Wide Load Regulations

[LandShark]

I've been looking at trailerable boats in the 26 to 30' range. These are typically 8. 5' to 10. 5' in width. The wider boats are nice for the increased room but I don't want to spend a lot of time and cash dealing with permits (and certainly no chase cars). What are the regulations, in general, for non-commercial towing of wide loads, in this size range?



I would guess that I could get away with no permits for limited local towing, but I would also need to do a cross country trip every few years and maybe a trip through Canada to Alaska.

 

[jnelson]

Anything over 8'6" requires a permit. A seperate permit is required for each state. 10. 5" wide will not require an escort in any state. A permit is required if you cross or drive on any state maintained road. These are commercial guidelines. Non-commercial - I dont know?

 

[RVPILOT]

wideloads

jnelson is right on the mark, here in ca trucking co''s get what is called anuals permits. these loads are usually under 12' in width, sometimes a pilot car is required on roads that are narrow or crooked even 10' wide. I am not sure about other states but they could be simular. stormy

 

[bmoeller]

May also depend on what road you will be taking. There are some roads that are narrow enough they don't even want any trailers over 96" wide and X amount in length.

 

[JWChessell]

I investigated having a 30' X 10' beam trailerable alum boat built. , and spent $500 to have preliminary drawings made. Anything up to 10' wide could be trailered WITH a permit, and WITHOUT a pilot or chase car. In some states, it could be trailered merely with a SIGN on the stern, advertising "WIDE LOAD. " What killed the idea was the weight -- 17,000 lbs empty, WITHOUT trailer. Twin Cummins engines were part of the problem... ... .

 

[DiTrani]

In the blue-water fishing boat world, anything over 23-24' is not really considered trailer-able because that's the length cutoff before the beam gets bigger than 8'6". Sport boats can get well over 30' before you cross that beam threshold.



I'd suggest not crossing that threshold lightly.



I know of a guy who trailers a big $$ racing sailboat around the country for races, and he has a custom trailer that allows him to remove the mast and keel and load the boat at a 45 deg. angle beamwise (with a crane) so his on-road width is less than 102". It take a small crew of guys an entire day to unload and rig the boat, same on the other end. All this expense and effort to avoid the permit nightmare.

 

[E7mack96]

You will need a permit in every state whether it is commercial, or personal use. Here in Ohio, a annual "blanket permit" for up to 12 wide is just $10. 00. Escorts could be required based on your route.



Ohio's website goes so far as to make it known on the homepage regarding boat owners and 8'6 max.



If you want to, call comdata @ 1-800-749-7166 and ask about a permit for your state.

 

[zippinbye]

I'm thinking along the same lines as you, stepping up to a somewhat larger boat that is a "manageable" wide load. I'm at 102" now, and that extra foot to foot and a half would make a world of difference, especially on anchor or at the dock. My vague research suggests that 10 feet and less generally allows movement without unreasonable limits. I'm of course willing to do a sign and permit, but restrictions against night travel, bypassing city centers and pilot cars are not in the cards for me. I think you'll find that most boats that are greater than 10 ft. beam would be too much for your 2500 anyhow, that's certainly the way I feel with my 3500 SRW. A friend with a 2500 pulls a 29 ft. Sey Ray Amberjack that is 11'-plus, and he is always way nervous and/or hagling with permit limits. Up your way there are a lot of used Bayliner 2858 Command Bridge boats (1996 and up for a similar layout/style) for sale. Great Pac NW boat, as you can man the helm above in good weather or be in a cozy cabin (hopefully with heat too) when its inclement. Open, clean rear cockpit can pose as a mini-sport fisherman, or serve as a patio with deck chairs. They are 9'10" in beam. and generally weigh in the 9000-plus lb. range w/o trailer. Most have a big block Chevy (7. 4L) and a Bravo 1 or Bravo 3 drive. A Cummins would be nice, but much more practical are AM General derivative diesel swaps that would make a boat in this size range awesome! Check out http://www.marinedieselusa.com/ and http://www.65ldiesel.com/page/page/1271489.htm.



I'm not a a big fan of Bayliners, but in this size and in the last 10 or so years, quality is way up. The 2858 is the only mass-produced boat I am aware in this size range that is modern and has the two helm choice. Not sure that's what I'll get, as I like the newer and larger versions of what I have ... Sea Ray Sundancer. The have 280 and 290 models that are somewhat under 10 ft. of beam, depending on year. BTW, when you get a trailer for a boat like this, go with heavy duty triple axles. 14 inch wheels on triples or tandems with 16 inch wheels will not cut it, even if the numbers add up. Otherwise, get to know the location of every Les Schwab on your route and carry two or more spares!