John-
I see the majority say you should have a permit. Posts 3, 4, 5 and your own say you don't need one but post #3 also says
Worst case, they run you down, pull you over, turn you around and make you buy a permit. You will need "wide load" banners for your front and rear bumpers or they will hold you at the port until you get some. So you might have those ready just in case.
Posts 6, 8, 9, and 10 are clearly in favor of getting a permit. My post clearly states one is necessary in most states if the boat is wider than 8' 6"... so, exactly how is a majority of the responses agreeing with you???
You don't own a 7.9 from your own words. You didn't post the text from the Spinsheet review when I was criticizing you. Besides, you're the one stating:
The beam of my S2 8.0 is 8', you should be fine
Exactly what does the beam of your boat, which is not an S2 7.9, have to do with whether he will be fine or not. That just doesn't make any sense whatsoever. His boat is not an S2 8.0, and does not have a beam of 8', which would be legal, but of 9' which isn't.
The OP actually states:
The seller says that most 7.9 owners just ignore the requirement. Is that true? l I understand that there's a pretty stiff fine for that. What is your experience?
Yes, there is a pretty stiff fine. Yes, they can impound the boat until you get the proper permits and charge you a pretty hefty storage fee for every day it takes you. Yes, it is a hassle to get the permits, but he's only going two states... that's two phone calls or letters written... penny-wise and pound foolish to tow a boat that's a wide-load when you don't have permits. Good way to get in a lot of financial and legal trouble.