Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

[hedp]

I went to a local Crestliner dealer for a windshield part and asked if it was ok to tow my 2000 Crestliner single console with the windshield on.


He said no. He said that you should only do that if you have a cover on because rocks and stuff can fly up and break your windshield. He said if you don't have a cover to take your windshield off everytime you tow it.

I was actually more thinking if the air pressure would be too much for the windshield when towing, I didn't think about rocks.


Well, I won't be getting a cover for it since it goes right from my garage to the 30 minutes to the lake and back each time. And taking it off everytime is a pain.



So, is it ok to tow my single console with the windshield on or will rocks hit it or the wind tear it off?

 

[MRS]

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

Do you have a photo of it? Here is mine I added the two you see here and tow it about 250 miles one way on the hwy. all the time no problems.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

rocks I understand but if it won't handle the wind at towing speeds either it'a a poorly built boat or you are driving way too fast.

and I would think the odds of a rock hitting a windshield there are rather remote unless an exceedly rocky road.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

I towed many boats thousands of miles-- never had a windshield break.

 

[hedp]

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

Do you have a photo of it? Here is mine I added the two you see here and tow it about 250 miles one way on the hwy. all the time no problems.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

I towed many boats thousands of miles-- never had a windshield break.

..+1

 

[roscoe]

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

sounds like a hungry salesman trying to sell a cover.

tow on matey !!


The only rock that will hit that windscreen is on that is kicked up by a passing semi or dump truck, same chance of it hitting your tow vehicle windshield.

 

[MRS]

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

Brother, you are good to go. Plus my boat runs right 50 mph on the water of course not all the time but still no troubles. Plus your shield is way more aerodynamic then mine. Mine are almost straight up and down. lane: Oh ya nice boat you got there...

 

[hedp]

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

Brother, you are good to go. Plus my boat runs right 50 mph on the water of course not all the time but still no troubles. Plus your shield is way more aerodynamic then mine. Mine are almost straight up and down. lane: Oh ya nice boat you got there...

Thanks guys! I'll tow away then.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

I agree with the dealer.

I had a custom windshield on a Boston Whaler get a rock hit. Cost $200.00 to have a new one made.

I put the new one on with quick disconnects. The disconnects were from a Starcraft Pontoon. Worked great. 30 seconds to remove and stow.

Or, as others have suggested, tow covered.

The real issue is finding a replacement if it does get broken. Custom made windshields are NOT cheap.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

A rock to hit that profile of a windscreen, after dodging the tow vehicle is happenstance. I would think the bow of your hull is at greater risk from your own tires than the windscreen is from random flying rocks. Probably not quite as chancy as a lightening strike, but probably not that common either...

You could make some sort of a deflector if you have an expectation of encountering more than average rocks. Don't really need the entire cover.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

It is possible to have a rock hit your wind screen, but the same thing could happen with your tow vehicle windsheild, rocks can take that out too. And what will a canvas cover do? canvas isn't gonna do squat if a rock is flying up there IMO. I agree with others if you could remove with 2 screws or something, great. Otherwise just run with it. I actually take my cover off to tow because the wind will tear my expensive cover!! Selling fear for profit isn't anyone I would trust moving forward.

 

[Pony]

Re: Is it ok to tow a Single Console with the windshield on?

I would think that IF the boat manufactures didn't want you to tow with the windshields on, a quick disconnect would be VERY standard. I think maybe 1% of the boats I see being trailered are missing the windshield, and I doubt it is because they took it off on purpose.....more than likely broke it themselves doing something other than towing.

I agree that the salesman was trying to sell a cover.....and probably not a cheap one. I was at the local dealer a few weeks ago shopping around (Crestliner ironically) and they have a "road warrior" package that they include on every boat.....and by include I mean charge you for on top of the boat price. $900 cover and transom saver were on that list. Every boat price he quoted me had those on there.