I am considering buying a Hunter 25.5 that I plan on trailering quite a bit. I see in the specs that the beam is 9'1", which is 1" over the vehicle width limit in most states (I'm told). If there is someone listening who regularly trailers this boat, I would love to hear of your experiences. Anyhting related to trailering is welcome (what kind of vehicle to you tow with, is it hard to step the mast, etc.). The other boat I'm considering is the Catalina 25. Comparisons of the two boats are welcome as well. Thanks, Tom
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Jim Covey
Fixed Keel?
Tom, I thought the 25.5 is a fixed keel. IMHO if you want to trailer a lot you should look at swing keel boats. This will make the boat ride lower and be more stable on the road, granted you lose a bit of sailing performance. I bought a H26 because of the trailerability of the boat. Good luck, Jim Covey s/v Wampeter
Tom, I thought the 25.5 is a fixed keel. IMHO if you want to trailer a lot you should look at swing keel boats. This will make the boat ride lower and be more stable on the road, granted you lose a bit of sailing performance. I bought a H26 because of the trailerability of the boat. Good luck, Jim Covey s/v Wampeter
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Dave Condon
Limits
On the interstates, I believe the legal width is only 8 1/2 feet. On state roads it is either 8 or 81/2 feet depending on the state you are in. I cannot tell you what to do but legally you are required to get a wide load permit for each state you travel in or if you are traveling only in one state, then a year permit would be cheaper. If you run with private tags and not for hire, you can bypass the scales on the interstates as a rule of thumb. You will need at least an 8 cyclinder vehicle to tow with and do recommend four wheel drive since considering ramp lauching yourself. Make sure you wash off the trailer and boat every time you launch into salet water. Things to consdier on your tow vehicle should include extra trani cooler,largest radiator, heavy duty or air shcocks and of course recommende hitch. Surge brake recommended and make sure of the state requirements for the brakes only on one axle or both as it variew from state to state. You will need to know the ramps and mast raising on both boats mentioned will need help unless you add a mast raise system to the boat. Jim is correct that boats with fixed keels are more difficult to launch and a ddep or long ramp is required for trailer launching,. Towing with a boat sitting high on a trailer is affect by the wind but less with two axles thta both containsurge brakes. The choice of boat depends on what you like. Happy sailing
On the interstates, I believe the legal width is only 8 1/2 feet. On state roads it is either 8 or 81/2 feet depending on the state you are in. I cannot tell you what to do but legally you are required to get a wide load permit for each state you travel in or if you are traveling only in one state, then a year permit would be cheaper. If you run with private tags and not for hire, you can bypass the scales on the interstates as a rule of thumb. You will need at least an 8 cyclinder vehicle to tow with and do recommend four wheel drive since considering ramp lauching yourself. Make sure you wash off the trailer and boat every time you launch into salet water. Things to consdier on your tow vehicle should include extra trani cooler,largest radiator, heavy duty or air shcocks and of course recommende hitch. Surge brake recommended and make sure of the state requirements for the brakes only on one axle or both as it variew from state to state. You will need to know the ramps and mast raising on both boats mentioned will need help unless you add a mast raise system to the boat. Jim is correct that boats with fixed keels are more difficult to launch and a ddep or long ramp is required for trailer launching,. Towing with a boat sitting high on a trailer is affect by the wind but less with two axles thta both containsurge brakes. The choice of boat depends on what you like. Happy sailing
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Cliff Ruckstuhl
Its a great boat
Tom Im one of the people that does what you want to do. We have a 84 25.5 and have towed it to Lake Mich and Lake Erie many times. Its a big boat on the trailor we have a shoal draft it's around 39 inches a double axle trailor with a tounge ext.(a must have)We just got back from Lake Mich we pulled 350 miles to Grand Traverse Bay From Findlay OH. Was up hill most of the way we have a 94 Jeep Cheroke with the 4.O engine plus the bigger rad. and transmission cooler we use the High octang gas it does makes a differnce.It all depends on where your going and how often . I would not want to do this every weekend. We do this once or twice a year. The boat is docked most of the year in a dock but we do go other places. The mast up and down is a two person job I would not want anything bigger. The boat is the best in this size far better than a Catalina the Oday is not very good either you wont go wrong with this boat. I would be happy to give you more info e-mail me at cliffr@bright.net Cliff
Tom Im one of the people that does what you want to do. We have a 84 25.5 and have towed it to Lake Mich and Lake Erie many times. Its a big boat on the trailor we have a shoal draft it's around 39 inches a double axle trailor with a tounge ext.(a must have)We just got back from Lake Mich we pulled 350 miles to Grand Traverse Bay From Findlay OH. Was up hill most of the way we have a 94 Jeep Cheroke with the 4.O engine plus the bigger rad. and transmission cooler we use the High octang gas it does makes a differnce.It all depends on where your going and how often . I would not want to do this every weekend. We do this once or twice a year. The boat is docked most of the year in a dock but we do go other places. The mast up and down is a two person job I would not want anything bigger. The boat is the best in this size far better than a Catalina the Oday is not very good either you wont go wrong with this boat. I would be happy to give you more info e-mail me at cliffr@bright.net Cliff
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Rusty Fitzgerald
In Virginia . . .
