whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

[akevin]

lookin to get a new boat for a family of 4(sundancer style?) and unsure if we want a 32-36' or if we would be happy w the largest boat there is that we can trailer- not sure whats available to trailer and i know theres 2 ways to trailer - one w my car and and another w special permits - can anyone tell me a few types of the largest trailer-able boats available? any w a bridge?

 

[americaneagler77]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

start by identifying the tow vehicle. i personally wouldnt trailer anything over 25-28 feet on a regular basis unless i had a one ton cummins for a tow rig, and even then....not a fan

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

Generally, trailering a boat with more than 8.5' of beam will require a permit (you can get per-trip or annual). Much larger issue is the tow vehicle... anything above 25' will usually require an F150 class truck (or better) with full tow package. That, plus the pure hassle of driving such a large trailer\boat around -- and finding good spots to launch -- makes it pretty difficult in most areas. Gas costs money, too.

You'll need to think carefully about your usage pattern, availability of water \ marinas nearby, and the expense (and hassle) you're willing to take on. Forget trailering a bridge boat, and even a radar arch can force you to be very careful with your routes.

For me there is no question... my boat gets moved by the boat-man when necessary, and it sits in my slip for the season. This allows me to use it MUCH more frequently than I could ever do if it were on a trailer. It's WAY CHEAPER too (vs. maintaining a tow vehicle, permits, trailer, registration, insurance, etc.).

Virtually nobody trailers a large boat on a regular basis.

Forgive the question, but do you have any experience with boats, trailering, etc.? It's hard to tell from your post, but you seem sorta new to boating in general. Starting out with that size boat (potentially on a trailer) is a big step.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

This question is very open ended.

The largest reletively easily trailerable cruiser would probably be a Sea Ray, Wellcraft, Bayliner... with an 8.5' beam. These will most likely fall in the 25-28' range. Figure a minimum of 5000-6000 lbs for the boats dry weight. Add toys, gear, fuel, trailer and your at a 9000+ lb rig. A newer 1/2 or 3/4-1 ton truck would be in order.

If your talking with permits you can step up into a higher 20s to 30'+ boats. These will be wider, roomier, but heavier. Forget the half ton once your at or above 28-30'. Some people actually do trailer these types of a boats around, most just trailer to and from the marina, and wet slip the boat.

I have seen 33-36' cruisers on trailers. 11-13' wide. 10000+ lb dry weights etc... It can be done, and even legally. Would I recommend it, no.

Nearly everyone I know who had dreams of even 26-27' trailer boats, have ended up with slips. You can move them around and launch/retreive them, but it just turns into a bit of a hassle, especially after a long day of boating, when the kids/wife are tired and your beat and ready to go home.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

Here's one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6tbABRT1sA&feature=related

... but you aren't going to tow it with a CAR!... nor do I think you'll be towing it long distances either.

If you get one like this, please video and post your first launch for us here at iboats.

 

[seabob4]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

And as you can see in the vid of the G-W, trailers and ramp styles can be a real determining factor. If the ramp is steep and the transition sharp (hear that grating noise in the vid?), it can really put a damper on where exactly you can put in and pull out. That G-W launch, she had gravity on her side. When they go to retrieve, there may be a bit more effort to drag that girl over the hump...

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

yah, the person backing that boat up was a tad slow compared to me but i also dont drag trailer like him. i like how his back axle lifted up putting all the wieght on 4 tires. i cant imagine there much left on the trailer after he does that a dozen times. also love that bow thruster, something to look for in your boat if you go that big.

and to that 1/2 ton comment your better off with a 2000 1 ton then a 07 1/2 ton. i have a 23 foot cuddy that weighs in at 6,300 with a full tank on the trailer so 25-28 foot will be much heavier esspesially if you get twins. anything is trailerable, its just what you feel comfertable pulling. i've seen quite a bit of older carvers for sale lately in the 26-28 foot range with flybridge on a trailer i wouldnt know about newer models. anything with radar arch/flybridge you run the risk of slamming a bridge just be carefull and maybe take note of powerlines or anything over the road before you buy.

 

[partskenn]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

I have a Sea Ray 268. With fuel, gear, water, trailer etc, it probably weighs in between 8000 to 9000lbs. I tow it twice a year with a 1/2 ton pickup, other than that, it sits in a slip for the summer. I would not want to haul it every weekend back and forth; while it's doable, it would get old very fast. Bigger would be even more of a pain.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

what exactly do you and your family of 4 want to do? Week-long overnight cruises? daytime recreation? You don't usually consider trailering with boats that size.

 

[akevin]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

ive been towing a 38 fountain for years and now looking for a family boat. i want to boat in florida and mi and not sure if i should get something i can tow or something i can have towed, just dont like being stuck in mi w boat not being used for 8 months - i have plenty of towing vehicle options , that is not the problem, im just not familiar w how big of a cruiser and whats types are available for either me to tow or hire someone top make the trip - curious on the cost for someone to get it to fla?
would really like something w a bridge if its gooing to b under 30'

Generally, trailering a boat with more than 8.5' of beam will require a permit (you can get per-trip or annual). Much larger issue is the tow vehicle... anything above 25' will usually require an F150 class truck (or better) with full tow package. That, plus the pure hassle of driving such a large trailer\boat around -- and finding good spots to launch -- makes it pretty difficult in most areas. Gas costs money, too.

You'll need to think carefully about your usage pattern, availability of water \ marinas nearby, and the expense (and hassle) you're willing to take on. Forget trailering a bridge boat, and even a radar arch can force you to be very careful with your routes.

