38' trailer

E

e-roc

New Member
Apr 12, 2010
4
Grand Haven, MI
Boat Info
Sundancer 380
Engines
Mercruiser
Hello CSR's!

Im a complete newbie that just purchased a 38' SD380 and am in the market for a trailer now. Does anyone have a suggestion on where to begin my search? I certainly wouldnt be opposed to renting either. I just dont know where to look.

any suggestions are much appreciated.
 
This is going to be a permitted, 13' wide, 25,000 lb. load, with trailer, fuel and water. Might be better to rent the boat instead of a trailer to pull it somewhere.
 
If you are an expericed driver and have alot of experiance towing go ahead and tow. as long as you have a 1 ton dually or bigger, I would have a custom aluminum trailer made. I would not tow every weekend, but its not a big deal as long as you have the correct equipment.
 
And since you are over 12 feet wide, you'll need pilot cars ahead and behind. Piece of cake!

Trailers for boats this size are generally custom built. Nobody builds these and HOPES for a buyer! The other option would be to find a marina going out of business that might have one that is hydraulically adjustable to fit all of the boats they work on or move to and from dry storage.
 
mwph said:
Are you guys actually incouraging e-roc to attempt to tow this boat or is my sarcasm radar not tunned on?
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Better check your switch and fuses! :grin:

Shoot, SOMEBODY had to tow this boat from the factory right? It can be done, as long as you have a small tractor, proper trailer, oversized load permits and appropriate pilot cars front and rear! :huh:
 
By no means do I think weekly "trailering" a 38 DA is good idea but I suppose you could want a trailer for other reasons . . ., storage, haul outs, transport. Sure doesn't sound to economical but then again neither does a 38 DA to me so to each their own.
 
I was just surprised you guys didn't read him the riot act. Especially since his post started out with "Im a complete newbie that just purchased a 38' SD380"

e-roc, I have no idea of your experience so I'm sorry if I offended you, but hauling anything 40' long is a job for professionals only. Before you look into road permits (for every jurisdiction you want to haul through) look into your insurance policy.
 
Why do you need a trailer? Are you slipping in Grand Haven? When I think of a boat your size, Freightliner and a lowboy come to mind.....oh and a Travelift to sling it on and off the trailer.
 
When my boat was delivered, props and radar were removed to keep it from being too tall to travel.....not something you want to do every time you trailer.

Just take lots of pictures.....
 
I am not sure how it is in MI but in WI you do not need pilot cars, I have towed a Formula 34 PC that has a dry weight of about 16,000 lbs, the 38 DA has a dry weight of 20,000 lbs a 4,000 lb difference is not a huge deal, and I towed the Formula PC with a 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 with the smaller gears 3.55 and I did not have a problem at all I just took my time and cruised at 65 MPH. If you had a one ton dually and you know what you are doing I don't see a problem at all.
 
andy k said:
I am not sure how it is in MI but in WI you do not need pilot cars, I have towed a Formula 34 PC that has a dry weight of about 16,000 lbs, the 38 DA has a dry weight of 20,000 lbs a 4,000 lb difference is not a huge deal, and I towed the Formula PC with a 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 with the smaller gears 3.55 and I did not have a problem at all I just took my time and cruised at 65 MPH. If you had a one ton dually and you know what you are doing I don't see a problem at all.
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Pilot cars have nothing to do with weight. They are required if you are over 12 feet wide or over a designated height (13'6" or something like that). On some freeways, you can get away with one in front based on local requirements, but you will need a pilot behind as soon as you exit. Most states are pretty consistent with this requirement.
 
I dont think you need pilot cars in wisconsin if its under 14' wide. my dad just had his boat moved on a trailer and no pilot cars were needed he has a 400 Express. the beam I think is something like 13' 6"
 
WI is one of those states where you can go up to 15 feet without pilot cars! Must be a WIDE state! :grin: Michigan requires one in the rear between 12 - 14 feet in width.
 
Last edited:
Cincy Aquaholic said:
Call these people. No affiliation. Just a real happy customer who just had one made from them. Check out their gallery.

http://www.loadmastertrailerco.com/gallery2
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Thanks for the referral. Looks like I'm a little late getting back on. ;-) I personally wouldnt be towing. I would employ a hauling company. But there is some work i want to do on her at my building before i put her in. An affordable trailer or rental would allow me to do just that.

Looking at about $800 to haul across the state (michigan) with trailer. But $2600 without. Seeing as how i want 3 days w her to do some electric upgrades, and i also see myself trecking back accross the state over to Put-In Bay for a week out of each year. I figured having one would pay for itself in about 3 yrs.
 
andy k said:
I am not sure how it is in MI but in WI you do not need pilot cars, I have towed a Formula 34 PC that has a dry weight of about 16,000 lbs, the 38 DA has a dry weight of 20,000 lbs a 4,000 lb difference is not a huge deal, and I towed the Formula PC with a 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 with the smaller gears 3.55 and I did not have a problem at all I just took my time and cruised at 65 MPH. If you had a one ton dually and you know what you are doing I don't see a problem at all.
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Yeah, the 13 ft width will require the chaser in MI. Looks like i should have been more clear. I will not be transporting personally. Hence i definitely appreciated the referral below. But, I would be storing her at my building in the off season... just a few miles from the slip.
 
There are several transporters in michigan. one is Dave,s and if you cant get him try freshwaterboats .com in quainacassee ,any marina should know a transporter ,skipper buds will have a list also.
 
1956olds said:
There are several transporters in michigan. one is Dave,s and if you cant get him try freshwaterboats .com in quainacassee ,any marina should know a transporter ,skipper buds will have a list also.
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not much luck with those actually. most stop at 35'/12' And it must be the busy time. The only person that got a hold of me was a shipping broker who, i think, underquoted it, and now is having a tough time finding someone to do it.
 
try a1haulaboat.com
they towed my 330 from ct to pa did a real nice job and they were the lowest price out of 20 quotes
 
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