opinions on towing 30 ft boat on difficult highway

[imagenuise]

towing 30' boat on difficult route

I'm about to buy a 30 foot boat and attempt to tow it from Bella Coola BC to Vancouver BC and apparently there are some very windy sketchy parts on the no 20 hwy does anyone have experience with something like this and how hard should I expect it to be thanks

 

[imagenuise]

I'm about to tow a 30 ft boat from Bella Coola to Vancouver and the highway is apparently pretty tight lots of switchbacks and elevation changes how hard can I expect this to be thanks

 

[JimS123]

Certainly, I have no personal experience. But if I had the same issue I would hire a professional carrier and have him do it for me. He would have the know-how, and if there was an issue his insurance would cover it. Any amount of expense would be worth it.

 

[JimS123]

Posting duplicates are a no-no. See the answers above. Your task is not advisable.

 

[In way over my head... always]

Lots of variables to that question. A 30' boat will require a tow vehicle that can handle it. If you're overloading your tow vehicle already, it will get much worse when the road is challenging. Proper tongue weight is essential to keep the tail from wagging the dog. Brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer should be up to the task, too. Climbing long grades with an auto trans can add a lot of heat to the fluid. If you have an automatic transmission, you may want to add a cooler if it didn't come with the tow package.

 

[89retta]

I've towed our boat from Edmonton to Osoyoos return plus tow it every year to the Shuswaps. Some spots are prone to wind gusts. We've never had a problem but if your concerned hire someone

 

[racerone]

Most provinces have a limit on maximum beam of a towed load.----I believe 8 1/2 feet max.-----Check with local authority or insurance agent.----What is the beam of this vessel ?----What is the weight ?--Perhaps best hire a boat mover.----I towed my Wellcraft ---Scarab Sport from Miami to Ontario many years ago.------Not sure if I would attempt it these days.

 

[racerone]

So 2.6 meters or 8'-6" is maximum beam allowed on BC highways.

 

[imagenuise]

apparently all you need is a wide load permit anyone?

 

[imagenuise]

the boat is a 2858 Bayliner on a up to date triaxel trailer with electric brakes and the truck is a new 3500 crew cab diesel may be better to bring it back on water and the trailer separate, there is also a ferry that can take me to Vancouver Island but by far the cheapest way is to tow it myself. the owner of the boat is 88 and apparently he towed it home from Richmond Vancouver to Bella Coola in a snow storm hard to believe but that's what his nice 88 yr old wife told me

 

[Sprig]

Because you are asking the question I am assuming you do not have the towing experience and skill to safely tow that boat over that road. Spend the money and transport it via ferry.

 

[imagenuise]

Because you are asking the question I am assuming you do not have the towing experience and skill to safely tow that boat over that road. Spend the money and transport it via ferry.

thanks for the help

 

[racerone]

Maybe drive / scout the route first.-------It might scare you.

 

[ahicks]

^^ That sounds like a good plan from where I'm sitting. THEN make your decision.

 

[Rapio]

I agree Take the ferry, but you still have to deal with width to and from.. I have had my 26 Commander with 10 ft beam moved from marina home thru' Vancouver. Driver of boat hauler said, "10 feet OK in daylight without escort". Did prior to 3 winters. So I assume he was correct.

 

[Alumarine]

thanks for the help

I think he was being very helpful.

 

[bruceb58]

That boat has a 10' beam. Personally, I would looking for someone professionally that would tow it for you

 

[imagenuise]

thanks everyone, the update is we will bring her home on its bottom and send the trailer back empty.
should be a nice maiden voyage for us, to be honest if a 72 yr old man can do it in a snow storm I know I have the skills, and the mind set to get er done I was just wondering if anyone out there has actually towed a 30 ft boat long distance.

 

[racerone]

I towed my Scarab Sport 29'- 6" on a tandem trailer 7200 LB capacity and rated for 34' boat.-----From Miami to Ontario.-----But it was mostly on the interstate system .----Not the same as the road out of Bella Coola.------Wise decision to bring it home by water.

 

[alan ber]

I dont know your area but I know about towing a 30 footer ,
If you use your boat few times a yea, storage at home , operating like a camper , and have able hands too assist , then NO BIG DEAL
Towing a smaller boat ( lets say a 21 footer) your still faced with operating condition of trailer , truck , , brakes , tires
But once towing a large boat / trailer/ tow truck , everything changes ,
Proper tow vehicle a must , good tires , brakes , same with condition of trailer ,
Your over 50 ft down the highway , Your like a small tractor trailer ,
Most don't have the experience handling equipment that long , wide, going 50 mph down the highway
IT BECOMES A JOB , At times white knuckling over windy bridges , ,
Former truck driver , 30 plus years , I have a sense that others don't ( u truck drivers know what I mean ) but the idiots still scare the hell out of me ,
If anything happens accident wise , and they find your vehicle or trailer had issues , financially your life can change instantly ,
Always owing some sort of boat , majority of the time towing
Years ago purchased a 30 ft cruiser , It was sitting on a 3 axle disk brake trailer ,
Boat is 9.5 beam ,
9000 lbs
Trailer rated 15200
My tow vehicle is a older work F 350 , Gas , 5.8 engine , Truck is a beast , rated 11500
8 ft beam no permit
under 9.5 a yearly blanket permit ( here in Florida ) $ 25.00 , ( beats DOT pull over ) $ 1000 dollar fine
9.6 & wider permit costly , and don't know if you fall under escort
Better make sure your vehicle can pull you up ramps ,
My beast has no 4/4 , most ramps I get out ,
9000 lbs from a stop up a steep hill you need a strong truck ,
Steep ramps I don't have enough torque , rear wheels spin , as a precaution I ride with 100 gallon empty ( rusted not used ) gas tank that I fill with water , Gives me 800 lbs over rear wheels , helps , .

I also use boat weekly , since its such a hassle I leave in a wet slip , Not fond about marina fees , but once over
a certain footage you fall into yacht category and everything changes ,