Advise on 10-mile tow

[Robbabob]

Hey y'all,

Will I need to strap up the outdrive for a 10 mile transfer, or will the properly working "trim up to trailer position" be safe enough? Most of drive is on 45 mph limit. This is for our Chris Craft in the Signature.

Moving our boat between marina's after winterization. GREAT TIMING! Been on a waiting list for over a year to get into a marina closer to our boating fun, and now it's finally coming to be. Same lake, so a summer move would have been easier, and fun.

We've never had to trailer the boat before since it's been in dry-dock where we already have an account. Fortunately, the boat purchase came with a trailer and it's time to put it to use. I'll be checking tires and lubricating the bearings when it warms above freezing tomorrow or Thurday.

The alternative would be to run her up the lake and winterize again; figured trailering would be best to save the $100.

Hope to hear from anyone that has reservations about the trailering aspect... love to hear any strong comments for boating it up and paying the extra winterization.

As always, thanks in advance!
Robb

 

[tcgobucks]

Re: Advise on 10-mile tow

I wouldn't see any reason to strap up the outdrive, assuming you've never had any problems with your trim unit. We've trailed boats for 30 years, both outboard and inboard and never used any kind of strap and never had an issue. Can't imagine you'd have any problems....10 miles isn't much of a tow

 

[dmoriarty51]

Re: Advise on 10-mile tow

its only 10 miles, i would just trailer it especially if its all ready for winter. another note if the trailer is also stored at the marina its gotta be moved anyways....

of course if you dont have an adequate tow vehicle availible then it may be better and safer to just move it by water and redo the winterize

 

[Tim Wagner]

Re: Advise on 10-mile tow

Why dont ya just stick a motor saver in there. Thats what they are designed for.
Funny, but all the time I thought they were transom savers.
If you need that to save your transom, youre in trouble.
The reason you want that in there is if your hydraulics fail on on your power tilt.
Then you'll be in a pickle.
you'll dig a 10 mile trench. Complete with sparks and a shortened skeg.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Advise on 10-mile tow

Why dont ya just stick a motor saver in there. Thats what they are designed for.
Funny, but all the time I thought they were transom savers.
If you need that to save your transom, youre in trouble.
The reason you want that in there is if your hydraulics fail on on your power tilt.
Then you'll be in a pickle.
you'll dig a 10 mile trench. Complete with sparks and a shortened skeg.

Thanks to all for the reply's!

That was one of my round-about questions.... do I really need one for a single 10-mile tow? The boat will remain in the new dry-dock for perhaps as long as we'll own her.

Truck is 2001 Dakota Quad, 4.7, 4X4, tow package, etc. Not concerned there. Trailer has been at our home. Suggested to Dottie several times, "why not just sell the trailer?" Good thing we didn't! And, it's pretty much outta the way. Yes, and it's a great selling feature for the new owners when we do list it... many of the boats listed in this area are without trailer.

Thanks again!

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Advise on 10-mile tow

Or for $15 bucks why risk it? These are what I use. Never know when you might need to move it further for some reason.
http://www.iboats.com/Sierra-Traile...65794911--**********.113392206--view_id.45061

 

[926bill]

Re: Advise on 10-mile tow

I use those too. Just don't forget to take them off before putting her in the water. Did that once, they come off kinda hard when they are hard to reach.
BC

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Advise on 10-mile tow

I wouldn't worry about the drive, but do take some time to go over the trailer real good.

Here's a good tip- make sure the tires are inflated properly.

I know sounds kind of dumb like of course I'd do that but yet I keep ending up giving a quick hand pulling a boat out of the water only to find something silly is wrong with the trailer once the boat is on it. Most common problem? Tires need air.

 

[drrpm]

Re: Advise on 10-mile tow

I've never seen anyone strap up an outdrive. If it can handle the stress of pushing the boat through the water it shouldn't have any problem hanging in the wind.

 

[tcgobucks]

Re: Advise on 10-mile tow

If you're really concerned and don't want to buy a transom saver for one trip, just take a piece of 2 x 4 and cut a v-notch in one end that will slip onto the front edge of your outdrive, then another at the other end to fit against the trailer. Lower the trim just enough to bump against it and hold it in and you're good to go.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Advise on 10-mile tow

I wouldn't give a 10 mile trip a second thought.


Have fun on the water!

 

[dazk14]

Re: Advise on 10-mile tow

I wouldn't give a 10 mile trip a second thought.


Have fun on the water!

+2

Inflate tires to max on sidewall.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Advice on 10-mile tow COMPLETED

Re: Advice on 10-mile tow COMPLETED

Hey Y'all,

Everything worked out, no issues!

Thanks again for the input! Batteries had just enough juice to trailer up the outdrive, low trailer with rollers were a plus scooting her from the dock and over the wheels. Only challenge was aligning the boat over the rollers while winching the bow... out and back in 1 extra time

Wave Dancer is now at her new home for the winter and ready for our summer fun. It'll save us about 22 or so lake miles round trip from our old dock.

Gosh, being with her after over a month makes my heart drop... missin' her already. Just 3 months to go..........

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Advice on 10-mile tow COMPLETED

Re: Advice on 10-mile tow COMPLETED

Hey Y'all,

Everything worked out, no issues!

Thanks again for the input! Batteries had just enough juice to trailer up the outdrive, low trailer with rollers were a plus scooting her from the dock and over the wheels. Only challenge was aligning the boat over the rollers while winching the bow... out and back in 1 extra time

So while you're thinking about it, why not hook the battery up to a charger and give it some juice? There's no point in letting a battery die through neglect.