For me there is no question... my boat gets moved by the boat-man when necessary, and it sits in my slip for the season. This allows me to use it MUCH more frequently than I could ever do if it were on a trailer. It's WAY CHEAPER too (vs. maintaining a tow vehicle, permits, trailer, registration, insurance, etc.).

Virtually nobody trailers a large boat on a regular basis.

Forgive the question, but do you have any experience with boats, trailering, etc.? It's hard to tell from your post, but you seem sorta new to boating in general. Starting out with that size boat (potentially on a trailer) is a big step.

 

[Tahorover]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

My next door neighbor pulls his 35' around and it's a huge PITA. Just pulling out of the driveway and moving around the neighborhood is stressful. Most of our local launch ramps are not big boat friendly. Truck and trailer is close to fifty feet.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

Agreed w/above. I wouldn't even bother towing 8Klbs with a 1/2 ton pickup. I'd be finding a 3/4-1 ton diesel for a tow vehicle, so figure that in with boat pricing. The wide-load permits would be a pain for the boat with over 8'6" beam, which will be common around 28-30' cruisers. I'd guess 28' is about the maximum trailerable cruiser for most to handle if you are only dragging it out once or twice a month. If you were putting in every weekend, I'd pick your favorite lake and get a slip or at least have it dry-docked.

As was mentioned, you need to describe what you and your family are looking to do. Do you want to stay the entire weekend on the boat with no cabin/hotel rental or is this just a one day trip? Do you want to pull tubes/skiers or is anchoring/swimming the only activity? Lots of variables.

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

Duh... get two boats !!!!

Interstate transport will require VERY careful planning and MULTIPLE permits (one per state?).

 

[H20Rat]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

My next door neighbor pulls his 35' around and it's a huge PITA. Just pulling out of the driveway and moving around the neighborhood is stressful. Most of are local launch ramps are not big boat friendly. Truck and trailer is close to fifty feet.

Nice looking boat, hate to fuel that thing up though!

Anyway, he is well past 50 ft. 35 for a boat which doesn't include the running gear sticking out the back, or the tongue, so it might be close to 45 total length of the trailer itself, plus 20 ft or so for truck. Its well past 60.

 

[akevin]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

thx , i would only tow it twice a yr , fla and back to mi was the plan otherwise it would b in a slip. so u think there r 32-34 boats that r towable?would a sundancer or something similiar?

This question is very open ended.

The largest reletively easily trailerable cruiser would probably be a Sea Ray, Wellcraft, Bayliner... with an 8.5' beam. These will most likely fall in the 25-28' range. Figure a minimum of 5000-6000 lbs for the boats dry weight. Add toys, gear, fuel, trailer and your at a 9000+ lb rig. A newer 1/2 or 3/4-1 ton truck would be in order.

If your talking with permits you can step up into a higher 20s to 30'+ boats. These will be wider, roomier, but heavier. Forget the half ton once your at or above 28-30'. Some people actually do trailer these types of a boats around, most just trailer to and from the marina, and wet slip the boat.

I have seen 33-36' cruisers on trailers. 11-13' wide. 10000+ lb dry weights etc... It can be done, and even legally. Would I recommend it, no.

Nearly everyone I know who had dreams of even 26-27' trailer boats, have ended up with slips. You can move them around and launch/retreive them, but it just turns into a bit of a hassle, especially after a long day of boating, when the kids/wife are tired and your beat and ready to go home.

 

[akevin]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

was looking for a family cruiser like a sundancer or something w a bridge in the 30' range and i would prob only tow it twice a yr (fla to mi) , ive been towing a 38' fountain for yrs w no problem. just dont know what manufacturers in the cruiser catagory would be best

what exactly do you and your family of 4 want to do? Week-long overnight cruises? daytime recreation? You don't usually consider trailering with boats that size.

 

[Tahorover]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

Nice looking boat, hate to fuel that thing up though!

Anyway, he is well past 50 ft. 35 for a boat which doesn't include the running gear sticking out the back, or the tongue, so it might be close to 45 total length of the trailer itself, plus 20 ft or so for truck. Its well past 60.

I went and put a tape to it. 59.5'!

We both have docks in our backyard, but with his $800 fill ups on land and over $1000 on the water, he keeps her on the trailer and on the dock for a weekend at most.

No hrydo hoist and will not do bottom paint.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

sure you can tow big boats (30' plus)... you need a 1 ton dually minimum and some real skill as pulling oversize loads is an art..... nothing like having to go left of center 20 times in 10 miles to miss trees while dodging oncoming drivers and just guessing what crazy thing they will do..... legally width is not a huge problem but permits are in order .... height on the other hand is a BIG deal.... when you say a boat with a bridge I assume you mean a FLYING bridge.... Getting on the interstate and most other roads will require removing the flying bridge on anything much over about 26'.... my 26' carver flybridge without a windshield was about 12' tall on the trailer and my 28' wellcraft in my sig is about 13' with the radar arch....

Removing the flybridge can be an all day job on some boats and could be nearly impossible for an individual esp if you don't have much help or a good way to hoist it onto the deck and back....


Btw I trailer the boat in my sig every time I use it

 

[Solittle]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

Years back I had a 28' flybridge on a triple axle trailer. The rig was 35' sittin on the trailer. Scared the crap out of me goin down relatively flat highways. Slightest gust of wind or getting passed by a semi would increase the pucker factor by the power of 10.

 

[seabob4]

Re: whats the largest trailer-able boat available- cruiser style

As long as the truck stays in the lane, the boat will follow...

The absolute best truck I towed with? '05 GMC 1 ton dually, Duramax, Allison...damn thing would pull a house...