I can't speak for other states, but in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the statutory maximum width for " Vehicles (including trailers) hauling boats or other watercraft -- 102 inches", according to Title 46.2, Section 1105. That 102 inches does not count mirrors, turn signals, mud flaps, and any bulge in the tires caused by the weight of the load (which you'd better not have, anyway). I think you will find that these limits are pretty standard, except perhaps in mountainous conditions with unusually narrow lanes. Ask your friendly Trooper for you local rules.
I can't speak for other states, but in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the statutory maximum width for " Vehicles (including trailers) hauling boats or other watercraft -- 102 inches", according to Title 46.2, Section 1105. That 102 inches does not count mirrors, turn signals, mud flaps, and any bulge in the tires caused by the weight of the load (which you'd better not have, anyway). I think you will find that these limits are pretty standard, except perhaps in mountainous conditions with unusually narrow lanes. Ask your friendly Trooper for you local rules.
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dvance@smoky-mtns.com
Super 25.5
Tom, I have an '85 25.5 which I dearly love. See my review in the "The Boats" section, on HOW's front page for my attitudes about this boat. Mine is the deep (4'6") draft model. This is a big boat for frequent trailering but it can be done with a good tandem trailer and crew to help. The book says 4500 lbs but with motor, fuel & water; accessories, extra sails, anchors, etc., etc. you will be pulling close to 5000 lbs plus the trailer. I have pulled mine with a both Jeep Wagoneer and a Ford F150 4wd. The truck did a better job! The boat is oversize for highway regs and I would never advise anyone to break the law( I am required by my lawyer to say that ) but, with private tags, you do not have to stop at truck inspections stations in most states. Check the rules in any state you plan to travel. The Catalina is approximately the same size and does have a swing keel model which makes launching easier but once in the water, the 25.5 is a better sailor in all respects. If you plan to weekend aboard, look at the interior of the Cat and the 25.5 and you'll agree the 25.5 is more livable. We have spent many great weekends aboard. I just posted a picture of Honey Bear at anchor last week in the "Owner Photo Album" section. I've sailed Cat 25's and race against them. My handicap in our club system is 92, the Cats are 100. That should tell you the difference. Raising and lowering the mast is testy business on any size boat. My mast goes up and down quite simply and you need at least 2, preferably 3, people to do it. I once did it by myself in a have to situation but absolutely reccommend against the experience! I find its easier at dockside as everyone is on about the same level but have done it both ways. I agree with everything Cliff Ruckstuhl said and you may regard our opinions as completely objective and unbiased! Good luck with your boat purchase, Dick Vance
Tom, I have an '85 25.5 which I dearly love. See my review in the "The Boats" section, on HOW's front page for my attitudes about this boat. Mine is the deep (4'6") draft model. This is a big boat for frequent trailering but it can be done with a good tandem trailer and crew to help. The book says 4500 lbs but with motor, fuel & water; accessories, extra sails, anchors, etc., etc. you will be pulling close to 5000 lbs plus the trailer. I have pulled mine with a both Jeep Wagoneer and a Ford F150 4wd. The truck did a better job! The boat is oversize for highway regs and I would never advise anyone to break the law( I am required by my lawyer to say that ) but, with private tags, you do not have to stop at truck inspections stations in most states. Check the rules in any state you plan to travel. The Catalina is approximately the same size and does have a swing keel model which makes launching easier but once in the water, the 25.5 is a better sailor in all respects. If you plan to weekend aboard, look at the interior of the Cat and the 25.5 and you'll agree the 25.5 is more livable. We have spent many great weekends aboard. I just posted a picture of Honey Bear at anchor last week in the "Owner Photo Album" section. I've sailed Cat 25's and race against them. My handicap in our club system is 92, the Cats are 100. That should tell you the difference. Raising and lowering the mast is testy business on any size boat. My mast goes up and down quite simply and you need at least 2, preferably 3, people to do it. I once did it by myself in a have to situation but absolutely reccommend against the experience! I find its easier at dockside as everyone is on about the same level but have done it both ways. I agree with everything Cliff Ruckstuhl said and you may regard our opinions as completely objective and unbiased! Good luck with your boat purchase, Dick Vance
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