Boat Forum / Cruising / April 2005

I guess it depends on where you go.  I've travelled with a Hobie 33 owner, and
we had no problems.  But that was on the west coast, where roads are wider and
villages much roomier.  If you spend a lot of time in New England, a big boat
might be more of a hassle.  OTOH, truck drivers manage to get their rigs where
they need to go.

Matt O.

At this point, my 18.5 foot Sandpiper 565 is all I'd want to tow.  I
have a narrow driveway (10 ft) and live on a fairly narrow street with
someone usually parked directly opposite my driveway.

I've towed 26' back and forth from Seattle to Minnesota three times
without incident.

Capt. Jeff

Personally, length is less a problem than width and weight. Total length
of our '66 Pontiac, trailor and 21' boat was about 50'. Didn't have
trouble at any ramp, though I had to unhook the trailor to turn around
once.

Look and plan ahead at critical points and you'll be fine.

Roger,

Between the Hobie 33 and an S2-7.9 (~26), there is a good sample. The
beam can come to get you, however.  My 7.9 on trailer is nearly 30ft
long and has never been an issue, but I have been queried about the
boat's beam (It is very hard to judge by eye).

BoatUS has a listing of trailer rules by state at
http://www.boatus.com/trailerclub/laws.asp
States vary in allowing 8 or 8.5' trailer and load widths over 9 most
often require a permit and have other restrictions.

Matt Colie