Tow bowrider and rowboat on single trailer?

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Tow bowrider and rowboat on single trailer?

I agree that I dont think you need to worry about the front but I would go with bigger straps.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Tow bowrider and rowboat on single trailer?

OK, thanks everyone. Those are 500 lb. straps but I can easily upgrade to a larger size for the trip. I think I'll pass on strapping the bow to the front tow hooks.

oldjeep, I'm not too worried about the front (cantilevered) flexing into the cab. The side rails clear the cab roof and the cross bar has at least five inches of clearance. If those 2x4s bend more than five inches, I have bigger problems! The front cross brace is a bit helpful as we're loading/unloading, because it helps support the bow (and protect the cab) as we jostle the boat around.

My next test is to see how this thing affects performance when towing the Larson bowrider. The boat/rack combo wasn't that noticeable, so I'm hopeful all will be OK.

Thanks for the help thus far!

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Tow bowrider and rowboat on single trailer?

I think you'll be fine as long as the boat is strapped down tight. I think the worst problem you will have is fuel mileage. I would slide the boat back a bit to get the front completely over the cab. The more it hangs over the more air will get in there causing drag and pushing up against the straps. Keep in mind it's not the wieght of the boat you have to hold down but the force of the wind pushing against the boat you have to overcome. I would go overboard on the straps. Better overkill than an accident. Enjoy the trip and good work.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Tow bowrider and rowboat on single trailer?

Overboard I can do... I come from a a family of engineers, so overbuilding comes rather naturally to me...

Good points about the positioning, too. I am most concerned about the force of the wind; it gets pretty breezy on the route we're taking. If necessary, I can always slow down... I'll definitely be investing is heavier straps. I might even add an extra set of C-clamps to hold the rack to the rails, just for good measure. I can always use 'em later for other things...

Thanks!

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Tow bowrider and rowboat on single trailer?

Here's a picture of my rig en route to Canada. It made the 800 mile trip with nary a problem. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I was almost sad to take apart my beloved contraption, by the time I made it up there!