340 SB Wide load rules. Anybody towed one?

T

twinscrewzz

Member
Nov 8, 2014
78
Phoenix Az
Boat Info
1989 340 SB. Possible offer
Engines
454 Mercruisers W/V Drives
Getting ready to make an offer on a 340 SB. 12' 6" beam.
Looking like I need wide load permits for Co., NM. and AZ.

Seems pretty straight forward.
Any members have any experience you can share?
 
You will need wide load permits for every state if your load is over 102" wide. On the freeways that's all you need except for the usual wide load signs, flags, etc.

If you're headed for two lane roads you probably will need pilot cars.

Where are you towing it to/from? I would check each state's online site to find out what the requirements are for that specific width. It may be different from what 102" loads require.
 
Thanks for the input so far. I am planning on doing the towing. F550 7.3 powerstroke. 50 gal fuel tank so 3 fuel stops
Well over the 102" 12'6" beam. Over 8'6" requires wide load then another set of rules at 14ft.
Towing thru Colorado, New Mexico and Az. About1000 miles. All interstate until last 15 miles to lake in AZ.
Lessons learned from practical experience will be appreciated.
 
How much cash will you save pulling it yourself? I had my 340 hauled and the rates seemed very reasonable when you factor in the "down and back". Although fuel is half right now what it was when I had mine hauled.

Lessons learned? A portion of the expense in hauling (if arranged by a marina at least) should be the prepping of the boat. If your 89 340 is as tall as a 99 340 the arch will have to be removed for transport. It's too tall to leave in-tact. If you've got radar, hailer, TV, etc up there it can be a bit of a mess. There's a lot going on inside most arches.
 
Sorry...I just noticed you said "SB" which I assume is the Sedan Bridge. Perhaps you can disregard my arch comment. But that sucker is probably wicked tall...good luck!
 
Try to haul it in the early morning hours if possible. Less traffic on the roads at night, less people piling up behind you trying to pass and less LEO's on the road.
 
AZ is pretty easy you can get a 1 day permit I think it's only $10. NM can be challenging, I have had loads wait for 24 or more hrs to get permitted. Don't know about Co.
Where in AZ are you going? I am at Roosevelt Lake.

T. Michael
 
Is the GVW rating of your truck, hitch & trailer adequate for a boat that size? Don't forget to have spare tires, etc. I'm sure that you have done your homework on this. Good luck with everything twinscrewzz.
 
Better check bridge clearance and height restrictions for your trip. Pulling proper permits will give you appropriate routing.
 
You can use a truckers Atlas, like a Rand McNally, that will tell you all low clearances, as defined as less that 13ft 6in, which is height of truck trailers. That will be an excellent source of information for your planned route.

If you can't get below 13ft 6in, you can still make trip but will also require an over height permit as well. Use the atlas to route yourself. Make sure you have an accurate measurement of the boat on the trailer and factor in at least 6 additional inches to be safe.

I'm not sure anymore about whether you need to be escorted through the states you plan, but contacting DOT of each state will help you. Lots of planning goes a long way to making this happen and easily!

Hifirush


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Stee6043 said:
How much cash will you save pulling it yourself? I had my 340 hauled and the rates seemed very reasonable when you factor in the "down and back". Although fuel is half right now what it was when I had mine hauled.

Lessons learned? A portion of the expense in hauling (if arranged by a marina at least) should be the prepping of the boat. If your 89 340 is as tall as a 99 340 the arch will have to be removed for transport. It's too tall to leave in-tact. If you've got radar, hailer, TV, etc up there it can be a bit of a mess. There's a lot going on inside most arches.
Click to expand...
No question arch has to come off. Marina in Co to remove and store arch on rear of the boat. Not much in the way of electronics yet. Wish I could disregard your arch comment but it has one and has to come off.
 
electricaldoctor said:
Is the GVW rating of your truck, hitch & trailer adequate for a boat that size? Don't forget to have spare tires, etc. I'm sure that you have done your homework on this. Good luck with everything twinscrewzz.
Click to expand...

The F550 and super hitch is up to the task.
Spares? This is why I asked for input. :)
 
My thinking is beginning to lean to having the Pro's move the boat. Guess there is a reason they get paid. :{)
 
Arizona Mike said:
AZ is pretty easy you can get a 1 day permit I think it's only $10. NM can be challenging, I have had loads wait for 24 or more hrs to get permitted. Don't know about Co.
Where in AZ are you going? I am at Roosevelt Lake.

T. Michael
Click to expand...

I live in North Phoenix So Lake Pleasant is a 45minute drive. Had a 270 dancer there back in the day Couple years at Bartlett as well.
Probably put it in pleasant harbor. Fees are about 25% less and I can always run the boat over to scorpion bay for lunch at Dillions and Fuel. Currently much cheaper there.
 
twinscrewzz said:
Probably put it in pleasant harbor. Fees are about 25% less and I can always run the boat over to scorpion bay for lunch at Dillions and Fuel. Currently much cheaper there.
Click to expand...
We LOVE Lake Pleasant and were out there just about 6 weeks ago. Great place to explore, lots of places to tuck into drop the hook and relax. FYI, Dillons is no longer at Scorpion Bay. They moved and are not located at Pleasant Harbor. Nice place, much larger, indoor and outdoor seating.

If youi're putting your boat in there, look around for a 290 Dancer named "Two If By Sea". Nice guy named Ron owns it. We were out there in January and had some bad fuel. The motor quit and Ron gave us a tow.

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/76581-Sea-Ray-to-the-rescue!?highlight=Pleasant

Here's a thread from when we were out there in February.
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/77016-A-good-day-on-the-water?highlight=Pleasant

Towing a boat that size is not a daunting task. I towed my 330 over the Cascade mountains twice and to Portland, OR once. If you do your homework, get the necessary permits and equipment and take your time you will do just fine. I'd bet that boat repair shop at Lake Pleasant could put the arch back on for you if you asked, and you could launch it right there.
 
I'm going off topic a bit but as I will be sea trialing it in a week or so. What are the cruise RPM and WOT RPM's expected with the 454s.
 
twinscrewzz said:
I'm going off topic a bit but as I will be sea trialing it in a week or so. What are the cruise RPM and WOT RPM's expected with the 454s.
Click to expand...
I have a 1989 340 sedan bridge, what year is yours? I may be able to help, 340 SB changed In 1988/1989 though.

Sent from my XT1097 using Tapatalk
 
twinscrewzz said:
1989 with big blocks. What type of changes?
Click to expand...

Well I have only owned mine for 6 months but so far I absolutely love it. In 1988 it was the same boat from the outside but the layout was completely different and setup for a single cabin. 1987 and prior was Completely different. You should look 1987 340 SB up on the Internet.
Any questions shoot me a message. Mercruiser 454's?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,220
Messages
1,428,863
Members
61,116
Latest member
Gardnersf
Back
Top