Basic Question on Trailering a boat

[grkmec]

Assuming I have a F350 or equivalent, what is the largest boat one can tow? What are the weight, width, length limits?

The reason I am asking is because I am thinking about buying a 26-30' foot boat and would like the flexibility to trailer it back and forth between Florida and the Northeast depending on seasons.

Thanks!
Tony

 

[glenncal1]

Depending on the year of the truck, the weight limit will be around 12000 pounds. In order to tow without permits the beam of the boat will be limited to 8'6". Some of the long go fast boats have beams within that limit. For cruisers about 26'. The permits are no big deal but is some states needing a permit will limit the times you can tow.

 

[Gofirstclass]

grkmec, I towed my 330 several times with recent model F350's that I rented from Budget Truck Rentals. That's much cheaper than buying a tow vehicle, insuring it and doing routine maintenance on it. My rentals cost around $150/day with unlimited mileage.

The boat, loaded with food, clothes, etc., for a trip of 1-2 weeks plus the weight of the trailer was probably in the neighborhood of 17,500 lbs. That is with some fuel, no water on board and empty black water tanks. (The trailer weighed 3,150 lbs).

You will need permits from each state you pass through once the overall width of your load exceeds 8'6" (102"). My boat had a beam of 11'5" so I had to have oversize load permits to move it. Length is not a factor with the size of load you're looking at, but make sure you keep the overall height of the boat on the trailer below 14'. Above that amount you may be required to have pilot cars, and they are very expensive.

Getting the permits is easy. Most states sell them online and they're usually pretty cheap. You will need the VIN of the two vehicle to buy the permits in most states. Keep in mind those permits will let you move the boat on the interstate highway system only. For 2 lane highways you're supposed to have pilot cars. If you travel through a city you're supposed to have a permit from each city. I never did that, figuring it would be easier to beg forgiveness and plead stupidity if I ever got stopped (I never did get stopped).


Setting up for a haul is relatively easy. You will need "Wide Load" or "Oversize Load" signs on the front of the tow vehicle and the stern of the boat. You also need orange flags on the widest part of the load (on my boat that was the bow rail amidship). A yellow flashing light to sit on the top of the truck cab is nice, but not required in many states.

Some states have restrictions on towing through big cities (even on the interstate highways) during rush hour traffic, during night hours, holiday weekends, etc. Make sure you check each state's website for those restrictions.

I hope this helps. If you have further specific questions, fire away.

 

[AKBASSKING]

Very simple answer to your question. :smt038

See this:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27625

 

[AKBASSKING]

You will need permits from each state you pass through once the overall width of your load exceeds 8'6" (102"). My boat had a beam of 11'5" so I had to have oversize load permits to move it. Length is not a factor with the size of load you're looking at, but make sure you keep the overall height of the boat on the trailer below 14'. Above that amount you may be required to have pilot cars, and they are very expensive.

Getting the permits is easy. Most states sell them online and they're usually pretty cheap.

Not really all the time..........unless you are pulled over. :wow: Look at my thread. Just make sure you have the right signage and lights.

 

[Prater]

If you want to up the weight look
into gooseneck boat trailers. I have a 16k pound frame hitch and a 20 or 26k goose neck frame. My gross combined vehicle weight is 26k pounds, that gives me close to 16k pounds of boat and trailer capacity. Just make sure you are in the limits of your truck and get the proper permits.

Look at www.mycotrailers.com for gooseneck trailers

 

[Sundancer]

I tow every weekend and my boat is only 11 feet wide. Pilot cars are only required once you exceed 12 feet. The only real downside is traveling during the holiday weekends. So, I go early and stay an extra day! :grin: It's not for everybody, but it's not that much different than towing?loading the 250 DA that we owned.

 

[CV-23]

I tow my 9ft beam and no one gives it a second look on the right trailer....were almost 55ft long with the 270 DA, Mike.

 

[Gogstad]

Assuming I have a F350 or equivalent, what is the largest boat one can tow? What are the weight, width, length limits?

The reason I am asking is because I am thinking about buying a 26-30' foot boat and would like the flexibility to trailer it back and forth between Florida and the Northeast depending on seasons.

Thanks!
Tony

check out these threads on Ford Towing...
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/877466-08-f350-towing-capacity-what-weight-can-it-really-tow.html
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/rv_trailer_towing/2009/2009_default.asp