What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

[Thales14]

What size boat would be the max/largest you could get if you really want to trailer it and not keep it in a slip?

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

I know I just read this exact question not too long ago in another thread that received many responses...but I'll bite.

Answer: You can tow anything you would like with a CDL, appropriate endorsements, appropriate state transportation permits, appropriate sized tractor and custom made trailer. I have seen yachts traveling down the interstate.

There are far too many variables for discussion that would identify the best/biggest trailerable boat. It really all comes down to how much money you have, and how much time.

I personally would have no trepidation towing a 30 foot long, 10 foot beam cruiser on a weekly basis to our local lake. Just won't do it because it's too expensive and too inconvenient. There are those among us (not on iboats of course) who are simply too afraid or too incompetent to drag an 18 footer five miles...so I guess that leaves a pretty big range of options!

 

[5150abf]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

Just spent last week wondering through the Florida Keys and they trailer some pretty big boats down there, when the boat makes a full size Chevy dually look small it is a big boat.

So I agree, it comes down really to your tow vehicle, if you have a Ford Ranger not very big but if you are willing to commit to a full size heavy duty truck then it get alot bigger and you could do a 30'er.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

I think 28' is about where I'd draw the line. Once you get into boats that have a wide-enuogh beam to require getting a wide-load permit each time you haul it, it becomes more trouble than it's worth. Not to mention towing a 28'er is going to require a 3/4-1 ton diesel in almost all cases. You can argue a bit more length on go-fast boats like Cigarettes, Bajas, etc, but it is still a long load to haul.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

You can tow anything up to 102 inches wide (8.5 feet) without any special permits but you need an appropriate tow vehicle and reasonable trailering experience.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

I agree. I really think it starts with the tow vehicle, then your patience level. I just towed my 18 footer 1.5 hours and hated it. To much to worry about including wear and tear on my vehicle. For me that the biggest thing.

 

[drrpm]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

The tow vehicle and driver ability are certainly very important, but so is the intended launch ramp and parking area as well as the body of water where you'll be boating and where the boat will be stored when not in the water. Given my boating conditions on a large lake with good ramps, nice parking lot and an adequate storage shed I'd say 24 feet would be it for me. The OP's answer may be different if he wants to boat on the Gulf of Mexico.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

What size boat would be the max/largest you could get if you really want to trailer it and not keep it in a slip?

Let's assume by "trailering" you mean keep it on the trailer except while being used, and also driving to and from the ramp some distance (v. dry slip). And you are considering something 21' or bigger.

In addition to the tow vehicle you should take a good hard look at the ramp(s) you will use. Piers along side, crowds, and helpers if you are solo or otherwise without capable help to muscle a big boat around in challenging conditions. Road conditions and traffic along the way. And where are you going to store that pig when you get home?

And look at your physical abilities and tolerance for challenges (and that of your crew). Do you really want to start your day, and worse, end it, wrassling a big boat onto a trailer in the Mississippi heat? Every day? (maybe a short-term wet slip is available).

Being on the coast, you don't need to trailer from lake to lake or get tired of being stuck on the same one. This is one of the many reasons why the trailer life style works for fresh water lake boaters but not salties.

i know I regularly beat the "roller trailer" drum for salt water boating but a big one will most likely be dunked. dunk it every time you go boating and it will take a big toll on your trailer (does your ramp have hoses on the ramp and can you hose off there? I can b/c it's a club; can't do that at a busy public ramp even if it had hoses). There is no such thing as rust-proof and water tight. and that trailer being a dual axle with brakes has lots of expensive parts to go bad. You'd be trading cost and convenience to slip it against savings, hard work and buying new trailer parts constantly.

I don't think twice about trailering and splashing my 17' and 19'. They are single axle and have power winches. I don't enjoy it with my 21' on a dual axle and would not use the boat much if that were part of every trip, but lots of people manage that rig just fine.

I really think that just because you can do something, and that other people do it, that you should do it. There is a point where trailering some boats is possible but not practical. Trailering big boats regularly is a relatively new thing, fitting in the "super size me" culture for everything we do. But since the point is to enjoy boating, and you have to spend money to do it, pay to slip it or buy a smaller, more managable boat.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

Well, part of the issue regarding towing is whether or not you care to visit different bodies of water. I go between 3-4 different lakes during a boating season, so leaving the boat at one lake on a lift would less desirable. If you are just towing it to the same body of water each time you use it, it may be more worthwhile to store it on-site.

