I do not yet own a sailboat, but have been researching the forums trying to gain some insight into trailer sailors and trailerable sailboats. Can anyone who trailers their 260 regularly describe their adventures with the various state Departments of Transportion regarding Wide Load permits?
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Mike
Its Very Simple
I don't get one. I have trailered it from AL to FL for 3 years. I have never met a patrolman with a tape measure. And besides, I very seriosly doubt that they have time or interest in non-commercial loads.
I don't get one. I have trailered it from AL to FL for 3 years. I have never met a patrolman with a tape measure. And besides, I very seriosly doubt that they have time or interest in non-commercial loads.
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Crazy Dave Condon
Archives
Steve; You are probably aware of the width of the boat. Even though there is alot of information in the archives, I have logged more miles towing it than anyone and feel that I can answer this for you. I towed the very first one from Hunter to also include the 26, 23.5, 19, and 240 On the interstates, legal width is 8 1/2 feet. On state roads, that will depend on the state. Virginia is 8 1/2. South Carolina is the same and right here in my North Carolina, it is 8. Never once have I been stopped except in Virginia for not having a tag on the trailer when taking the 260 to the Annapolis Sailboat Show. The officer was also a DOT. He never said a thing except the boat was beautiful. You cannot really tell the width of the boat due to the sillouwet (mispelled)while sitting on a trailer. When traveling I would suggest that the guide ons be all the way in if going long distance. No customers of mine have ever received a ticket for this. This includes two state troopers who bought boats from me and they elected not to get any permits as the width is close. Permits can be expensive and you are restricted sometimes to routes and days of travel plus the fact it will require one for evey state that you go through. I caution everyone who has never towed before, to be careful. Wide turns is mandatory. Watch out for overhead heights. Strap down everything. I suggest stopping after 20 miles in the trip to check everything and recommend every 100 miles as a safety rule. Do not acceralte fast and allow additional time to stop even though there are brakes on the trailer. Stay far away from the vehicle in front of you. Going uphill, you will slow down. One time, someone complained about slowing down while towing going up a mountain. I guess he forgot about all that weight behind him plus the windage. As for permits, never have I bought any for the 26 or 260. However, that is a personal choice which you have to make. IF you need additional information on trailering, feel free to holler at me. Crazy Dave Condon
Steve; You are probably aware of the width of the boat. Even though there is alot of information in the archives, I have logged more miles towing it than anyone and feel that I can answer this for you. I towed the very first one from Hunter to also include the 26, 23.5, 19, and 240 On the interstates, legal width is 8 1/2 feet. On state roads, that will depend on the state. Virginia is 8 1/2. South Carolina is the same and right here in my North Carolina, it is 8. Never once have I been stopped except in Virginia for not having a tag on the trailer when taking the 260 to the Annapolis Sailboat Show. The officer was also a DOT. He never said a thing except the boat was beautiful. You cannot really tell the width of the boat due to the sillouwet (mispelled)while sitting on a trailer. When traveling I would suggest that the guide ons be all the way in if going long distance. No customers of mine have ever received a ticket for this. This includes two state troopers who bought boats from me and they elected not to get any permits as the width is close. Permits can be expensive and you are restricted sometimes to routes and days of travel plus the fact it will require one for evey state that you go through. I caution everyone who has never towed before, to be careful. Wide turns is mandatory. Watch out for overhead heights. Strap down everything. I suggest stopping after 20 miles in the trip to check everything and recommend every 100 miles as a safety rule. Do not acceralte fast and allow additional time to stop even though there are brakes on the trailer. Stay far away from the vehicle in front of you. Going uphill, you will slow down. One time, someone complained about slowing down while towing going up a mountain. I guess he forgot about all that weight behind him plus the windage. As for permits, never have I bought any for the 26 or 260. However, that is a personal choice which you have to make. IF you need additional information on trailering, feel free to holler at me. Crazy Dave Condon
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Bob Thome
Towing in GA,FL and AL
I have towed 15 to 20 times in this 3 state area without a permit and have never been questioned.s/v Thome Inn
I have towed 15 to 20 times in this 3 state area without a permit and have never been questioned.s/v Thome Inn
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Steve Kamp
To Bob, Crazy Dave, and Mike, thank you. I have an average size, heavy travel trailer which I have towed all over the southeast for many years. Towing the H 260 should be a similar experience. As I suspected, from your replies the assumption could be don't worry about the wide load, just be conscious of it.
