New Boater - Trailing Question

[pontoon101]

Hello,

I just purchased my first used 24' sylvan fish n cruise pontoon boat with a 90hp fuel injected mercury it also comes with a tandem axel scissor type trailer 'Hoosier Classic'. I'm in Nashville, and the boats down in Atlanta. I've read some stories which make me question the drive back to Nashville using a scissor trailer, but those seem to be the worst case scenario. The previous owner of the trailer and boat stated he's never driven the boat that far, but has had the toons hit the road driving locally. I'm dreading going through Monteagle by the 24 and 75 split what are some tips to making this trip successful without having the pontoons hit the road, or a worst case scenario tipping the boat?

Also, how do I go about tying down the Pontoon to the Hoosier Classic Trailer shown attached, it does not have a winch to strap the boat to. All I need to do is survive this one trip then the only use of the trailer is taking it from the marina in the winter, or to pull the boat out to change the lower unit oil. Any advice you can give me is appreciated.

 

[bruceb58]

People tow with these all the time. Not my first choice but the advantage of these are that the boats sits lower which means a lower CG and less wind resistance.

Get at least 4 tie down straps and strap the corners down to the trailer frame.

I would be more concerned making sure the tires and wheel bearings are in good shape before leaving on your trip. Find out what the tire size is and buy a spare before heading down there. Bring tools in case you need to do repairs.

Does the trailer have brakes?

 

[pontoon101]

Any other straps than the 4 corners? I did inspect and grease the wheel bearings last night. Tires are in good shape, only 2 years old with about 40 local miles on them.

Trailer does not have brakes. I'll be towing with an F150.

 

[bruceb58]

As long as the 4 straps are such that it prevents the boat from sliding forward, I think you are fine. Make sure they are the big 2" wide straps.

Brakes definitely help. I tow both boats in my signature with a 1/2T Silverado and I could tell when the brakes weren't working properly on the pontoon when I first got it. Still, we are probably only taking 3500# total so you are only on the edge of needing brakes.

Good luck with your trip.

 

[pontoon101]

Anyone with the same trailer able to provide insight to what I'm in for tomorrow on my 280 mile trip?

 

[ahicks]

As somebody that's been all over creation with a similar trailer over the last 35 years or so (including trips from Mi. to Fl. and back), I can second Bruce's opinion without hesitation. Here in Mi. those trailers are pretty commonly used. If the bearings are packed, just make DARN sure the tires are properly inflated and go for it.

Though reasonably stable under most conditions, you need to pay attention going around corners (like into and out of gas stations), taking corners wide due to your length, along with the fact that narrow trailer wheelbase can lend to top heavy handling. Cool it without letting anyone rush you and you'll be fine. Worst case, the trailer will lean up on one side, allowing the outside pontoon keel (that's only about 6" of the ground) to drag on the pavement. Huge noise resulting (pretty sure you'll hear it) will tell you that you screwed up. If that does happen, bet you only let that happen one time! The chance of damage is minimal unless you drag it like that for a mile. The keels are generally pretty thick (maybe just for that reason?) and run the full length of the 'toon. I've never had an instance where the boat/trailer didn't come down on their own because of the naturally low CG. Pulling over the first chance you get to make sure your tie downs are still secure is a good plan. Please, don't let this info scare you. Been messing with that setup for so long, if anything can happen, I've probably been there, done that. In that time, I've only heard that noise twice (both time my fault!), and I've never had a flat or suffered a burnt out bearing on the road.

Your bigger issue is that pulling the boat is going to feel just like you might think pulling a huge parachute might. Trying to go fast is really going to use some gas. Suggest you remove the bimini top (very easily done) and put it in the back of the truck or on the floor of the 'toon. Leave the 'toon's front gate open to lessen the area of that front air dam. From there, just give the boat a glance to see if there's anything else you can do to minimize the amount of wind hitting it (tall windshield mounted on console?). Also, any compartment door facing forward should be secured some how. You don't want to hit a bump and let the wind get under any of them, as the wind will most likely remove it completely in the process. Not just bad for you, but consider the guy in back of you with a huge cushion headed for his grill, or worse, his windshield....

Last, don't worry about the lack of a winch. These trailers sit so much lower than the other type, the boats are generally floated on and off in much less water depth than what they require.

Congrats on the new rig! Best of luck with it. -Al

 

[WaterDR]

Great trailer for local travel...not the best for the high-way, but not impossible either. I have used triton scissor and also the standard bunk style.

Above poster nailed it. Good luck. Take it easy....just don't drive like you normally do. Give yourself time, distance and don't turn sharp.

 

[pontoon101]

We made the trip safely, tied the boat down like a boss. Pontoons didn't hit the road once, took a bit longer doing 55 mph the whole way, but now the journey of being a boat owner begins.

 

[ahicks]

Awesome! Best of luck with the new rig.