Oversize Permits ???

[Clayton]

With our falling water levels here in Colorado, I am now forced to trailer my 26.5 in search of water. This brings about a question. Does anyone really worry about obtaining oversize permits for sailboats. Our boat is 6" over-width as defined by the DOT. Everyone I have talked to out here says that they never pull permits to haul sailboats although the law requires it. The DOT seems very lax in regards to their enforcement of overwidth regulations for non-commercial carriers (like me). I do realize that the DOT provides routing information and guidelines for travel with oversize loads, but it just seems like a hassle. A permit here in CO is valid for 5 days and costs $15. It seems a small price to pay for the insurance of getting a ticket for not having a permit. I'm looking for input from everyone. I do think that I will get a permit, but why should I if it seems that no one else seems to worry about it. I am concerned that if I start pulling permits for every move that I make, it could set a precedent with the state and they may upgrade their enforcement on the private sector.Just a thought, let me know what you think.ThxClaytons/v Walkabout

 

[Dakota Jim Russell]

In SD . . .

I haven't checked lately, but it was my impression that in South Dakota, if it was a commercial vehicle, 6" made a difference, but with if it was a recreational vehicle, they would not bother with us.In 16 years of hauling oversized sailboats in SD, I have never had a problem, nor have my friends. However the the commercial haulers have gotten tagged for hauling the same boats.But an anonymous phone call might give you some peace of mind.BTW, or 200 mile long lake (Lake Oahe) is down some 25 feet. Expect to drop another 5 feet by August 31. Ramps are good for another 13 feet beyond that. Rain dances take place every Friday night at 10 pm. Come join us if you run out of water in Colorado. Email me if you get serious. <grin>

 

[Clayton]

Thanks Jim for the Info

I have made an anonymous call to the DOT and of course they said what they were required to, that all oversize loads require permits.When I pulled my boat last week, the 1800 acre lake we sail on was down 26 feet out of a total depth of 40. I dove down and checked the ramp once we put the trailer in and we had one more foot of ramp until the trailer fell into the mud at the end. Arrrgh... At least we got two full months of sailing. We have been doing the rain dance daily out here. Our success rate has been about 0.5% though. ThxClaytons/v Walkabout

 

[Ray Bowles]

Clayton, I have towed my H26 with 9' beam all

over the wast without problems. Like Jim says,"if it's comercial, no go." but rec they overlook.I bought the boat in Colorado and towed it home on Colorado plates.RayS/V Speedy

 

[Jay Williams]

Never met a cop with a tape measure

I was worried about the same stuff when we towed our brand new 260 from CT to MD. Although the regs say our boat needs and oversize permit due to the width, we just wanted to make sure we could fit through all the toll booths! We didn't have any problem and everyone I talked to says the same thing. "I've never met a cop with a tape measure." We didn't obtain any permits and drove alongside a few cops on our trip with no problems. And yes, we DID fit through the toll booths, even on the NJ Turnpike!