 

[jbetzelb]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

Agree with all above. Depends on what you want to do with the rig. I tow around 1500 miles a year to different lakes. Differnet ramps different road conditions. My tow rig is a F150 and it can pull my 20 foot boat anywhere I want to take it. I want to pull into a fast food place along the interstate this rig works fine. I can fuel the truck about anywhere with this rig. If I had a 30 footer it would be a different game. Much more headache. Much more challenge and would need more truck to pull the Ozarks or real mountians. My next boat will likely be around a 23 to 24 footer. Thinking that is about the max for the kind of trailering I want to do.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

What size boat would be the max/largest you could get if you really want to trailer it and not keep it in a slip?

You asked the wrong question. The proper question is, "I plan to tow with a ________, what size boat would be the max/largest you could get if you really want to trailer it and not keep it in a slip?"

Without your planned tow vehicle, it's like asking a pack of dogs to bark....and we're all barking now

 

[dingbat]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

The over-sized load permits are going to be a much bigger issue than the size of your tow vehicle if you plan to do any interstate travel.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

With a 24, 8 feet wide, the only issues I have are the turning radius, and especially getting through the gas station. I find that truck stops are easiest, and they usually have good access for non-commercial rigs at the "civilian" pumps, to get in and out.

My son was a commercial driver, and his advice was "take all the space you need - don't worry about blocking anything while you are getting to where you are going - use the WHOLE road, and take all the time you need - don't let anybody rush you".

I see people pulling 35+ foot travel trailers all the time - they make my rig look small!

ALSO: Backing this beast up my driveway is the hardest thing I do with it every trip - narrow, and not straight. For that, I swap ends on the truck, and put the hitch in the FRONT. Makes it much easier!

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

I routinely tow a 25' long, 8.5' wide, 6000 lb boat. I towed it 500 miles last week, hitting Naragansett Bay, the lakes region of Maine, and Winnipesuakee in NH. It's not a big deal if you do it right.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

What size boat would be the max/largest you could get if you really want to trailer it and not keep it in a slip?

Ayuh,.... Without a permit,...

You can haul anything ya want that ain't over 8'6" wide, or 13'6" high,...'bout 53' in length....
On Federal hiways,...

Some States have various other restrictions,....

Permited loads can only move during daylight, 'n only on the approved roads...

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

when I got this boat 26ft Wellcraft aft cabin I thought I would park it on the side of the house-I was wrong!.
This rig was too big for me to solo launch on a regular(3 times a week) basis. The bow was 8feet+ high. I fell of it at the ramp into 2 feet of water over concrete-lucky I was not hurt. My truck pulled it great ,ran 70mph in 105degree TX Summer heat with trans temp never over 205F. But my driveway has a steep, sharp ridge incline ,my current boat drags it. Being a very skilled trailer backer & hauler I thought I would not have an issue. But it was too much of a hassel. Kept the boat in a slip for 3 years and sold it because it was too expensive. I would think 24ft or 25ft with a lower profile and steeps or a ladder mounted on the front of trailer if you have the truck.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

my 24' boat (26 OAL) is about 8.5' wide and just at 5k# with fuel and trailer.

you can pull it with a half ton SUV, however it tows better behind a 3/4Ton truck.

can you tow larger, yes. however I have no problem towing this over large distances, putting it into very narrow areas, or launching/retrieving by myself.

 

[ricohman]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

I tow my 22.5 ft Islander all the time. I don't even know its back there unless I'm checking my mirrors. I use an F350 and the boat is pretty light for its size.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

What size boat would be the max/largest you could get if you really want to trailer it and not keep it in a slip?

17', cause I could pull it with my minivan. Other than that, I would keep it in the water (as I did with my 21'), to get the most use out of it.

 

[gtochris]

Re: What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

View attachment 162775 I would think 24ft or 25ft with a lower profile and steeps or a ladder mounted on the front of trailer if you have the truck.

Thats my thoughts. 24' would be the MAX for me. And I would want a low profile, The boat you show is much too high and would require 2 people IMO to go smooth and quickly even though I'm very athletic and could easily climb onto the bow.

Even our 19' is more enjoyable when left in a slip, we trailered it the first year and while lightweight, the usage is low when you need to hitch up every time you want to go for a boat ride- Now we hop in the car- are on the boat in 10 minutes.