Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

[SS MAYFLOAT]

I've always have tried to stay with a legal size boat to tow freely within the state without getting a permit. However I did some checking to see what the law is on towing oversize boats.

To my surprise, in Ohio you can purchase a oversize boat permit that is good for a whole year. Not just each time you need to move the boat. I was a bit surprised as I always thought you needed to get a permit each time. There is some limitations, but I think it would be worth getting if your boat has a wide beam less than 12' wide. This has just opened up a whole new thing for my wife and I as we now can look for something a bit wider with more room.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

I've always have tried to stay with a legal size boat to tow freely within the state without getting a permit. However I did some checking to see what the law is on towing oversize boats.

To my surprise, in Ohio you can purchase a oversize boat permit that is good for a whole year. Not just each time you need to move the boat. I was a bit surprised as I always thought you needed to get a permit each time. There is some limitations, but I think it would be worth getting if your boat has a wide beam less than 12' wide. This has just opened up a whole new thing for my wife and I as we now can look for something a bit wider with more room.

You are correct.Anything over 12ft, i think ,you need a special permit. I think you need a different permit for the turnpike though.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

The Ohio Turnpike is definitely 10ft Max. width.
There are concrete islands at the toll booths to limit the width.
Over 10 Ft is not an option even with a permit and a bucket of cash.

And for those that don't know, Ohio has a statewide 55mph speed limit when towing.
It is not vigorously enforced, but you should at least know it's there.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

I believe that 55 for trailers thing in Ohio went away a couple years ago.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

I believe that 55 for trailers thing in Ohio went away a couple years ago.

You may be correct. I tried searching for a currrent "Official" statute and could not find one.
There are plenty of "Heresay" posts that quote 55 from some unspecified data on some unspecified date.
The 55 mph law was aparently for ANY vehicle combination over 8000 lbs., not just trailers.
The Ohio turnpike recenty went to 70 mph, including trucks, so I would assume trailers too.

On a side note, Speed limit laws are sometimes really strange. I saw this one in texas and had to stop and go back to make sure I did not misread it.



It is not a photoshop joke. I was reminded of it during my search today when I found a site that stated Texas school zones are posted from 15 to 55 mph. What are they thinking. 55!?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

... in Ohio you can purchase a oversize boat permit that is good for a whole year ... [with] ... some limitations ...

Just curious, what are the limitations?
Only from Midnight to 5am on weekends?
Do you need "Wide Load Ahead" Escort vehicles?

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

Just curious, what are the limitations?
Only from Midnight to 5am on weekends?
Do you need "Wide Load Ahead" Escort vehicles?

The limitations that I found in the ODOT website said that towing a boat that is a wide load under 12' shall only be used on Interstate, US, and State highways. So that would exclude the turnpike. However, the way people drive, I wouldn't feel comfortable towing an oversized load on a busy interstate. I'd be white knuckled all the way until I got there, and then worry about the return trip home

My question is, "Would my permit be good in the surrounding states?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

No oversize/overweight permits are NOT valid in any state other than the one they are issued in

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

No oversize/overweight permits are NOT valid in any state other than the one they are issued in

That is what I figured..Thanks Smoke

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

The limitations that I found in the ODOT website said that towing a boat that is a wide load under 12' shall only be used on Interstate, US, and State highways. So that would exclude the turnpike ...

It sounds like what they are trying to say is, "For use on designated Truck Routes only."

The Ohio Turnpike is an Interstate Highway; I-76, I-80, and I-90 at one point or another.
If you could meet their 10 ft. width limit, I would think you might just be a Go! Over 10ft would be another matter.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

No, PERMITS apply to only state roads.... you don't need a permit for county roads or city streets unless they are also a state route

That said, it is never a bad idea to check with each jurisdiction you plan to travel through

 

[davidw21]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

no Ohio permits are not good in other states, i drove truck for over 30 years, and i have too get one for every state i travel . but it may have changed since i retired, Dave ps the size limt to have too get one is 102 inc. over.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Ohio Boat towing with 10' beam

no Ohio permits are not good in other states, i drove truck for over 30 years, and i have too get one for every state i travel . but it may have changed since i retired, Dave ps the size limt to have too get one is 102 inc. over.

Old post.I'm sure he has it figured out by now.