry. Loose bearings are better than tight.
http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/thre ... 14&start=1
I don't think you need to subscribe to view it, but in case, and to highlight the best post out of the thread:
Kerno writes...
Unfortunately, I am back to work on the boat project today, so I don't have time for a complete response - which I will post later.
I've made the cross country trip three times with large boats. One was Stamas 29 with a 10'6" beam, next was a 9'6" wide Jupiter 31 and the last trip was the 10 foot wide Venture. I carry flags and banners and if I were going through a state that has a stupid attitude, I'd be sure to have a permit. I do have a California annual permit.
The key to successful towing is good brakes - no compromises allowed here: Kodiak discs and a Brake-Rite electric over hydraulic actuator. Next, the trailer has to be rigid enough for the load. I want the trailer frame to stop about at the back of the boat - no stopping the frame forward and then supporting the boat on cantilevered wood Magic Tilt style. For that matter, NO Magic Tilts, please.
You will hit potholes and edges where the road surface is lower than the bridge edges, so remember that the first tires on the trailer get to take the abuse of bouncing the boat up over the edge. You'll be running at least "E" rated 16 inch tires on the trailer and a spare is mandatory.
The real question will always be: What attracts the Highway Patrol/DOT attention? The other question is: What do they want to see so they just keep driving?
I'll get into what I think about that this evening........................
-----
Kern O.
Kerno's Next post. The guy has real hands-on experience and what he says makes more sense than anyone esle on that thread:
OK, here's my take. You are looking at towing a 36 footer. 36 feet of boat just looks big behind almost anything except a Frieghtliner. Please see the first picture below. No, it is not an S-10, it is a 250. Yes, you are over width. Yes, you are required to have permits. But will you ever be asked for them? I have never been. I've been stopped for having a GPS unit sitting on the dash, but the width issue has never come up. I think it is primarily because some boats don't look as wide as they are. I'd never be brave enough to tow with side guides on the trailer. The rub rail is usually the widest point and it is well above most traffic, except for the trucks.
I've found that if you are a private person, there simply does not seem to be much enforcement. That obviously varies from state to state and from what has been posted, North Carolina does not want me to spend any money in their state because they are being stupid. I'd simply drive around it. Most states restrict overwide towing to daylight hours and require flashing lights for movement after dark. I've driven quite a bit both at night and in the early morning, but I have found it a lot easier to find a place to stay and to park in motel lots when it is still light. But I still carry the flags and banners required for daylight movement. I carry a sign for the front of the tow vehicle, a sign for the back of the trailer and red or orange flags to mark the width of the load. I made some simple brackets that bolt on the tow hooks and let me mount a cross bar on the front of the truck. That cross bar has both the yellow and black sign and two sockets for flags. The rear sign is vinyl laminated on an aluminum sheet that fits on the prop shafts. Lastly, I screwed two pipe caps to the trailer frame to support the flags. I use 1/2 PVC pipe for the flags so they will break if hit. But they need to have wood dowels in them or they'll break at the threads from the wind load and vibration.
There are permit agencies that will provide you with the permits for the states you'll be going through. You can also get most of them on line. So, for the first trip, buy the permits and give it a try. You'll quickly find out if anyone cares. I have never, not ever, stopped into a scale with a boat trailer. I think your home state is the one that will give you the most trouble - if anyone does. That is because you are licensed there and easy to ticket. If you are out of state, you are probably just going to be warned if you are on your way out of state. Again, your results may vary, but I feel that if you have the flags and banners and can put them on quickly and be on your way, you are less of a problem.
Local agencies may be worse, so, In those states where you'll be off the main highways, permits may be wise. Twenty bucks a year in Florida? So buy the permit.
Next subject - braking. The one time I have seen again and again is an officer looking over the hitch/chain/electrical setup as he passes. If it looks right, he goes on. If it does not, you stop. The same is true for lights. they all must work properly. Some states require brakes on all axles, Florida being one of them. I had two axles out of three with brakes and no problem. But please don't even consider moving the boat without a Brake Rite or better (if there is one) system. It simply makes it so easy and works so well.