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Jeff Davis
liability
As I have a 240, I don't have this problem. That's one reason I got the 240 versus the 260. The potential problem I would be concerned about is liability. If you happen to get into a serious accident of some sort, the fact that you have no permit could be a serious problem. I would like to hear from a lawyer about this.
As I have a 240, I don't have this problem. That's one reason I got the 240 versus the 260. The potential problem I would be concerned about is liability. If you happen to get into a serious accident of some sort, the fact that you have no permit could be a serious problem. I would like to hear from a lawyer about this.
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Crazy Dave Condon
Response to liability
I have probably experienced more than anyone. One former job was that of an adjuster and then an investigator which I was considered to be the best in Virginia in my heyday. Liability depends on the facts of what caused the incident. Permit or nor permit has nothing to do with that. Crazy Dave Condon
I have probably experienced more than anyone. One former job was that of an adjuster and then an investigator which I was considered to be the best in Virginia in my heyday. Liability depends on the facts of what caused the incident. Permit or nor permit has nothing to do with that. Crazy Dave Condon
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Crazy Dave Condon
Steve
Pretty much you summed it up. If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch with me and I will give you additional imput. I will even tell you the time when I was challanged to launch a 23.5 off a trailer into the surf below Virginia Beach years ago which I did accomplish but will not do that stunt again. Crazy Dave Condon
Pretty much you summed it up. If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch with me and I will give you additional imput. I will even tell you the time when I was challanged to launch a 23.5 off a trailer into the surf below Virginia Beach years ago which I did accomplish but will not do that stunt again. Crazy Dave Condon
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Mark
Not over here Dave
As mentioned on previouse posts in Western Australia you need (by Law)an over size permit and oversize signs front and back as well as a flashing amber light on the roof of the towing vechicle. The fact remains over here that if you get pulled over by the police you will not be moving untill you have it all. And if you should have an accident without any of the above you WILL NOT get any insurance even if it is not your fault. A similar situation is if your car has the slightest defect eg a slightly bald tyre forget about any insurance if you have a smash. The scenario with the yacht is simple. If I was cruising down the raod and some idiot pulled out in front of me (their fault) and the yacht was smashed we would not get any compensation at all. Full stop!
As mentioned on previouse posts in Western Australia you need (by Law)an over size permit and oversize signs front and back as well as a flashing amber light on the roof of the towing vechicle. The fact remains over here that if you get pulled over by the police you will not be moving untill you have it all. And if you should have an accident without any of the above you WILL NOT get any insurance even if it is not your fault. A similar situation is if your car has the slightest defect eg a slightly bald tyre forget about any insurance if you have a smash. The scenario with the yacht is simple. If I was cruising down the raod and some idiot pulled out in front of me (their fault) and the yacht was smashed we would not get any compensation at all. Full stop!
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Crazy Dave Condon
Mark
Like I said, I use to be an adjuster for years and know how insurance companies work. You are right that it would be considered wide load but the amount is neglible which I never have gotten any permits. The choice of permits I leave to the consumer but Karl summed it up pretty good. Also, the laws in Australia to some degree may be different than the US. Crazy Dave
Like I said, I use to be an adjuster for years and know how insurance companies work. You are right that it would be considered wide load but the amount is neglible which I never have gotten any permits. The choice of permits I leave to the consumer but Karl summed it up pretty good. Also, the laws in Australia to some degree may be different than the US. Crazy Dave
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Mark
Dave
Yes the laws are probably different over there but you know insurance companies. If there is the slightest chance that they can get out of a claim they will. "Sorry Sir your boat is and inch over the limit and with no permit,signs or flashing light we can't help you with your claim" Ha hope it never happens! regards and happy new year Dave!
Yes the laws are probably different over there but you know insurance companies. If there is the slightest chance that they can get out of a claim they will. "Sorry Sir your boat is and inch over the limit and with no permit,signs or flashing light we can't help you with your claim" Ha hope it never happens! regards and happy new year Dave!
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Crazy Dave Condon
yes but
Mark; I indicated earlier that I use to be an insurance adjuster and then later an investigator. I was considered one of the best in Virginia in my heyday and never lost a lawsuit in 10 plus years. I know how the insurance companies work here very well. Enough said. Crazy Dave Condon
Mark; I indicated earlier that I use to be an insurance adjuster and then later an investigator. I was considered one of the best in Virginia in my heyday and never lost a lawsuit in 10 plus years. I know how the insurance companies work here very well. Enough said. Crazy Dave Condon
M
Mark
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