largest trailerable boat

[Robinsvoyage]

102 inches max without permit.

In most US states you are only allowed to trailer 102 inches per load (or boat), or 8 feet 6 inches, without an oversize permit. This is under the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations, and also applies to non commerical drivers. (I noticed Mark mentioned this.) However, you can get a permit, even if, say you built your own boat, and it was wider than 102.. A permit is only good for the state and route it is issed for and must be followed to the letter. You must also go to those weigh stations you see trucks in, and show the D.O.T. officer your permits.. mucho fines for ignoring or being ignorant of these rules. (I'm a former flatbed truck driver, that's how I'm familiar with the rules.)Robin

 

[Vern]

Wide Beam

I, like Robin, used to be a gear jammer so I'm sensitive to the width issue. My Hunter 260 has a beam of 8'-11 3/4" which is apparently measured to the outside edge of the rub rail. The boat looks and feels like it's about 7' wide. I believe the D.O.T. sets the maximum width to accommodate rear visibility through the side mirrors. Looking back from my full size van, I can see a tremendous distance back due to the taper of the hull. After dragging an 8'-6", 53 ft. long van trailer around, the boat is a breeze. Since the maximum beam width of the boat occurs at a single point, I can't conceive of a situation where you'd be pulled over and checked based on a visual judgment. Even if that were to occur, how could the D.O.T. ever get a tape across to measure the beam? If they made you follow them to a weigh station, they might be able to measure electronically but that's a big if.