Tires: People cuss Carlisles, but I have had no problem with them even at 117 degrees in Arizona. I carry the proper jack and tools for tire changing and bearing swapping. An infrared thermometer is essential to keep tabs on bearing temperature. Also, if the trailer is new, before you leave the yard, loosen every lug nut half a turn and re-tighten them. I've had some that I could not get loose. That's better done at the boat yard than at the side of the road. Next, drive it about 2 miles and check the bearing temps. If none are significantly higher than others (over 20 degrees), drive anothe 10 to 15 miles and find a nice quiet place to check them again. This time, be prepared to adjust any that are high. You'll need a jack, tools to get the bearing cap off, needle nose pliers and not be in a hurry. Loose bearings are better than tight.
OakIsland
Member
If you are towing in or through NC you need to know that anybody trailering a boat is a HUGE RED FLAG for being stopped.
I don't know how they enforce laws with respect to out-of-staters, but I can assure you that if you have a NC license and you don't have all of what they are looking for you are in really deep doo-doo.
For example, if you are over 102" with either the boat OR the trailer(including guide-ons), and the mentioned boats ARE, then you will need to pay a $100 tribute to acquire the requisite "oversize permit." That having been accomplished, you must display the appropriate flags, banners, escort vehicles as required by whatever width you measure. THEN, you MUST NOT TRAVEL on holidays, after dark, or on Sundays.
Don't even THINK about getting near a fishing tournament if you don't have everything you need.
Here's a few more things:
If your trailer is even RATED for 10,000# or more you must hold a "Class A" driver's license. Make SURE you have purchased a weighted tag that covers the combined weight of your trailer (as loaded... fuel, junk, etc.) and tow vehicle. If you are stopped, the officer will interview you with the intent of deciding whether you fish for money or prizes.... if you do, he will likely cite you for not having a CDL and all of the requirements that go along with that.
In conversation with the NC Attorney General's Office, I was told that some tickets had been written for as much as $25,000, but those were thrown out of court. Many of those in the $2,000 range have stood the test of the courts.
If you are towing in NC.... you had better know and follow the law.
In fact, I'm going to start a new thread and repost this...... with a bit more information......
I don't know how they enforce laws with respect to out-of-staters, but I can assure you that if you have a NC license and you don't have all of what they are looking for you are in really deep doo-doo.
For example, if you are over 102" with either the boat OR the trailer(including guide-ons), and the mentioned boats ARE, then you will need to pay a $100 tribute to acquire the requisite "oversize permit." That having been accomplished, you must display the appropriate flags, banners, escort vehicles as required by whatever width you measure. THEN, you MUST NOT TRAVEL on holidays, after dark, or on Sundays.
Don't even THINK about getting near a fishing tournament if you don't have everything you need.
Here's a few more things:
If your trailer is even RATED for 10,000# or more you must hold a "Class A" driver's license. Make SURE you have purchased a weighted tag that covers the combined weight of your trailer (as loaded... fuel, junk, etc.) and tow vehicle. If you are stopped, the officer will interview you with the intent of deciding whether you fish for money or prizes.... if you do, he will likely cite you for not having a CDL and all of the requirements that go along with that.
In conversation with the NC Attorney General's Office, I was told that some tickets had been written for as much as $25,000, but those were thrown out of court. Many of those in the $2,000 range have stood the test of the courts.
If you are towing in NC.... you had better know and follow the law.
In fact, I'm going to start a new thread and repost this...... with a bit more information......
BobP
GreatGrady Captain
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2005
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- Model
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OakIsland
Member
Go measure your boat....I'm betting that (1) if you measure over the rub rails you will exceed 8'-6" and that (2) virtually every trailer of a boat that long is going to have guide-ons, which will exceed the inviolable 8'-6" rule, too....
BobP
GreatGrady Captain
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2005
- Messages
- 4,746
- Reaction score
- 6
- Points
- 38
- Location
- Long Island, NY
- Model
- Sailfish
I would take the Islander boat specs from Grady into court and show the judge. I bet Grady specs on beam are on target.
I wonder if the DOT has the proper equipment to take such a field measurement on beam width.
But besides the technical issues, it's nothing less than speed trap towns making revenue from these busts- figuring large boat owners are loaded anyway. So it's either pay or no play, when the coeffers need replenishment.
I wonder if the DOT has the proper equipment to take such a field measurement on beam width.
But besides the technical issues, it's nothing less than speed trap towns making revenue from these busts- figuring large boat owners are loaded anyway. So it's either pay or no play, when the coeffers need replenishment.