over the road transport

[tcat]

Hi All. I am lucky enough to own a 33 ft.1992 Express Cruiser. It is almost haul out time and I would like to know if the overall height of the boat to the top of the radar arch is a problem. The transport is on a Brownell style hydraulic trailer. This is the first year with the boat and I am still on the learning curve. The former owner assured me that it was not a problem, he did not even remove the radome just the anchor light. I guess I am looking for a little re-assurance. The overall height can not exceed 13'6" Thank you for your replies

 

[Lazy Daze]

Well, I think it may depend on exactly what size EC you have.

If it was me, I would make sure to measure it myself. It may be fine, but you're going to want to know first hand whether it is or isn't. You may be able to find some published heights from Sea Ray... but I can tell you with 100% assurance that they are not always correct. Do not trust these published heights.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Tcat,

First off, the trucking company should be smart enough to know how high your boat is going to be on their trailer. If not they will measure it. They have no wish to low bridge it either.

As for your comment on 13' 6". Are you saying this because there is something that is 13'-6" between the ramp and where your boat will be stored, or are you saying it has to be below 13'-6" because that is the federal minimum height for overhead structures on highways?

If it is the former the it is what it is, but not, and the trailer is higher than 13-6 it still can be used although a permit might be required, because in most cases the actual overhead heights are greater than 13-6 (because highways get repaved without always scrapping the existing pavement down), and because bridges get designed based on the requirements of the roadway they will support. In other words if the cross over roadway will create a bridge with a 15' clearance, the designer is not going 'cut it down' to make it 13-6 (with add on tolerance).

Henry

 

[larrytbull]

I just shipped my 95 330da via truck about 2 month ago, I had many haulers tell me to remove my arch. I held out till I found one that did not ask me to do that after recieving many responses to my post about same issue. it all depends on the trailer that they are using, and the route that you are travelling. the more experienced haulers will know the boat and the clearences already
good luck

 

[tcat]

I just shipped my 95 330da via truck about 2 month ago, I had many haulers tell me to remove my arch. I held out till I found one that did not ask me to do that after recieving many responses to my post about same issue. it all depends on the trailer that they are using, and the route that you are travelling. the more experienced haulers will know the boat and the clearences already
good luck

Thank you for the reply, feel a little better now. I will measure it out myself but confidence is higher, thanx.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Oh, I didn't realize you were just looking for some assurance. Sorry.

According to my books (again - don't blindly trust these measurements), your boat is 10'6" from keel to spoiler (not including anything on top). A newer 280DA is 10'7". I specifically remember personally delivering one late last year. I don't recall what my measurement was on the trailer, but it was low enough that I wasn't worried. I did wait to put the radar on until I got to his slip.

 

[tcat]

Oh, I didn't realize you were just looking for some assurance. Sorry.

According to my books (again - don't blindly trust these measurements), your boat is 10'6" from keel to spoiler (not including anything on top). A newer 280DA is 10'7". I specifically remember personally delivering one late last year. I don't recall what my measurement was on the trailer, but it was low enough that I wasn't worried. I did wait to put the radar on until I got to his slip.

Don't be sorry Lazy Dave, I appreciate your taking the time to reply to my inquiry. I will measure it myself today but I think you are on the money. My draft is 25 inches and I am estimatiing about 9ft of additional height. I do think I will hedge my bet and remove the radome for an additional sense of security. Tcat

 

[Boatingnut]

I had my 1992 44' trucked this spring. They were able to get it down to 13' 8", with everything stripped off the radar arch. The trailer was all the difference in getting it that low. It can be done. I would avoid removing the arch, if you can.

 

[tcat]

I had my 1992 44' trucked this spring. They were able to get it down to 13' 8", with everything stripped off the radar arch. The trailer was all the difference in getting it that low. It can be done. I would avoid removing the arch, if you can.

Measured it out yesterday, have plenty of room. Measures 9ft2in from waterline to top of radar arch. Add in 25 inch draft and it leaves a couple of feet to spare. Tcat