Trailering the 38DA

[Team Jeff]

Hello,

We recently bought a 2006 38DA with a trailer and plan on towing it to lake Powell and other lakes a few times a year, a couple of towing issues that need to be addressed are how to tie down the bow (no bow hook), and I'm worried the props will hit the road going into and out of gas stations.

The dealer suggested we run a strap through the bow cleats and down to the trailer frame. The problem I see with that is the strap rubbing the deck and sides of the boat. My idea to solve this problem is to have two straps custom made with some sort of soft protective cover & loop one end around the cleat and the other to the trailer. Any ideas for a better way to do this? Does that sound like a reasonable solution?

The prop issue worries me a bit, I didn't have a chance to measure the ground clearance but it's close enough that I wouldnt be comfortable towing around like it sits now. I can see two ways around this, remove the props for towing or add a skid plate structure to the trailer frame. Any other Ideas? The skid plate would need to be pretty heavy duty and I imagine it would be a good idea to use a long block of delrin to keep things sliding if it does make contact with the road.

Am I headed in the right direction here?

Thanks!

-Jeff

 

[osd9]

Jeff:

I can't offer advise on your towing dilema (I'm sure others will) but I sure would like to see pictures of the rig... :thumbsup:

good luck and keep us posted....

 

[wish2fish]

welcome to the forum.

What is the beam of this boat? In most states you can't be over 8'6" wide without a permit and/or other adjustments such as warning vehicle.

 

[Sea Gull]

I found one site that shows AZ has a limit of 8' in width and 40' in lenght. It did not offer advice as to what you must do (permits, lead and follow vehicles, etc.) to move an oversize load.

Sounds like a big project!

 

[wish2fish]

found the link to regulations regarding towing in various states.

For Arizona:
http://www.aitaonline.com/Escorts.html#AZ

for all others select the state:
http://www.aitaonline.com/Escorts.html

 

[Team Jeff]

Thanks for the replies!

I think I've got a handle on the towing permit, it looks like a class B will cover me. It's $360 a year, you can't tow on holidays or holiday weekends, need to have oversize load signs and flags, escort vehicle after sunset till sunrise....the list goes on. heres a link to the regulations:

http://www.azsos.gov/public_Services/Title_17/17-06.pdf

The boat with trailer is 12'6" wide, 14'1" tall, 44' long and fully loaded I estimate it will weigh 25K!

 

[Dancin Dave]

Do you own a F-700 or a semi ?

 

[Team Jeff]

We have a Freightliner M2 to tow it, it's rated for around 35K. I'll try to find some photos of it and post them.

 

[Team Jeff]

Here's one of the boat on the trailer....

 

[osd9]

Nice rig Jeff.... :thumbsup:

 

[Sea Gull]

I have to admit that when I read your fist post I thought you were another crazy one-post-wonder with a vivid imagination. I am glad that I was wrong. I can see from your replies and the posted photos that you are a true Sea Ray devotee.

Removing and reinstalling the props will be a pain. If you plan to trailer frequently, you will want to find another way. And you still might need to protect the rudders anyway.

I used to trailer a 20' boat with a full inboard. The trailer was designed with a channel beam below the prop and rudder so that the beam would bottom out first. It did this coming in and out of my driveway each time - and the pavement showed the scars. I think Delrin or even starboard would be a great idea both because it is slippery and as a sacrificial piece that can be easily replaced. A problem with having that cross beam was that we had to be careful not to hit it when loading the boat onto the trailer.

Hope this add to the thought process, good luck and post more photos!

 

[Stray Cat]

Jeff, you certainly are on the right track with the tow vehicle. Very nice rig :thumbsup: The trailer however looks more like a yard or short distance trailer. Our marina uses a Hostar for spring launches and fall haul outs of boats your size and larger.

http://www.hostarmarine.com/road_trailers/goldstar/index.html

The nice thing about this trailer is that it can be raised with hydraulics and has pneumatic suspension adjustments which may solve your prop/rudder clearance concernts.

You may also be interested in noting the load ratings for yard vs. highway ratings on their trailers. There's quite a difference. I don't have any affiliation with Hostar, I just know the yard handles our boat with kid gloves with this trailer :thumbsup:

 

[Macjeffff]

Jeff, you are a real wild man. Trailering a boat that size is incredible. I'd pay money to see the faces of the people at the launch ramp. I can see the bass boats running for cover.

By the way, is it possible to board your boat from one of those low, launch ramp docks? It must be a sight to see!

 

[Dave S]

From what I recall, the largest boat that I know of that is trailered by a member is BOLTMAN's 320DA. (You might want to send him a PM and see if he has any thoughts.) But if it were me, I would contact the manufacturer of the trailer directly and discuss the issue with them. Possibly they can provide a solution.

 

[Team Jeff]

You may also be interested in noting the load ratings for yard vs. highway ratings on their trailers. There's quite a difference. I don't have any affiliation with Hostar, I just know the yard handles our boat with kid gloves with this trailer :thumbsup:

I had no idea there are yard trailers.... thank you for the heads up!

The boat was at a Marine Max dealer in Colorado when when we purchased it and had to be delivered to AZ. The transport company used a full size Kenworth to bring it home using the trailer in the photo. I remember the tag on the trailer says the gvwr was 20k, which is probably what the boat/trailer combo weigh dry. I'll snap some photos of the trailer with out the boat in the next day or two.

Sea Gull,

What is starboard? How much clearance do you think I would need between the props and the proposed skid plate? 3-4"? If the skid plate was built with the boat on the trailer & enough clearance it wouldn't be possible to hit it....right?

Macjeffff,

I don't know what a low launch ramp is, but the boat sits low in the water and has what I would call a regular board height.

Dave S,

Great suggestion, I will call the trailer shop asap!

 

[Team Jeff]

Heres the only photo I have of the trailer empty,

 

[Dave S]

Was the boat delivered with the Arch in place? If so, then I assume it is safe to transport it (height wise) the way it is correct?

 

[Sea Gull]

Starboard is a polymer material, usually white in color that is available at marine supply stores. I believe it is high density polyethylene, but not positive. It would be much softer than delrin, but provide the same slippery effect. Either one or any similar material should work.

The skid plate I decribed that was on my old trailer was crosswise from one side of the trailer to the other. The danger in installing it with the boat in place is that the forefoot of the boat (bow section) may be deeper in the water than the stern. When you approach the trailer to load the boat, you want to be certain that the bow won't hit this cross member. Mine was bowed toward the ground to accomodate this.

 

[Dancin Dave]

Sweet truck Jeff.
I had a F-700 and it barely pulled my 555B backhoe, looks like your all set! Good luck..... Show off :smt043

 

[SearayPaul]

Jefff

Your the man that knows how to tow!!! That is the rig to beat all rigs.

Have a great day

Paul