New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

[Dante04SRT]

I am driving to FL this coming weekend and pickup our new '07 20' Ebbtide. I didn't see any rear tiedowns used on the transom attach points. I am going to bring some straps from my current setup but I have been looking at some pics and don't think the trailer that comes with the boat has any tiedown points on the rear.

What should I do for the long trip home? I don't feel safe relying only on the bow hook to get me home safely.

 

[dave11]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

Get a rachet tie down strap from Lowes and hook it to the frame on both sides.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

agreed. also check the bearing, and tire pressure. # tire failure is from tire pressure. don't see spare tire either.

 

[rndn]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

By the way, nice boat!

 

[gstanton]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

Agree with the strap--- or two. Also, carry a floor jack and a board to keep it from sinking in the asphalt/dirt, in case you need it.

 

[mthieme]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

Sweet boat.
I use ratching tie downs too.
You mnight wanna take a couple towels so you don't mar the finish.

 

[FLWakeRider]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

Most definetly agree with the tie downs idea. Havent personally used it myself, but I have seen a few boats that launch from my local dock that use them.

Where in FL are you getting the boat from?
I got friends in Knoxville.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

Agree with above, also note that the trip is going to be 650 miles and you really needto be prepared for anything with the trailer. Stanton mentioned floor jack and board but also a tire iron to fit the lug nuts. Wal mart makes a folding 4 way that I always keep in my truck just for the trailer.
Sweet looking rig!

 

[Dante04SRT]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

Thanks for the compliments...

As for the trip, I will have my jack, toolbox, and other misc items. I'll bring some straps too for the trailer. Is there anything made that can bolt to the trailer frame that will allow to easily attach a tie down hook like my current trailer? I have seen these forged eye bolts but I am worried about possible galvanic corrosion.

My other big concern is the tires. They are tiny 13" ones. I'll likely upgrade to 14-15"s later, but for now, this will have to do.

 

[mthieme]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

You'll find somewhere to attach the straps.
Sounds like you're set.
Be careful.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

13 inch class 'c' tires will carry that fine, make it easier to launch and load also.

 

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

Make sure that is the right trailor for that boat. That picture with the boat on the trailor looks odd. The bunks should be all the way under the rear of the boat. May be the right set up, just looks odd to me.

 

[Dante04SRT]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

Just an update - Got the boat home on Sunday night... 1300 miles to and from FL and like 20 hours total on the road.... whew. Safe and sound back in TN.

There are some tiedown points on the trailer behind the taillights that worked OK for the trip home... 60-65mph in the slow lane on I-75 and we made it home safely. It is a very large boat compared to our 16.5' Thundercraft and pulling it back, the MPG facts proved it... 10-11mpg with our 2000 Sierra 4x4. I probably should have put in new spark plugs before we left, but oh well...

VICTORY:

Tennessee is playing UAB at home this weekend and we're going to be following the "Vol Navy" up the river to the stadium on Saturday... GO VOLS! C'mon - You didn't think the orange color was for anything other than UT, right?!?

 

[triumphrick]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

Hot damn...that's a fine lookin rig. Followed your post and glad to see all is well and the trip was uneventful. As far as those Vols, well we just have to see how they do against the Gators Sept. 20th.

 

[fire831]

Re: New boat - Picking it up... 650mi trip home... quick ?

Hot damn...that's a fine lookin rig. Followed your post and glad to see all is well and the trip was uneventful. As far as those Vols, well we just have to see how they do against the Gators Sept. 20th.

CHOMP! CHOMP!